Major Disaster Declaration
Assistance from FEMA occurs after a Presidential declaration of a major disaster has been made. Signs will go up, ads will appear in the media, and word of mouth will spread regarding FEMA assistance once the declaration is made. If you’ve been affected, federal money may be available. You can also use FEMA’s Address Look-up system to find out if you are in a declared disaster area.
What’s FEMA aid for? How long does it continue?
It’s for property losses or damage not covered by insurance, and for critical expenses (from emergency clothing or vehicle damage to cleanup equipment) that you can’t cover in any other way. FEMA will ask you for insurance information, so file any insurance claims first.
FEMA support may last for as long as 18 months beyond the time of the disaster.
FEMA aid can cover:
- temporary housing costs
- home repair and replacement costs
- support for other disaster-related needs, like medical, dental and funeral expenses
- repair and replacement costs for furniture, appliances, clothing, and necessary educational materials
- disaster-damaged vehicles
- moving and storage expenses related to the disaster.
Registering with FEMA
FEMA can make cash grants of up to $28,800 for disaster-related needs that are not covered by insurance or any other source. But to qualify, you have to register with FEMA. This is key! Either call 1-800-621-3362 for a brief interview, fill out a form at FEMA’s DisasterAssistance.gov website, or go to a Disaster Assistance Recovery Center that’s been set up.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Social Security number
- A description of your losses
- Insurance and financial information
- Directions to your damaged property
- A number where you can be reached
Be ready to write down your registration number at the end of the interview.
For more details, review the FEMA Application Checklist here.
You can also use FEMA’s Find Assistance system that starts with an anonymous questionnaire that returns a personalized list of possible assistance.
Applying for FEMA Assistance
Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive an application forms related to the assistance for your situation. Complete them all, including the SBA loan form if provided. You’ll have to include proof of residency — mortgage payments, or a driver’s license.
Receiving FEMA Assistance
A FEMA inspector may come inspect your losses, and you’ll get a determination letter within about 10 days. If you’re approved, a check or direct deposit will be made to your bank account. You must use this aid as specified in FEMA’s letter!
If you are denied FEMA aid, your determination letter will state the reason, and you may appeal.
After you register with FEMA, reach out to all other agencies that are helping — the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and others.
Take things step by step … reach out to friends, family and neighbors … celebrate small steps … and remember that you can recover. It may take a while. But you can make it.
