Federal Emergency Management Agency

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency within the Department of Homeland Security that coordinates disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation when events overwhelm local and state resources (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/what-is-fema-and-what-does-it-do/).

Applying for assistance

If you’ve been affected by a disaster, start by learning how to apply and what documentation you’ll need (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/how-to-apply-for-fema-disaster-assistance/). You can check application status, visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help, and follow the appeals process if a decision is denied (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/how-to-check-your-fema-application-status/).

Types of assistance

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) funds housing and other needs, including temporary housing, home repairs, vehicle and personal property loss, medical and dental aid, and funeral assistance (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/femas-individuals-and-households-program-ihp-a-guide/). The site explains grant limits, payment methods and timelines, and the difference between FEMA assistance and SBA disaster loans (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/fema-vs-sba-disaster-loans/).

Preparing and protecting your community

FEMA also invests in pre-disaster mitigation, grants, and partnerships with state and local governments to reduce future risks and speed recovery (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/pre-disaster-mitigation-and-grants/). Report suspected fraud and learn how identity, eligibility, and documentation are verified before and after a disaster (https://govfacts.org/government/federal/agencies/dhs/fema/report-fraud-or-abuse/).