This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about Individual Assistance for disaster survivors.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
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This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about Individual Assistance for disaster survivors.
Use the dropdown menu to filter by the type of question, or type in a keyword.
Through the Individuals and Households Program, FEMA may provide the following assistance for eligible expenses and losses that are not covered by insurance or any other source:
Many times, an application is determined to be “not approved” because of a missing document. Examples include:
FEMA informs all applicants who are not approved via letter. Please read the letter carefully and submit any additional required information as instructed by the letter. The letter will provide details on the documents that FEMA accepts.
If you have questions about FEMA letters, you may go online to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
FEMA home inspections help determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, and livable, and to verify disaster-caused damage. Specifically, the FEMA inspector will:
Not all losses require an inspection. You should also monitor your mail or your FEMA Online Account (http://www.disasterassistance.gov) and respond to any requests from FEMA for additional information quickly.
After applying, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for an SBA disaster assistance loan as part of the disaster assistance process.
FEMA works with SBA to determine if you should get money for personal property or transportation assistance from FEMA or SBA. FEMA is not allowed to provide money for these losses to people who may qualify for an SBA loan.
FEMA will automatically refer you to SBA to be considered for a disaster loan if you meet SBA’s income standards. FEMA will use your household annual gross income and number of dependents to determine if it will refer you to SBA.
You don’t have to accept an SBA loan offer; however, if you are approved and you do not accept it, you will not be referred back to FEMA for personal property or transportation assistance. You can call FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if you have additional questions or need more information.