FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals

Help After a Disaster: Applicant's Guide to the Individuals & Households Program

• English (PDF 689 KB)
• English - Text Version (TXT 46 KB)

Ayuda Después de un Desastre: Guía para Solicitantes al Programa para Individuos y Familias

• en Español (PDF 618 KB)
• en Español - Version Texto (TXT 56 KB)

• Register for Disaster Assistance online

Call to Apply for Assistance 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. You may also register online.

• For use ONLY by people in designated federal disaster areas.
• Be prepared to give your Social Security number, describe your losses, provide financial information, and give directions to the damaged property.
• What You Can Do If You're Having Trouble Getting Through
• If you get a busy signal, try to call in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

The information you provide is put into the computer

• You are now in the system
• The recovery process begins

If you have questions, review the Applicant Assistance Guide or visit Frequently Asked Questions.

• If you are unable to find the information you are seeking, call FEMA's Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). The speech or hearing impaired may call (TTY) 1-800-462-7585. Refer to the application number the registrars gave you when you applied.

Making an optional visit to a Disaster Recovery Center to receive more information after you have registered by phone

• Here you will find local, state, federal, and voluntary agencies that may be able to assist you

Inspector will call to schedule an appointment.

• There is NO FEE for the inspection.
• Inspectors will set up an appointment to visit your property within a few days of application.
• Inspectors are contractors; they are not FEMA employees, but they will have FEMA ID.

Inspector will visit damaged property.

• Be present for your scheduled appointment.
• They will inspect the damage, verify ownership and occupancy, and make a report. Inspectors do not determine eligibility.
• If eligible, you will receive a housing assistance check within 7-10 days.

If eligible, housing assistance check will arrive.

• Money may be spent for housing needs.

Packet will arrive in mail.

• There may be an SBA application enclosed.
• You MUST fill out and return this to be eligble for any further assistance.
• Refer to SBA home page for more information.

To reduce future loss, consider taking steps to rebuild safer and smarter.

• Take measures to reduce losses in the future. Encourage community to participate in National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
• Consider buying flood insurance.

Call the FEMA Fraud Hotline if you suspect someone is filing false damage claims

• 1-800-323-8603
• Make sure disaster aid goes to those who deserve it.
• It is a violation of Federal law to file a false claim.