Eligibility Requirements For Disaster Aid 

Release Date: August 18, 2004
Release Number: HQ-04-126QA

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Following are some frequently asked questions and answers about eligibility requirements for federal disaster aid:

If I am an undocumented immigrant, am I eligible for assistance for storm-related needs?
Yes, you may be eligible under many different programs run by state and local agencies and voluntary agencies for various types of cash assistance.

If I am an undocumented immigrant, am I eligible for any assistance from FEMA?
You may be eligible for short-term, non-cash, emergency aid provided by FEMA. You will not be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. You will not be personally eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs (Individuals and Households Program Assistance); however, you may apply on behalf of your US citizen child, or another adult household member may qualify the household for assistance.

Even if you or your family does not qualify for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and
Households Program Assistance), please call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY for hearing/speech-impaired) for information and to be referred to other programs that can assist you regardless of your immigration status.

If I am an undocumented immigrant, can I apply on behalf of my child who was born in the United States?
You can apply on behalf of your minor child for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and Households Program Assistance) if you live together. You will not have to provide any information on your immigration status.

Do I need a Social Security Number to register for FEMA cash assistance (Individual and Households Program Assistance)?
If you are applying on your minor child’s behalf, you should provide his/her Social Security Number.

If I have a Social Security Number, am I eligible for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and Households Program Assistance) as a “Qualified Alien”?
Not necessarily, because having a Social Security Number does not automatically mean that you are a Qualified Alien. You may be legally present in the U.S. and have a Social Security Number, but not be a Qualified Alien.

What are FEMA’s citizenship/immigration requirements?
You must be a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien in order to be eligible for FEMA cash assistance programs: Individuals and Households Program Assistance and Disaster Unemployment Assistance. A Qualified Alien includes, but is not limited to, anyone with legal permanent residence (“green card”), refugee or asylum status or Cuban - Haitian entrants You will be asked to sign a Declaration and Release (FEMA Form 90-69 B) that you are a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National, or a Qualified Alien.

If you cannot sign the Declaration and Release form, another adult household member who is eligible can sign it and no information regarding your immigrant status will be gathered.

If you have a minor child who is a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National or a Qualified Alien, you can apply for assistance on your child’s behalf and sign the Declaration and Release. No information regarding your immigrant status will be gathered.

You do not have to be a U.S. Citizen, Non-Citizen National or a Qualified Alien for Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services or other short-term, non-cash emergency assistance.

Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Aug-2004 15:57:08