Homes damaged during Hurricane Ian. (Credit: WINK News) FEMA announced Monday that it is extending the deadline to apply for federal disaster assistance after Hurricane Ian to January 12. The extended deadline allows people who have suffered damage more time to get the assistance they need. Initially, the deadline to apply for assistance was November 28, or 60 days from when the storm hit. If you want to apply for federal disaster assistance, you can do so at a FEMA site at your local disaster recovery center or by applying online. You can also call 800-621-3362 any day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. If you have insurance, you are encouraged to file a claim for damage to your home, personal property, and vehicles before you apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate other sources of assistance you may have received.