FEMA Individual Assistance Guide for Disaster Survivors

Last updated 14 hours ago ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

When a major disaster strikes, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is the primary federal agency tasked with helping people before, during, and after disasters. For individuals and families, this help often comes in the form of financial assistance and direct services designed to address urgent needs and make homes habitable again.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the types of assistance FEMA offers, who is eligible, and how to navigate the application and appeals processes.

What FEMA Can and Cannot Do

Before you apply for assistance, it is essential to understand what FEMA can and cannot do. Setting clear expectations from the start can help reduce frustration and allow you to focus your efforts where they will be most effective.

The entire system of federal aid is activated only after the President issues a Major Disaster Declaration for specific areas at the request of a state’s governor. This means that even if you have been affected, assistance will not be available until your county is officially named in a declaration that authorizes “Individual Assistance.”

FEMA’s primary mission is to serve as a critical safety net, not a complete restoration service. Its programs are designed to supplement, not replace, other resources like insurance.

FEMA Assistance is Not Insurance

The most critical point to understand is that FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate you for all your losses. The goal is to meet your basic, essential needs and help make your primary home safe, sanitary, and functional so you can live there while you continue your long-term recovery.

It is not designed to return your property to its pre-disaster condition. The average grant amounts are often modest, reflecting their purpose as supplemental aid to cover essential costs not met by other means.

FEMA Cannot Duplicate Benefits

By law, FEMA cannot pay for expenses that are already covered by your insurance or another program (such as a state grant or donations from a charitable organization). This is why you must file a claim with your insurance company before being considered for most types of FEMA assistance.

Commitment to Equal Access

FEMA is committed to providing assistance to all eligible individuals without discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. If you or a member of your household has a disability or requires assistance in a language other than English, you should let FEMA know when you apply.

The Individuals and Households Program

The primary channel through which FEMA provides aid to disaster survivors is the Individuals and Households Program. This program offers financial assistance and, in some cases, direct services to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs caused by a presidentially declared disaster.

The IHP is funded by the national Disaster Relief Fund and is broken down into two main categories of assistance: Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance.

For the fiscal year 2025, the maximum financial award for Housing Assistance is $43,600, and the maximum for Other Needs Assistance is also $43,600. These amounts are adjusted each year to account for inflation. These are maximums, not guarantees. The amount of assistance an individual receives is based on their specific, verified, and eligible disaster-caused needs.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for assistance under the IHP, you must meet several core requirements:

• You must be located in a county that has been included in a presidentially declared disaster area where Individual Assistance has been authorized
• You or a member of your household must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national, or a “qualified alien.” An undocumented parent or guardian may be able to apply for assistance on behalf of a minor child who meets these criteria and lives in the same household
• The damaged property must be your primary residence, meaning it is the home where you live for more than six months of the year. FEMA does not provide assistance for second homes or vacation properties
• Your disaster-caused needs must not be covered by your insurance policy or other forms of assistance

Overview of Key Programs

The range of assistance available can be broad. The table below provides a quick overview of the most common types of support.

Getting Help with Housing

For most survivors, securing a safe place to live is the most urgent priority. FEMA’s housing assistance follows a logical sequence, moving from immediate mass care to more stable, long-term solutions as needed.

Immediate Shelter

In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, the first priority is ensuring everyone has a safe place to go.

Finding Emergency Shelters

You can locate nearby emergency shelters, often run by the American Red Cross and other partner organizations, in several ways. The quickest method is to text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362 (e.g., “SHELTER 12345”). You can also find open shelters using the FEMA App on your smartphone or by searching the American Red Cross shelter map online.

Short-Term Stays

Once the immediate danger has passed, you may need a temporary place to stay while you assess your housing situation. FEMA offers several forms of assistance for short-term lodging.

Transitional Sheltering Assistance

This is a “passive” form of assistance, meaning you do not apply for it directly. If a disaster causes widespread displacement and a state requests it, FEMA may activate the TSA program. If you are eligible, FEMA will notify you directly via phone call, text message, and/or email.

Under TSA, FEMA pays participating hotels or motels directly for the cost of your room, taxes, and any non-refundable pet fees. You can find a list of participating hotels using your FEMA registration number.

Lodging Expense Reimbursement

This is an “active” form of assistance that requires you to keep careful records. If you are displaced and not eligible for or participating in TSA, you may be able to get reimbursed for your out-of-pocket lodging expenses at a hotel, motel, or other short-term rental.

To receive reimbursement, you must pay for the lodging yourself and submit verifiable receipts to FEMA. This assistance only covers the cost of the room and associated taxes. It does not cover food, transportation, phone calls, or other miscellaneous expenses.

Displacement Assistance

This is a one-time payment intended to help with immediate housing needs if you are unable to return to your home. The funds are flexible and can be used for a hotel stay, to stay with family or friends, or for other available options. The amount is based on a rate set by the state for 14 days of lodging costs. You cannot receive both Displacement Assistance and Lodging Expense Reimbursement.

Longer-Term Solutions

For those whose homes will be uninhabitable for an extended period, FEMA provides assistance to help secure more stable temporary housing.

Rental Assistance

This is one of the most common forms of FEMA housing aid. It provides you with funds to rent a temporary place to live, such as a house or an apartment, while your primary residence is being repaired or you are finding a new permanent housing solution.

The assistance can cover your monthly rent payments and essential utilities, including gas, electricity, water, trash, and sewer. It does not cover non-essential services like phone, internet, or cable TV. If you continue to need rental assistance beyond the initial period, you may request an extension by completing and submitting the Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.

Direct Temporary Housing Units

In severe disasters where a lack of available rental properties makes it impossible for survivors to use Rental Assistance, FEMA may provide a temporary housing unit directly. This is a last-resort option and is not available in all disasters.

These units, which can include travel trailers or manufactured homes, are provided for a limited time while you work on a permanent housing plan. This form of direct assistance is not counted toward your IHP financial assistance maximum.

Repairing or Replacing Your Primary Home

For homeowners, the IHP can provide funds to help with the costs of repairing or replacing your primary residence.

Home Repair Assistance

This financial aid is intended to help homeowners make repairs to their primary residence to bring it to a safe, sanitary, and functional condition. The amount of assistance is based on the damage verified by a FEMA inspection and is not meant to cover cosmetic or non-essential repairs.

Eligible repairs can also include fixing privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges, that are necessary to access your home.

Home Replacement Assistance

If your primary home was destroyed by the disaster, FEMA may provide financial assistance to help you replace it.

Hazard Mitigation Assistance

In addition to repair funds, FEMA may provide eligible homeowners with extra money to incorporate mitigation measures when they repair or rebuild. These funds are for making your home stronger and more resistant to future disasters, such as elevating utilities or using more resilient building materials.

Other Needs Assistance

Beyond housing, disasters can create a wide range of unexpected and urgent expenses. The Other Needs Assistance portion of the IHP provides financial help for these disaster-caused needs, provided they are not covered by insurance.

Every type of ONA is evaluated through two key questions: Is the expense or lost item essential for daily life or work? And is the loss uninsured or under-insured?

Immediate Needs

Serious Needs Assistance

This is a one-time payment designed to help with urgent, life-sustaining needs in the immediate aftermath of a disaster. For 2025, the maximum amount for SNA is $770. This money can be used for items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, and essential medications.

SNA is not for replacing food that spoiled due to a power outage. It is strictly for purchasing essential items when you have no other means to do so.

Replacing and Repairing Personal Belongings

Personal Property Assistance

This helps you repair or replace essential household items that were damaged or destroyed. This can include major appliances (like a refrigerator or stove), room furnishings (like beds and couches), and a personal or family computer. It may also cover reimbursement for tools and equipment that are required for your job, as long as they are not covered by your employer or insurance.

Transportation Assistance

If your primary vehicle was damaged by the disaster and you do not have another usable vehicle in your household, FEMA may provide funds to help you repair or replace it.

Covering Disaster-Related Expenses

Medical and Dental Assistance

This assistance can help cover medical or dental expenses that are a direct result of the disaster, such as for an injury sustained during the event or an illness caused by post-disaster conditions.

Child Care Assistance

If the disaster created a new need for child care or increased your existing child care costs, you may be eligible for assistance to cover those expenses.

Moving and Storage Assistance

This can help pay for the costs of moving and storing your personal property to protect it from further damage, typically while your home is being repaired or you are relocating to a new residence.

Miscellaneous Items

This category covers the cost of specific items you may need to purchase or rent for your recovery. Common examples include a chainsaw to clear fallen trees blocking access to your home or a dehumidifier to address moisture and prevent mold.

Funeral Assistance

If the disaster tragically resulted in the death of a member of your household, FEMA can provide financial assistance to help with funeral and burial expenses.

Other Critical Support Services

FEMA’s direct financial aid is the most well-known form of support, but it is just one part of a much larger recovery ecosystem that the agency funds and coordinates. Several other vital programs are delivered in partnership with other federal and state agencies and non-profit organizations.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

If you lost your job or cannot work as a direct result of the disaster, you may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

Who It’s For

DUA provides temporary unemployment benefits to individuals who are not eligible for regular state unemployment insurance. This includes self-employed individuals, farmworkers, and others who may not typically qualify for unemployment benefits.

How It Works

The DUA program is funded by FEMA but is administered by your state’s workforce or unemployment agency, under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Labor.

How to Access It

To apply for DUA, you must first apply for regular unemployment benefits through your state’s system. If you are denied regular benefits, you can then apply for DUA. Benefits are generally available for up to 26 weeks after the disaster declaration.

Crisis Counseling Program

Disasters take an emotional toll. The Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program provides free, confidential, and anonymous support to help survivors cope with the stress and trauma of the event.

What It Offers

The program offers community-based outreach, psycho-educational services, and the development of healthy coping skills. It is not formal mental health treatment but rather a supportive service to help people manage their reactions to an overwhelming experience.

How It’s Delivered

Counselors, often from local community organizations, provide support in non-traditional, accessible settings like shelters, community centers, or even your temporary home.

How to Access It

For immediate, 24/7 support in any language, anyone can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline at 800-985-5990. To find out about local CCP services, you can call the main FEMA Helpline.

Disaster Legal Services

After a disaster, survivors often face complex legal issues. DLS provides free legal help to low-income individuals for disaster-related civil matters.

Who Provides It

DLS is a partnership between FEMA and the American Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division. The legal assistance is provided by volunteer attorneys who are not FEMA employees.

What It Covers

The service is limited to cases that will not generate a fee. Common issues include help with insurance claims, disputes with home repair contractors or landlords, replacing lost legal documents like wills and deeds, and assistance with FEMA appeals.

How to Access It

There is no formal application for DLS. When the program is activated for a disaster, a dedicated hotline number is established. You can find the hotline number for your disaster by visiting the Disaster Legal Services page on DisasterAssistance.gov or the American Bar Association’s website.

Disaster Case Management

For survivors with complex, long-term needs, the Disaster Case Management program can provide one-on-one support.

What It Is

If activated for a disaster, DCM pairs a survivor with a case manager who helps them develop a personalized, long-term recovery plan.

How It Helps

Case managers help identify and address unmet needs—whether financial, physical, emotional, or spiritual—and connect survivors with the right resources and organizations to help them achieve independence.

How to Access It

To find out if case management is available in your area, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Navigating the FEMA application process can seem daunting, especially when you are under stress. This guide breaks down the process into manageable actions, from preparing your application to understanding the decision.

Before You Apply

Proper preparation can make the application process smoother and faster.

File an Insurance Claim First

Your first call should be to your insurance agent. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits, so you must file a claim for your homeowner’s, renter’s, flood, or auto insurance before FEMA can determine your eligibility for assistance.

Document Everything

Before you start cleaning up, take photos and videos of all the damage to your home and personal property. Make a detailed list of damaged or lost items. Keep all receipts for any disaster-related expenses, such as hotel stays, repairs, or essential supplies.

Information and Documents You’ll Need

Gather the following information before you start your application:

• Social Security Number: The SSN of the primary applicant or a minor child in the household
• Contact Information: Your current phone number, email address, and the mailing address where you can receive mail
• Address of Damaged Property: The full street address of your primary residence that was damaged
• Damage Information: A description of the damage and the type of disaster that caused it
• Insurance Information: The type of insurance coverage you have (e.g., homeowners, flood) and your policy details
• Financial Information: Your total annual household income before taxes at the time of the disaster
• Bank Account Information: If you want to receive funds via direct deposit (the fastest method), you will need your bank’s name, your account number, and the routing number

How to Apply

You have four primary ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

Online

The fastest and easiest way is to apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

By Phone

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline specialists are available to guide you through the application and can provide assistance in many languages.

FEMA Mobile App

You can download the FEMA app on your smartphone and apply directly through the app.

In-Person

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where you can get face-to-face help from FEMA staff and representatives from other agencies. You can find a DRC near you by visiting FEMA’s DRC Locator online.

The Home Inspection

For many applicants, particularly homeowners, a home inspection is a required step to verify disaster-caused damage.

What to Expect

An inspector will contact you by phone, typically within 10 days of your application, to schedule an appointment. The call may come from an out-of-state or unrecognized number, so it is important to answer your phone.

The inspection is free and usually takes 30 to 40 minutes.

The inspector will have an official FEMA photo ID badge and is required to display it. A FEMA inspector will never ask for your Social Security number, bank account information, or money.

The inspector’s job is to document the damage to your home and essential personal property. They do not determine your eligibility for assistance. They only gather information and submit it to FEMA.

How to Prepare

Be ready with your FEMA application number, a photo ID, and documents that prove you occupied and/or owned the property at the time of the disaster (e.g., a utility bill, deed, or mortgage statement).

Be present for the inspection if possible. Walk through the property with the inspector and point out all the damage. If there is damage in areas the inspector cannot safely access, like a roof or crawlspace, show them photos or contractor estimates if you have them.

Understanding FEMA’s Decision

After your application and inspection information have been reviewed, you will receive a determination letter from FEMA.

The Decision Letter

This letter will be sent by mail or will appear in your online account. It will explain whether you are eligible for assistance, the amount of any grant you will receive, and detailed instructions on how the funds must be used. Read this letter very carefully.

How Funds Are Disbursed

If you are approved for financial assistance, the funds will be sent either by direct deposit to your bank account or as a paper check mailed to your address on file.

The SBA Loan Application

Your application process may include a crucial step involving the U.S. Small Business Administration. Based on your income level, FEMA may automatically refer you to the SBA to apply for a low-interest disaster loan to cover losses not fully covered by insurance or FEMA grants.

This referral can be a significant point of confusion. Many people, believing they only want a grant, ignore the referral. However, this can be a mistake.

You must complete and submit the SBA loan application to be considered for certain types of FEMA Other Needs Assistance, including personal property, transportation, and moving and storage assistance.

You are not required to accept the loan if one is offered. But if you are approved for a loan and choose not to accept it, FEMA cannot consider you for those additional grant categories. Therefore, it is essential to complete the SBA application as part of the process to keep all your assistance options open.

Understanding an ‘Ineligible’ Letter

Receiving a letter from FEMA stating you are “ineligible” for assistance can be disheartening, but it is very often not the final word. In many cases, an ineligibility determination is not a denial but a procedural status indicating that your application is missing information.

The system is evidence-based and cannot proceed without the required documentation. Think of the letter as a formal request for the specific evidence needed to continue processing your file.

Common Reasons and How to Fix Them

Here are the most common reasons for an ineligibility notice and the actionable steps you can take to resolve them.

Missing Information or Documents

The letter may state that FEMA needs more information to make a decision.

The Fix: Read the letter carefully to see exactly what is needed. Upload the requested documents to your online account or mail them to FEMA.

Damage is Covered by Insurance

FEMA cannot duplicate benefits provided by your insurance company.

The Fix: You must provide FEMA with a copy of your insurance settlement or denial letter. If your settlement was insufficient to cover your essential repair needs, submit documentation showing how the insurance funds were used and provide contractor estimates for the remaining repairs.

FEMA Could Not Verify Your Identity or Occupancy

FEMA must be able to confirm who you are and that the damaged property was your primary residence.

The Fix: Provide documents to prove your identity (e.g., copy of your driver’s license or state ID) and occupancy (e.g., a recent utility bill, bank statement, or pay stub showing the damaged property’s address).

FEMA Could Not Verify Ownership

You must prove you own the home to receive repair or replacement assistance.

The Fix: Submit proof of ownership, such as a deed, mortgage statement, property tax bill, or homeowner’s insurance declaration page.

The Damaged Home Was Not Your Primary Residence

Assistance is only for your primary home.

The Fix: Provide documents that verify the damaged property was your primary residence, such as a driver’s license, voter registration card, or utility bills for the past several months.

Insufficient Damage

The FEMA inspection may have concluded that your home is still safe, sanitary, and functional.

The Fix: If you believe the inspection was inaccurate or if new damage has appeared, you can appeal. Provide photos, videos, and estimates from a licensed contractor to document the damage and explain why the home is uninhabitable.

FEMA Was Unable to Contact You

If an inspector or case worker cannot reach you after multiple attempts, your application may be closed.

The Fix: Call the FEMA Helpline immediately to update your contact information and request that your case be reopened.

Your Right to Appeal

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you have the right to appeal.

The Deadline

You have 60 days from the date on your determination letter to submit a written appeal. If you miss the deadline for a valid reason (e.g., hospitalization), you can still submit your appeal with an explanation for why it is late.

How to Write a Strong Appeal

Write a Signed Letter: Clearly explain why you believe FEMA’s decision is incorrect.

Include Key Information: On every page of your appeal, include your full name, your FEMA application number, the disaster number (e.g., DR-4892-WI), and your current contact information.

Provide Supporting Evidence: This is the most important part. Attach copies of all documents that support your case, such as contractor estimates, insurance letters, receipts, photos, or proof of occupancy/ownership.

How to Submit Your Appeal

Online: Upload your appeal letter and documents to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

By Mail: Send your appeal to: FEMA, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.

By Fax: Fax your documents to 800-827-8112.

In-Person: Take your appeal to a Disaster Recovery Center for assistance.

FEMA will review your appeal and may contact you for more information or schedule a second inspection. You will receive a written decision on your appeal, typically within 90 days.

Resources for All Survivors

While FEMA’s standard processes are designed to be accessible, some survivors may face additional barriers or have highly specific needs. Several specialized organizations and resources exist to provide expert support and advocacy.

Support for Individuals with Disabilities

FEMA is legally required to provide equal access to its programs. When you apply, you can inform FEMA of any disability-related needs, such as a requirement for materials in large print or Braille, or the need for a sign language interpreter.

For dedicated support, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies runs a Disability & Disaster Hotline. This is a crucial resource for people with disabilities and their families.

What They Offer

The hotline provides expert information, referrals, and guidance on navigating FEMA, finding accessible temporary housing, replacing durable medical equipment and assistive devices, and understanding your rights in a disaster.

How to Contact Them

Call or Text: 800-626-4959

The hotline is available 24/7 and offers support in multiple languages, including via videophone for Deaf callers.

Multilingual Assistance and Key Contacts

Language should not be a barrier to receiving help. The FEMA Helpline has multilingual operators available. When you call, you can request an interpreter or press 2 for Spanish. The Disaster Distress Helpline provides immediate crisis counseling and support in any language.

Keep this list of key phone numbers handy throughout your recovery process:

• FEMA Helpline (for applications, status checks, and questions): 800-621-3362
• SBA Disaster Assistance (for loan applications): 800-659-2955
• Disaster Distress Helpline (for emotional support): 800-985-5990
• Disability & Disaster Hotline (for disability-related needs): 800-626-4959

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.