If a disaster damages your home, FEMA may be able to help with temporary housing, repairs and other basic needs. Here is how the process works.
1. Check that your county qualifies
You can only apply if your county is included in a major disaster declaration with Individual Assistance. Not every declaration includes it. You can check at DisasterAssistance.gov by entering your address, or look up recent declarations on the recent disasters page.
2. File an insurance claim first
FEMA does not pay for anything your insurance already covers. If you have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, contact your insurer first and keep the claim number. If your insurance payment turns out to be too small, or slow, FEMA may help with the gap.
3. Gather what you need
Have these ready before you apply:
- Social Security number for someone in the household
- Address of the damaged home, and where you are staying now
- A phone number where FEMA can reach you
- Insurance policy details and claim number
- Household income before the disaster
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
- A short description of the damage
Take photos and videos of all damage before you clean up, if it is safe.
4. Apply
There are four ways:
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
- By phone at 1-800-621-3362. Lines are open every day, usually from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern time. If you use a relay service, give FEMA the number for that service.
- In person at a Disaster Recovery Center, if one opens in your area
- On the FEMA app
The usual deadline is 60 days after the declaration date. It is sometimes extended, but do not wait.
5. The home inspection
After you apply, FEMA may contact you to arrange an inspection of the damage. Inspectors carry FEMA ID and never charge a fee. Be wary of anyone who asks for money to “speed up” your application.
6. The decision letter
FEMA sends a letter explaining whether you qualify and how much you will receive. If you are turned down, read the letter carefully. Many denials are for missing paperwork, like an insurance settlement or proof of ownership or occupancy.
You have 60 days from the date of the letter to appeal in writing. Include documents that address the reason given.
What FEMA can pay for
Help may include rental assistance while you cannot live at home, basic repairs to make the home safe and livable, replacement of essential items, and some medical, funeral, child care and moving costs. FEMA grants are capped and are generally much smaller than an insurance payout. They do not have to be repaid.
The Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not just businesses.
Questions people ask
Can renters apply? Yes. Renters can get help with temporary housing and replacing essential belongings.
Will FEMA help affect my Social Security or other benefits? FEMA grants are not taxable income and do not affect Social Security, Medicaid or SNAP.
What if I live in a county that is not declared? You cannot get FEMA Individual Assistance, but state programs, charities such as the Red Cross, and your insurance may still help. Counties are sometimes added to a declaration later.