Individual Assistance
Sequence of Delivery

Step 1 - Voluntary Agencies
Provide emergency food, shelter, clothing and medical needs in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.


Step 2 - Insurance
Private Insurance held by the affected homeowner or renter, including homeowners insurance and flood insurance.

Step 3 - FEMA Housing Assistance (Not SBA Dependent)
Applicants can receive more than one type of assistance

1. Temporary Housing Assistance – applicants can receive financial assistance to reimburse lodging expenses and/or rental assistance for up to 18 months or the program maximum, whichever occurs first. Applicants can receive direct assistance (FEMA mobile home or travel trailer) for up to 18 months. 
2. Repair Assistance – owners can receive up to the IHP cap for repairs 
3. Replace Assistance – owners with destroyed homes can receive up to the IHP cap towards the purchase of a new home 
4. Permanent or Semi-Permanent Construction – owners with destroyed homes can receive direct assistance or financial assistance for the construction of permanent or semi-permanent construction in insular areas outside the U.S. and in other locations. 

Step 4 - Non SBA-Dependent FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
Assistance for medical, dental and funeral expenses related to the disaster.

Step 5 - SBA Income Evaluation (Repayment Capability)
Applicants must complete the SBA loan application to continue the assistance process.

For Applicants who qualify for a loan

SBA Disaster Loans
Real Property (owners) - low-interest loans up to $200,000
Personal Property (owners & renters) - low-interest loans up to $40,000.

For Applicants who do not qualify for a loan

FEMA/State Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
Personal Property Transportation, Moving and Storage, Group Flood Insurance Policy

Step 6 - Unmet Needs – Voluntary Agencies
If the applicant has received the maximum amount of assistance from FEMA, State, and/or SBA’s federal disaster assistance programs or the federal disaster assistance programs do not provide for the need, FEMA may refer the applicant to Voluntary agencies for additional aid.

NOTE: Eligibility is based on a FEMA inspection conducted on the damaged property. Max amount of Individuals and Households Assistance (Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance) is adjusted annually according to the CPI index. The maximum amount for FY08 is $28,800.