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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
Long-Term Housing:
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.