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.
No, it won't. FEMA assistance is separate from other government programs. FEMA grants won't affect your Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), or any other federal benefits. Plus, FEMA grants aren't considered taxable income.
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.
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 if you have additional unmet needs. Loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits.
If you are approved for a loan, you are not obligated to accept it.
You can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if you have additional questions or need more information.
For questions about the SBA disaster loan program, please call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339). SBA information is also available at www.SBA.gov/disaster or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
If you were affected by a disaster declared before March 22, 2024, and are referred to the SBA, you must complete an SBA disaster loan application to be eligible for Personal Property Assistance, Transportation Assistance and/or Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP).
For disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024, you may choose if you want to complete an SBA disaster loan application and it will not affect your eligibility for FEMA assistance.
Learn more about SBA disaster loans and how they connect with FEMA assistance.
FEMA Home Repair Assistance is limited and is intended to provide funds for basic repairs to make the home livable. It is not the same as insurance and in most cases, it cannot restore your home to its pre-disaster condition.
To find more information for other resources, visit the Voluntary and Community-Based Organizations page.
No. FEMA will review your application and determine your eligibility for Temporary Housing Assistance. If you have questions about specific types of assistance, you can contact FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362.
An evacuation order is issued by local authorities to direct people to leave a specific area due to an immediate danger. Following evacuation orders protects your life and safety.
When an evacuation order is issued:
Where to get updates on evacuation orders for your area:
To learn more, visit Ready.gov: Evacuation.
You can return home after an evacuation when local officials have lifted the evacuation order and declared it safe to return.
Here’s why:
Pay close attention to official communication channels for instructions and guidance on when it’s safe to return home.
If you can’t evacuate due to a disability or other special needs, it is important to have alternative plans in place.