Before You Apply

 This page contains helpful information related what disaster assistance is and the disaster assistance process.  This inlcudes what to do if you have immediate needs (e.g., food, shelter, water) and links to information on the various types of assistance and what you'll need to complete an application.

Immediate Needs

• If you have immediate needs for food, water or shelter, you may contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or the United Way by dialing 2-1-1 from a landline phone.  Please see the following site for additional information: http://www.211us.org/status.htm
• Disaster Recovery Center - a location where you can speak with someone from FEMA in person for information about FEMA assistance and other disaster assistance programs.
• Where applicable, find a hotel that is participating in FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program.
• FEMA Housing Portal to find rental housing.
• Find family members with the FEMA National Emergency Registry and Locator System (only activated during major disasters) or with the Red Cross Safe & Well Listings.

What is disaster assistance?

• Assistance to individuals, families and businesses.
• Assistance for losses that are not covered by insurance.
• Only available in counties with federally declared disasters.
  • FAQ: Find out how to determine if your county has been declared
• Intended to help with critical expenses, not to restore a property to its condition before a disaster.
• Mostly in the form of loans administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) to home renters, homeowners, and businesses.
  • FAQ: Find out more about SBA Assistance
• Housing assistance is available through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program for temporary housing, home repair, replacement, and, in rare instances, permanent construction.
  • FAQ: Mandatory evacuation expenses
  • FAQ: Specific items that are covered by Disaster Assistance
• Other assistance through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program may be available for non-housing needs such as medical and dental expenses, funeral expenses, household items, tools required by your job, necessary educational materials, fuel for a primary heat source, clean-up items, disaster-related vehicle damage, and moving and storage related to the disaster.
  • FAQ: Disaster assistance for non-housing needs
  • FAQ: Information that you’ll need to apply

Learn more about disaster assistance

• Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program
• All Frequently Asked Questions about Applying for Assistance