This page offers answers to frequently asked questions about Individual Assistance for disaster survivors.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Use the dropdown menu to filter by the type of question, or type in a keyword.
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.
Shelters often have policies regarding pets. When possible, Red Cross shelter workers will do their best to accommodate domesticated pets comfortably. However, depending on the situation, pets may need to be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
Animal shelters may be: cohabitated - shelters place animals and owners in the same space; or collocated - placing animals within local commuting distance of their owners or standalone.
Service animals are always welcome in emergency shelters.
Yes.
Yes. After taking photos and documenting damage, you should immediately throw away flooded items that pose a health risk, such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions, and pillows.
FEMA may be able to provide assistance with well decontamination. You may contact your local health department or obtain proof of the contamination and submit it to FEMA for consideration of financial assistance.
If downed trees do not affect the access to your home, you may not qualify for financial assistance with debris removal from FEMA. If insured, check your homeowner’s insurance policy. Many policies cover debris removal.
You may call 2-1-1 for referral to local services. There may be agencies in your area that may provide debris removal services. Monitor your local newspaper, radio, and television.
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.
The following list includes the different types of assistance FEMA is authorized to offer through the state-requested disaster declaration process. The type of assistance available is dependent on the request from the state.
Rental Assistance is meant to be used to rent temporary housing, such as an apartment or house. If you use your Rental Assistance on a hotel or motel stay, and later need help renting temporary housing, FEMA may not be able to help you with additional Rental Assistance unless you have a lease or rental agreement.
If you need help paying short-term lodging costs at a hotel or motel, FEMA may be able to reimburse your out-of-pocket lodging expenses separately from Rental Assistance. You can request Lodging Expense Reimbursement by contacting FEMA and sending your lodging receipts. FEMA can only reimburse you for lodging costs and taxes; we cannot help with room service, long-distance phone calls, or other optional charges.
If you were forced to leave your HUD-assisted housing because of a disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA disaster assistance for damage or expenses caused by the disaster that were not covered by HUD. If your home was made unlivable because of the disaster and there is no other available HUD housing available to you, FEMA may also assist with your temporary housing needs.
You may use your Rental Assistance to rent whatever type of housing is best suited to meet your post-disaster temporary housing needs. Applicants typically use Rental Assistance to rent an apartment or house while their home is being repaired or until they find a more permanent post-disaster housing solution.
Your Rental Assistance award amount is based on the Fair Market Rent (FMR) established by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the area in which the rental property is located and the number of bedrooms needed. Rental Assistance awards cannot exceed the HUD FMR amount unless authorized on a disaster-specific basis.
Yes. You may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance even if you have insurance. However, you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA to determine your eligibility for some forms of assistance.
By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by your insurance.