FEMA Individual Assistance

1. I need help from FEMA.

  • Home/Primary Residence: We provide assistance to individuals and families who have lost their homes as a result of a presidentially-declared disaster.  If you are a renter or homeowner you may qualify for assistance.  By law, FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.  If your home was impacted by a major disaster we recommend that you apply for assistance.
  • Business: We do not offer assistance for small businesses impacted by a presidentially-declared disaster.  However, we do partner with the Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers low interest loans for business damages.  Learn more about the business loan application process.
  • Secondary Home: We do not offer assistance for your secondary home. Federal guidelines only allow us to provide housing assistance when your primary residence is impacted by a presidentially-declared disaster.
  • Other Needs Assistance: We offer disaster assistance for some of your other disaster-caused expenses including, medical and dental, child care, funeral and burial, essential household items, moving and storage, vehicle, and some clean-up items.

2. I applied for assistance, what's next?

Small Business Administration Application
Some applications for disaster assistance require you to also submit an SBA application before we can determine your eligibility for assistance.  Learn more about the home and property disaster loan application.

Home Inspection
If your reported damages require an on-site FEMA inspection, you will be contacted by FEMA within 10 days of submitting your application to schedule an appointment for a home inspector to visit you. In the event of a catastrophic disaster an inspector may take longer to visit you. If your damages are insured, you need to submit your insurance settlement or denial before a FEMA home inspection can be scheduled.

After the Inspection
If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you:
  • A check by mail, or a direct deposit into your checking or savings account, and
  • A letter describing how you are to use the money.
If you do not qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you:
  • A letter explaining why you did not qualify, and
  • An opportunity to appeal the decision.

3. I have more questions.


Follow the links embedded on this page or see the sections below for additional information. You can also visit our Frequently Asked Questions library.