Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

Yes, funding for accessibility needs or home repairs may be available. During the application, you will be asked questions about your specific situation so FEMA can determine what types of assistance you are eligible for.

You may receive money to help with specific repairs to make sure your home is accessible, including:

• an exterior ramp
• bathroom grab bars
• a paved path to the home entrance

These types of accessibility repairs can be made when those features were not present prior to the disaster, and they are needed due to a pre-existing disability, or a disability caused by the disaster.

FEMA has a lot of experience handling multiple disasters at the same time.  Your application for FEMA assistance will continue to move forward regardless of other disaster activity that may be ongoing. Other disaster activity will not affect the review process of existing applications.

We understand that new disasters can raise concerns for survivors already affected by another disaster. Your application and recovery needs are still a priority.

Our team is trained to work multiple emergencies, and we’re working hard to get you the help you need as quickly as possible.

Yes, FEMA needs your insurance information when applying for assistance.  By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to a disaster that is already paid for by your insurance.  We need to know the extent of your insurance coverage to make sure you are not receiving funding for the same damage twice.    As a first step, we recommend that you file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible and then apply for assistance from FEMA to see what you are eligible for. 

When you apply for FEMA assistance you will receive a letter from us. If the letter says you are “not approved” for assistance, read the rest of the letter in full, as we may just need additional information from you.  The letter will explain what kind of information we need to continue reviewing your application. Please review the letter carefully to understand what is needed.

If you have home insurance, it is common that we will send you a letter asking for more documentation about the result of your home insurance claim before we can continue reviewing your application.

Other common documentation we need include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof the damaged property was your primary residence when the disaster occurred.

If you lost any documentation in the disaster, you can get help replacing it: Replacing Vital Documents | FEMA.gov

If you have questions, you can always reach out to us by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center to speak to a FEMA representative.

If you do not agree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal by showing why you need additional assistance. The determination letter you receive from FEMA will have more information about the types of documents you should send.

You may use an optional Appeal Request form, which is included in the determination letter you receive from FEMA. You can also choose to write and sign a letter to send with your documents to help FEMA understand why you need help. Learn more about appealing FEMA’s decision.

If you have home insurance, the first step is to immediately file a claim with your insurance company. 

When you apply for FEMA disaster assistance we will ask you about your insurance coverage, including flood, homeowners, renter’s, vehicle, mobile home, medical, burial, and more. By law, FEMA can’t pay for costs that your insurance pays for, so it’s important to contact your insurance company right away to file a claim.

Once you file your insurance claim, apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

If 30 days or more have passed since you filed your insurance claim and you have not received your settlement, contact us at 1-800-621-3362. We may be able to provide some initial funds while you wait for your insurance payout.

An evacuation order is a directive issued by state, local, tribal and/or territorial authorities to immediately leave a specific area due to an imminent danger.  It’s a crucial safety measure to protect lives and property. 

When an evacuation order is issued: 

• Evacuate immediately. Do not delay. Leave the designated area as quickly and safely as possible. 

• Follow instructions and adhere to the specific instructions provided by local authorities. 

• Secure your home by closing windows and doors, turning off utilities, and moving valuables to higher ground. 

• Take essential items and pack a go-bag with essential items medications, important documents, etc. 

• Stay informed by monitoring local news and weather updates for the latest information on the situation. 

• Do not return until authorities declare it safe. 

To learn more, visit Ready.gov: Evacuation. 

When activated by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Emergency Prescription Assistance Program, or EPAP, helps people in a federally identified disaster areas who do not have health insurance get the prescription drugs, vaccinations, medical supplies, and equipment that they need. Covered items include canes, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs.  

EPAP allows enrolled pharmacies to process claims for prescription medications, certain medical supplies, vaccinations, and some forms of medical equipment for eligible people who live in a federally identified disaster area. 

To learn more, visit the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response. 

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure you have the necessary medications and supplies on hand: 

• Know Your Meds: Keep a list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and medical supplies.  
• Back Up Your Info: Have a physical copy of your prescriptions and a digital copy on a flash drive.  
• Emergency Supply:  
  • Insurance Help: If you use prescription medications or supplies and can't easily get an extra supply, ask your insurance company for help. 
  • Rotate Your Stock: If you have an emergency supply, make sure to use it regularly to keep it fresh. 
  • Timely Refills: Always fill your prescriptions on the first day you can, rather than waiting until you run out. 

Talking to a mental health professional can help you cope with the stress and trauma of a disaster. 

Some options for free or low-cost mental health services available to disaster survivors. Here are some resources: 

• Disaster Distress Helpline.  This 24/7 hotline provides free and confidential support for people experiencing emotional distress related disasters. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline. Call 1-800-662-4357 
• Local Mental Health Centers. Many communities have mental health centers that offer affordable or free services.  Contact your local health department or social services agency for information. 
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). If you have a job, your employer may offer an EAP that provides counseling and other mental health services.   

Remember, it’s okay to seek help. Talking to a mental health professional can help you cope with the stress and trauma of a disaster. 

FEMA offers several housing options to help you if you’ve been displaced by a major disaster.   

Temporary Housing: 

• Rental Assistance.  FEMA may help you pay rent for a temporary place to stay. 
• Hotel or Motel Reimbursement. You might be able to get money back for staying in a hotel or motel.
• Temporary Housing Units. In some cases, FEMA can provide temporary housing like trailers or manufactured homes.  

Long-Term Housing: 

• Home Repair. If your home is damaged or destroyed, FEMA may help you with funds to repair or rebuild it.  

To find out more about what options are available to you, please apply for Individual Assistance. This will help determine your eligibility for different types of assistance, including housing.   

To apply for assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.