Guide to FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance

Release Date:
November 15, 2023

FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance program offers financial support for essential disaster-related needs. For survivors of the Aug. 8 wildfires on Maui, the program covers personal and household items. 

If you had damage or losses from the wildfires and have been unable to receive monetary resources from insurance or voluntary agencies, this program may provide the support you need. 

Types of Assistance

Does not require an SBA application:

  • Moving and Storage: If you are displaced and need to move and store personal belongings, FEMA can help with reimbursement that may cover fuel, packing materials, rental fees for moving trucks, and storage unit expenses. 
  • Medical and Dental Expenses: You can receive financial support for expenses arising from injuries, illnesses or losses linked to the disaster. This includes replacement of prescribed medication, dental equipment and costs related to service animal injuries or loss.
  • Childcare Expenses: FEMA may provide childcare coverage for up to eight weeks. This includes both registration fees and fees for necessary medical paperwork.
  • Disabilities or access and functional needs: FEMA offers financial assistance for accessibility that includes support for ramps, railings and other modifications to ensure your residence is accessible. 
  • Funeral Expenses: FEMA can help with unexpected expenses not covered by insurance that are associated with the passing of an immediate family member. That includes assistance for funeral, burial or reburial costs.
  • Miscellaneous: If your needs do not fall under the standard categories, FEMA may still be able to assist. Post-disaster purchases such as chainsaws, dehumidifiers, smoke detectors, generators and carbon monoxide detectors may be eligible for reimbursement.

Does require an SBA application: 

  • Depending on the type of assistance you’re seeking, filling out an application for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration might be a necessary step. 
  • It does not mean you have to accept a loan offer, if approved. However, by submitting the application to SBA, you will unlock other FEMA assistance.
  • Personal Property Assistance: If there is a need to replace personal items such as clothing, household goods or school books, FEMA may be able to reimburse these expenses.
  • Transportation: If your primary vehicle was damaged in the wildfires, FEMA can help with repairing or replacing your vehicle.

To Apply or Contact FEMA  

  • To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov; use the FEMA mobile app or call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. Helpline operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and they speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language. 
  • For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI&list=PL720Kw_OojlKOhtKG7HM_0n_kEawus6FC&index=6 
  • You may also visit any Disaster Recovery Center for updates about your FEMA application or answers to questions. Find a center here: DRC Locator (fema.gov).

To Apply or Contact SBA

  • Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download SBA applications at https://www.sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information. 
  • For people who are deaf, hard-of-hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

For the latest information on the Maui wildfire recovery efforts, visit mauicounty.govmauirecovers.org and fema.gov/disaster/4724. Follow FEMA on social media: @FEMARegion9 and facebook.com/fema.

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