Questions and Answers: FEMA Assistance (2024)

FAQs

Questions and Answers: FEMA Assistance? ›

Call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. The phone line is open daily, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

How much help can FEMA give me? FEMA is limited by law to how much money we can provide. For disasters declared in Fiscal Year 2024, FEMA can provide up to $42,500 in Housing Assistance and up to $42,500 for Other Needs Assistance. Some types of help do not count toward these limits.

If eligible for assistance, you will receive a check or an electronic funds transfer. A follow-up letter will explain how the money can be used. For an accessible video on FEMA home inspections, go to FEMA Accessible: Home Inspections.

FEMA may provide money and other services to help you recover from losses caused by a Presidentially declared disaster, such as damage to your home, car, and other personal items. Note: FEMA does not provide assistance for small businesses impacted by a disaster.

Citizenship Status. Only United States citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified non-citizens are eligible to receive assistance from FEMA. Therefore, FEMA needs to verify all applicants' status before providing assistance. Learn about citizenship and immigration status requirements for federal public benefits.

How long will it take to get FEMA/State disaster help? If you are eligible for help, you should receive a U.S. Treasury/State check or notification of a deposit to your bank account within about ten days of the inspector's visit. Other types of assistance may be provided later, based on specific eligibility and need.

Critical Needs Assistance is a one-time $700 payment per household. Applicants may be eligible for Critical Needs Assistance if they: Complete a FEMA application. Provide identity verification.

Between 2016 and 2022, the average FEMA disaster assistance grant award was $3,000. In the same period, the NFIP paid an average claim amount of more than $66,000. In some cases, policyholders may be eligible to couple their flood insurance claims with federal disaster assistance.

When you apply for disaster assistance, FEMA must verify your identity to ensure you receive the aid you're eligible for. If FEMA is unable to verify your identity through public records, you may be required to submit additional documents.

How long does it take for FEMA to make a decision? ›

Finally, a decision will be sent to you.

You will receive a letter explaining FEMA's eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspector's visit. Be sure to read it closely; it may explain additional steps needed to continue with the process.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance.

Home damage must be disaster-related. A home inspection is required to calculate the FEMA verified loss. Calculations are based on the general depreciation amount for items of average quality, size and capacity.

Survivors can also check the status of their applications online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which is the fastest way to get information to and from FEMA.

Damage to non-essential areas, landscaping or spoiled food is not covered for FEMA assistance. You reported no damage to your home. If you have applied for federal disaster assistance but told FEMA you have no damage caused by the disaster- FEMA will find you ineligible for assistance.

CNA is a one-time $500 payment per household. The State of California requested that FEMA authorize CNA for specific geographic areas that are expected to be inaccessible for seven days or longer. To be eligible for CNA Applicants must request it before September 5.

Food loss is not covered by FEMA's Individual and Households Program (IHP). Voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with food needs.

Your damage or loss is covered by insurance or other sources. By law, FEMA cannot provide funding when any other source – insurance, crowdfunding, local or state programs, or financial assistance from voluntary agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need.

The inspector will not enter the home. The Inspector will also record damage to furnishings and major appliances such as—washer, dryer, refrigerator—and other serious needs such as clothing lost or damaged in the disaster. Inspectors use specialized software so that every applicant gets the same inspection.

After you apply for disaster assistance, FEMA must verify your disaster-caused damage through an onsite or remote inspection as part of the process, as well as helping to determine federal assistance options available for applicants.