Gov. Janet Mills on Tuesday welcomed help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as it set up a disaster recovery center in Skowhegan for those impacted by the December rain and windstorm that tore through interior Maine.

It’s the first time since 2008 that the state has qualified for individual assistance, which is different from the federal funds that typically flow to the states to pay for roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.

“This type of assistance can help you repair your house, pay for a temporary place to stay or replace your furniture or belongings among other things damaged by the storm,” Mills said.

Four Mainers died during the Dec. 17-21 storm that knocked out power to more than 400,000 across Maine, with some waiting days for power restoration. It flooded riverside downtowns and basements, washed away roads and toppled trees, prompting Mills to ask for federal help for five counties: Kennebec, Franklin, Somerset, Androscoggin and Oxford.

The federal disaster declaration is separate from requests filed by Mills following two January storms that battered the coast.

On Tuesday, the centers to help inland residents opened in Skowhegan and Rumford, with others planned for Lewiston and in Kennebec and Franklin counties, said Will Roy, federal coordinating officer with FEMA.

In addition to the centers, FEMA is sending teams door-to-door in the counties covered by the official disaster declaration granted by President Joe Biden.

The centers are staffed by FEMA personnel and businesses are also eligible to apply for assistance at the centers, Mills said.

“Swallow your pride, you deserve it,” Mills said. “We’re trying to help get everybody back on track after this disastrous storm.”

Roy said Mainers impacted by the storm have 60 days to apply for help, a period that ends April 1. He said 200 FEMA officials are already out in the field and have already approved $500,000 for Mainers.

He expects about 3,300 people to get help based on data they’ve collected so far.

“We want people to understand the FEMA assistance isn’t meant to make them whole again,” Roy said. “It’s meant to kick-start their recovery.”

The FEMA toll free hotline is 800-621-3362.

The recovery centers in Skowhegan (4 County Drive) and Rumford (145 Congress St.) are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day through April 1.

Centers in Lewiston, Kennebec County and Franklin County are scheduled to open in the coming days.