COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSAV) — The deadline to apply for federal assistance is three weeks away for South Carolina residents affected by Hurricane Helene. The deadline was extended to Jan. 28, but FEMA said they strongly urge affected residents to apply as soon as possible. After Jan. 28, FEMA said that you can still submit documents, update your contact information and contact with FEMA regarding your application, but you have to apply before the deadline. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call toll-free at 800-621-3362.  The telephone line is open every day, and the help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.  For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link.