FEMA Individual Assistance

If you have experienced damage or loss due to a disaster, help may be available to support your recovery. FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) Program offers financial and direct services to eligible individuals and families who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses and serious needs. This assistance is not a replacement for insurance, but it can help meet basic needs and supplement your recovery efforts.

Please note, FEMA Individual Assistance is only available if the President has declared a Major Disaster Declaration and approved Individual Assistance. At this time, there are no active declarations that include FEMA Individual Assistance.

Image that Reads: "The declaration process. 1. Disaster event occurs. 2. Local and State Response/Assessment. 3. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (Local, State, and Federal) 4. Governor's Request 5. FEMA Regional Recommendation 6. FEMA National Recommendation 7. White House Review 8. Major Disaster Declaration

What FEMA IA May Cover

Temporary Housing: Rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel stays if you can’t live in your home.
Home Repairs or Replacement: For owner-occupied primary residences, including access routes like driveways or bridges.
Other Serious Needs: Assistance for personal property, vehicles, moving and storage, medical, dental, childcare, funeral costs, and more.
Hazard Mitigation: Funds to help homeowners rebuild stronger and more resilient homes.

Steps to Take Before Applying

Document the Damage: Take photos of your home and belongings.
Make a List: Write down all damaged or lost items
File Insurance Claims: If you have insurance, file a claim first. FEMA assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits.
Apply for Assistance: Once you have completed the above steps you are ready to apply.

How to Apply

Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
By Phone: Call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (multilingual operators available).
In Person: Visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Locations can be found online or through the FEMA app.

Additional Support

If FEMA assistance is not available in your area or doesn’t meet all your needs, local nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and community groups may offer vital support such as food, shelter, clothing, and financial aid. These organizations are often among the first to respond and can help fill gaps in recovery.

If you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner affected by a disaster, you may also qualify for low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These loans can help cover repair or replacement costs for real estate, personal property, and business assets.