How to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance

Last updated 16 hours ago ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

When a disaster strikes, the path to recovery can feel overwhelming. Homes, possessions, and a sense of security can be lost in an instant. In these moments, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can be a critical source of support.

FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is designed to provide financial aid and direct services to eligible individuals and families who have been impacted by a presidentially declared disaster. This assistance is intended to help with serious, disaster-related needs and necessary expenses that are not covered by insurance or other sources.

Navigating any government program can be challenging, especially under the stress of a recent catastrophe. This guide serves as a comprehensive roadmap through the entire FEMA assistance process. From understanding eligibility to applying for aid, undergoing a home inspection, interpreting a decision letter, and filing an appeal, this report provides the clear, actionable information needed to access available help.

Understanding Eligibility

Before beginning an application, it is essential to understand the fundamental requirements that govern all FEMA Individual Assistance. Eligibility is not automatic, even if a disaster has occurred in the area. It depends on a formal government declaration, the nature of the assistance program, specific personal circumstances, and citizenship status.

Presidential Disaster Declaration

FEMA assistance for individuals and families becomes available only after the President of the United States issues a Major Disaster Declaration for a specific geographic area. This is the single most important prerequisite. Without it, the programs described in this guide are not activated.

The declaration process begins at the local level. When a disaster’s severity overwhelms the resources of local and state governments, the governor of the affected state or the chief executive of a tribal nation can request federal assistance. This request is based on a Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA), a joint effort by local, state, and federal officials to evaluate the extent of the damage and its impact on individuals and public infrastructure.

Based on this assessment and other factors, the President may authorize federal aid under the authority of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

A Presidential Disaster Declaration will specify the types of assistance authorized. For individuals and families to be eligible for the aid described in this guide, the declaration must explicitly include Individual Assistance (IA) for their specific county, parish, or tribal land.

To find out if an area is eligible for Individual Assistance, use the official search tool on FEMA’s website. This page provides a searchable list of all current and past declarations, detailing which counties are eligible and for what types of aid.

Individuals and Households Program

The primary channel for FEMA’s direct support to disaster survivors is the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). The IHP provides financial assistance and, in some cases, direct services to eligible individuals and households who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs resulting from the disaster.

The IHP is designed to meet survivors’ basic needs and supplement their disaster recovery efforts. It is not a blanket replacement for all losses.

A common and significant point of misunderstanding is the relationship between FEMA assistance and private insurance. By law, FEMA cannot provide a grant or payment for losses that are already covered by an insurance policy or that have been compensated by another source, such as a charitable organization or a crowdfunding campaign.

FEMA assistance should be viewed as a gap-filler, not a comprehensive “make-whole” program. Its purpose is to help make a damaged home safe, sanitary, and functional—not necessarily to restore it to its pre-disaster condition or cover all financial losses. A realistic recovery plan for many survivors will involve a combination of resources: insurance payouts, low-interest disaster loans, assistance from voluntary agencies, and, where applicable, grants from FEMA to cover unmet essential needs.

Core Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for assistance under the Individuals and Households Program, an applicant and their situation must generally meet the following core conditions:

• The disaster-related losses occurred in a presidentially declared disaster area that has been specifically approved for Individual Assistance
• The applicant has uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs that are a direct result of the disaster
• The damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster (where a person lives for the majority of the calendar year)
• At least one member of the household is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a “qualified alien”
• FEMA is able to successfully verify the applicant’s identity

Citizenship and Immigration Requirements

One of the most nuanced aspects of FEMA eligibility involves citizenship and immigration status. To receive cash assistance through the IHP or Disaster Unemployment Assistance, an applicant or a member of their household must meet specific legal status requirements.

However, the system is designed to provide aid to a household unit if even one member, including a minor child, is eligible. This is a critical provision for mixed-status families who might otherwise believe they are entirely excluded from assistance.

The three eligible categories are:

U.S. Citizen: This includes any person born in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It also includes individuals born abroad to at least one U.S. parent and naturalized citizens.

Non-Citizen National: This is a specific legal status primarily held by individuals born in outlying U.S. possessions, such as American Samoa or Swain’s Island.

Qualified Alien: This is a legal term defined in the Immigration and Nationality Act that covers many, but not all, non-citizens lawfully present in the United States. This category includes:

• Lawful permanent residents (often called “green card” holders)
• Individuals granted asylum or refugee status
• Individuals whose deportation is being withheld
• Individuals paroled into the U.S. for at least one year for humanitarian reasons
• Cuban or Haitian entrants
• Certain victims of battery, extreme cruelty, or a severe form of human trafficking (e.g., holders of “T” or “U” visas)

Mixed-Status and Undocumented Households

An adult who is not a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien—including those who are undocumented—can apply for FEMA assistance on behalf of a minor child who does meet one of these criteria. For this to be possible, the eligible minor child must live in the same household, be under the age of 18 at the time of the disaster, and have a Social Security number. The parent or legal guardian registers as a “co-applicant” for the child.

Privacy and Security

FEMA does not proactively provide applicant information to immigration enforcement agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for the purpose of immigration enforcement. Information would only be shared in rare circumstances based on a specific request related to a national security or public safety threat.

Assistance Regardless of Status

Certain types of short-term, non-cash emergency aid are available to all disaster survivors, regardless of their citizenship or immigration status. These include:

• Crisis Counseling Assistance
• Disaster Legal Services
• Access to emergency shelters, food, and water
• Emergency medical care

If unsure about immigration status, individuals should consult with an immigration expert to determine if they meet the requirements for FEMA assistance.

How to Apply

Once eligibility has been reasonably confirmed, the next phase is the application itself. The process is designed to be accessible through multiple channels, but success is often determined by preparation. Gathering all necessary information before starting can significantly reduce stress and prevent errors or delays.

Application Checklist

The application process will be much smoother and faster if all required information is gathered in one place beforehand. Online applications may time out, and having to search for documents mid-application can be frustrating. Before starting, collect the following items:

Social Security Number (SSN): The SSN of an eligible adult applicant or an eligible minor child in the household is required.

Contact Information:

• A current, reliable phone number where FEMA can reach the applicant
• A current mailing address
• A valid email address (essential for creating an online account to check application status and receive communications from FEMA)

Address of the Damaged Property: The full street address, city, state, and ZIP code of the primary residence that sustained damage.

Insurance Information:

• The type(s) of insurance coverage held (e.g., homeowners, flood, renters, auto)
• The name of the insurance company and the policy number(s)

Financial Information: The total annual household income before taxes at the time the disaster occurred.

Damage Information: A brief, general description of the disaster-caused damages and losses to the home and personal property.

Bank Account Information (for Direct Deposit): For those who wish to receive funds via direct deposit (which is generally faster than a paper check):

• Bank’s name
• Bank account type (checking or savings)
• Bank routing number
• Bank account number

Three Ways to Apply

FEMA provides three primary methods for submitting an application for Individual Assistance. Survivors should choose the method that is most convenient and accessible for their situation.

Applying Online

The fastest and most efficient way to apply is online through the official federal portal. The website is accessible 24/7 from any computer, smartphone, or tablet with an internet connection.

Step 1: Start the Process

Navigate to DisasterAssistance.gov. On the homepage, click the button labeled “Apply Now”. The system may ask a few preliminary questions to verify that a disaster has been declared for the area and that the user is eligible to apply.

Step 2: Create a Secure Account

To apply online, applicants must create a secure account through Login.gov. This account is essential for the entire process, as it allows users to save their application and finish it later, check the status of a submitted application, receive messages from FEMA, and upload required documents.

Step 3: Complete the Application Form

Using the information gathered in the checklist, proceed through the online application. The form will ask for personal details, contact information, the address of the damaged property, insurance details, household income, and a description of the damages. Be as accurate and detailed as possible. If some information is not immediately available, the application can be saved and completed later by logging back into the account.

Step 4: Review, Submit, and Save Your Application Number

Before final submission, carefully review all the information entered for accuracy. After submitting the application, the system will generate a nine-digit FEMA application number. This number is the primary identifier for the case and is crucial for all future communications with FEMA. It should be written down and kept in a safe place.

Applying by Phone

For those without reliable internet access or who prefer to speak with a person, applying by phone is a solid alternative.

FEMA Helpline Number: 1-800-621-3362

Hours of Operation: The helpline is typically open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, seven days a week. During periods of high disaster activity, these hours are often extended.

Accessibility Services:

• For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, the TTY number is 1-800-462-7585
• Those who use a relay service, such as a Video Relay Service (VRS) or Captioned Telephone Service (CTS), should call the main helpline number (1-800-621-3362) and provide the operator with their specific number for that service

The helpline is staffed with specialists who can assist applicants in many languages.

Applying in Person

Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) are temporary facilities set up in accessible locations within disaster-stricken communities. They serve as a one-stop shop where survivors can get in-person assistance not only from FEMA specialists but also from representatives of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), state and local agencies, and voluntary organizations.

Services Offered: At a DRC, applicants can get help applying for assistance, ask questions about their case, get information on the appeals process, and upload required documents.

How to Find a DRC:

• Online DRC Locator: The most up-to-date information on DRC locations, hours, and services can be found using the official locator tool
• Text Message: An applicant can find nearby DRCs by texting “DRC” followed by their ZIP code to 43362 (e.g., “DRC 90210”)

After You Apply

Submitting the application is just the beginning of the process. The subsequent steps—including a potential home inspection, receiving a determination letter, and navigating the appeals process—can be the most confusing and emotionally taxing for survivors.

FEMA Home Inspection

For many applicants, a home inspection is a required step for FEMA to verify and assess the disaster-caused damage. Not all applications will require an inspection, but if one is needed, here is what to expect:

Scheduling the Inspection

A FEMA inspector should contact the applicant by phone to schedule an appointment, typically within 10 days of the application.

You must answer phone calls, even from unknown or out-of-state numbers, as the inspector may be calling from a non-local area code. The caller ID might also display as “unavailable”.

The inspector will attempt to make contact three times on different days and at different times. If they are unable to reach the applicant, a letter will be sent to the address on file, which can cause significant delays.

During the Inspection

Verification: The inspector will always have an official FEMA photo identification badge. An applicant should ask to see this ID before allowing the inspection to begin. FEMA inspectors never charge a fee for their services. Anyone asking for money or bank account information is a scammer.

Applicant’s Presence: The applicant, a co-applicant, or a designated representative (authorized in writing) must be present for the inspection and must show their own photo ID.

Documents to Have Ready: To expedite the process, have proof of ownership and proof of occupancy documents available for the inspector to review.

Proof of Ownership: This can be a deed, mortgage payment book, property tax bill, or homeowner’s insurance documents.

Proof of Occupancy: This can be a utility bill, driver’s license with the property address, lease agreement, or a bank statement mailed to the home.

The Inspector’s Role: The inspector’s sole function is to document and verify the disaster-caused damage to the home’s structure and essential personal property. They will walk through the property and record their observations.

The inspector does not determine an applicant’s eligibility for assistance or the amount of any potential grant. That decision is made later by FEMA case processors based on the inspection report and all other information in the application file.

Note for Insured Applicants: If an applicant has homeowner’s or flood insurance, FEMA will likely wait to schedule an inspection until the applicant has filed a claim and submitted the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA.

Checking Application Status

After applying and completing an inspection (if required), applicants can monitor the progress of their case.

Online: The most convenient way to check is by logging into the account created at DisasterAssistance.gov. The portal provides a real-time status update.

By Phone: Applicants can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. They will need to provide their nine-digit application number and other identifying information.

Understanding Your Determination Letter

Within about 10 days of the inspection, FEMA will send a determination letter by mail or email. It is crucial to study this letter closely, as it explains the outcome of the application.

If You Are Eligible: The letter will specify the dollar amount of the grant(s) awarded and detail the proper use of the funds (e.g., for home repairs, rental assistance). Use the funds only for their intended purpose and to keep receipts for at least three years as proof.

If the Letter Says You Are “Ineligible”: This is perhaps the most critical insight for any applicant to understand: an “ineligible” determination is very often not a final denial. Instead, it should be viewed as a formal request for additional information.

The letter will always state the specific reason for the decision, and in many cases, the issue can be resolved by submitting the missing documentation. Common reasons for an initial “ineligible” finding include:

• Missing Insurance Information: FEMA needs a copy of the insurance settlement or denial letter to determine unmet needs
• Insufficient Proof of Occupancy or Ownership: The documents provided were not sufficient to prove the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence
• Identity Verification Failed: FEMA was unable to verify the applicant’s identity with the information provided
• Damage Did Not Render Home Uninhabitable: The inspection may have found that while there was damage, the home was still safe, sanitary, and functional

How to Appeal

Every applicant has the right to appeal FEMA’s decision regarding their eligibility or the amount of assistance awarded. The appeals process is a standard and necessary part of the system, designed to ensure all relevant information is considered.

The 60-Day Deadline

An appeal must be submitted in writing and postmarked, faxed, or uploaded within 60 days of the date printed on the determination letter.

What to Include

A successful appeal is well-documented. The submission should include:

A Signed and Dated Appeal Letter: Clearly explain in writing why the applicant disagrees with FEMA’s decision.

Essential Identifying Information: Every single page of the appeal submission must include the applicant’s full name, the nine-digit FEMA application number, and the disaster number (e.g., DR-4892-WI).

Supporting Documentation: This is the most important part. Provide copies (not originals) of any documents that support the appeal. This could include a contractor’s estimate for repairs that is higher than FEMA’s assessment, the missing insurance denial letter, utility bills proving occupancy, or a deed proving ownership.

How to Submit Your Appeal

Online (Recommended): Upload the appeal letter and supporting documents directly to the applicant’s account at DisasterAssistance.gov.

By Mail: Send the complete package to: FEMA P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

By Fax: Fax all documents to 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA.

In-Person: The appeal can be submitted at any open Disaster Recovery Center.

After Submitting an Appeal: FEMA will review the new information and may contact the applicant for more details or schedule a second inspection. A decision on the appeal will be provided in writing, typically within 90 days of receipt.

Types of Assistance Available

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is broadly divided into two main categories: Housing Assistance, which addresses shelter-related needs, and Other Needs Assistance, which covers a wide range of other essential, disaster-caused expenses.

Housing Assistance

Housing Assistance is focused on ensuring that disaster survivors have a safe place to live while they work on their long-term recovery plans. The types of aid available include:

Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER): Reimburses survivors for the cost of short-term lodging, such as hotels or motels, if they are displaced from their primary residence due to the disaster. Survivors must keep all receipts to be eligible for reimbursement.

Rental Assistance: Provides funds to rent an alternative housing unit (such as a house, apartment, or mobile home) while the primary residence is being repaired or is otherwise uninhabitable. This is one of the most common forms of FEMA assistance.

Home Repair/Replacement Assistance: Provides grants to homeowners to help them repair their disaster-damaged primary residence. The goal of these repairs is to return the home to a safe, sanitary, and functional condition. This assistance is not intended for cosmetic repairs or upgrades. In cases where a home is destroyed, FEMA may provide a limited grant to help with the cost of replacing the home.

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance: 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 can take the form of a travel trailer or a Manufactured Housing Unit (MHU) placed on a private site or in a commercial or group park.

Other Needs Assistance

Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provides financial help for a wide range of necessary expenses and serious needs not related to housing.

The SBA Loan Gateway

As of March 2024, FEMA no longer requires applicants to apply for an SBA loan before receiving Other Needs Assistance (ONA) for personal property, transportation, and moving/storage expenses.

ONA Categories

• Personal Property Assistance: To help repair or replace essential household items like furniture, appliances, and computers. It can also cover tools and equipment required for a job or for self-employment
• Transportation Assistance: To help repair or replace a primary vehicle that was damaged by the disaster
• Moving and Storage Expenses: To help pay for moving and temporarily storing personal property to prevent further damage while home repairs are being made
• Medical and Dental Assistance: To help pay for uninsured medical or dental expenses caused by the disaster, such as injuries, illness, loss of prescribed medications, or the loss or injury of a service animal
• Funeral Assistance: To help with funeral or reburial expenses for a death that was a direct or indirect result of the disaster
• Child Care Assistance: A one-time payment to help with new or increased child care expenses resulting from the disaster
• Assistance for Miscellaneous Items: Reimbursement for certain essential items purchased or rented to assist with recovery, such as a generator, dehumidifier, or chainsaw

Other Individual Assistance Programs

In addition to the IHP, a major disaster declaration may also activate other federal programs designed to support individuals. These are separate from the grants described above and include:

Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program: Offers free, short-term mental health support and crisis counseling to help survivors cope with the emotional stress of the disaster.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Provides temporary unemployment benefits to individuals who lost their jobs as a direct result of the disaster and are not eligible for regular state unemployment benefits.

Disaster Legal Services (DLS): Provides free legal assistance to low-income disaster survivors for issues such as insurance claims, landlord-tenant problems, and replacing lost legal documents.

Special Considerations

Navigating disaster recovery involves more than just filling out an application. Certain populations may have specific needs, and all survivors must be vigilant against fraud.

Assistance for People with Disabilities

FEMA is committed to providing equal access to its programs for all disaster survivors, including those with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

Informing FEMA of Your Needs: During the application process, there is an opportunity to identify any disability-related needs or request accommodations, such as the need for an American Sign Language interpreter for a home inspection or communications in an alternate format like Braille or large print.

Specific Financial Assistance: FEMA provides financial assistance to repair or replace damaged accessibility equipment, such as ramps, grab bars, or durable medical equipment. Furthermore, if a pre-existing disability or a disability caused by the disaster requires accessibility improvements to a home (e.g., installing a ramp where one did not exist before), FEMA assistance may be available to fund those modifications.

Additional Resources:

• FEMA’s Office of Disability Integration and Coordination works within FEMA to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are integrated into all phases of disaster response and recovery
• The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies operates a Disability and Disaster Hotline at 800-626-4959
• Local Centers for Independent Living and Area Agencies on Aging can also be valuable resources for support and services

Protecting Against Disaster Fraud

Unfortunately, disasters can bring out scammers who prey on vulnerable survivors. Being aware of the common tactics can help prevent fraud and identity theft.

Red Flags and Scams

• Federal and state disaster workers will never ask for or accept money. FEMA staff will always carry an official photo ID badge
• Be wary of anyone who promises a disaster grant in return for a fee
• Do not provide personal information like Social Security or bank account numbers to anyone who calls or approaches you unexpectedly claiming to be from FEMA. FEMA will only request this information during the official application process or if you initiate contact

How to Report Fraud

If you suspect someone is fraudulently representing FEMA, or if you believe an application has been filed using your identity without your permission, it is crucial to report it immediately.

• FEMA Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division: Email [email protected]
• Department of Justice National Center for Disaster Fraud: Call the hotline at 866-720-5721

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance?

Yes. You should apply for FEMA assistance even if you have insurance. However, by law, FEMA cannot pay for losses that your insurance policy covers. You must first file a claim with your insurance provider. You will then need to submit a copy of the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA so the agency can determine your eligibility for assistance with any unmet needs.

Will FEMA assistance affect my Social Security benefits, SNAP, or Medicaid?

No. FEMA assistance is not considered income and is tax-free. It will not affect your eligibility for Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or any other federal welfare or entitlement program.

I’ve already started cleaning up and making repairs. Is it too late to apply?

No. You are encouraged to begin your recovery as soon as it is safe to do so. You may be eligible for reimbursement for your cleanup and repair costs. Be sure to take photos of the damage before you begin work and keep all receipts for disaster-related expenses.

What happens if more than one person in my household applies for assistance?

Only one application per household per damaged primary residence should be submitted. Submitting multiple applications can cause confusion and significantly delay the processing of assistance for the entire household. If this happens, the additional applicants should call the FEMA Helpline to withdraw their applications.

Why did my neighbor receive more money from FEMA than I did?

Every household’s situation is unique. FEMA’s decisions are based on a wide range of factors, including the applicant’s insurance coverage, the extent and type of damage documented during the inspection, and the specific needs of the household. Therefore, assistance amounts will vary from case to case.

FEMA didn’t give me enough money to rebuild my house exactly as it was before. Can I appeal for more?

You can always appeal a decision if you disagree with the amount of assistance provided and can supply new documentation, such as a contractor’s estimate. However, it is important to remember that FEMA grants are not intended to restore a home to its pre-disaster condition. The assistance is limited to the funds required to make the home safe, accessible, and functional.

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