If a declared emergency makes you eligible for FEMA disaster assistance, there are two ways to apply:
Expect FEMA to ask for general information about your income, insurance, damage to your residence, and any immediate housing needs.
After your application is submitted, FEMA will usually make a determination within about 30 days of receiving your proof of loss. In some circumstances, such as a large disaster or if there's missing documentation, the process may take up to 180 days. Appeals can take up to 90 days.
To ensure a smooth claims process:
- Include all photos and receipts for your claim when you initially apply
- Include all the communication you've had with your insurance company
- Respond to FEMA's requests promptly
- Complete the full application and don't file a duplicate
If approved, FEMA will notify you by mail, email if you opted in, and through your disasterassistance.gov account.
If you disagree with FEMA's decision, you have the right to appeal within 60 days of receiving your determination letter. Learn what to include in your FEMA assistance appeal and how to submit it.
Damages FEMA will cover
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program helps people with disaster-related costs not covered by their insurance, such as:
- Temporary housing
- Rental assistance
- Home repairs to make your home safe, sanitary, or functional
- Essential property replacement
- Other needs assistance, which includes medical, cleaning, transportation, and moving/storage expenses
- Food costs, usually a one-time payment per household
If you've already started cleaning up, keep all receipts and documentation. In general, FEMA does not cover full rebuilding costs or insurance deductibles. It will calculate the amount of money it gives you based on documentation of damage, insurance settlements, eligible disaster-related needs, and cost estimates from inspectors.
By law, FEMA cannot pay you for anything your insurance covers or for expenses a charity or nonprofit has already paid for. For example, FEMA can't pay you for home repairs if you received funds from a nonprofit for the same repairs. If you get assistance from other organizations, you'll need to send documentation to FEMA showing how you spent the money.
You won't need to repay any grants from FEMA unless:
- FEMA gave you an advance payment on expected insurance payments
- Insurance covers your loss after FEMA has paid you
- Fraud or duplication of benefits occurs
How a FEMA home inspection works
In some cases, an inspection may be needed to determine that your home is safe, accessible, and functional. FEMA staff may call from an unknown number. The applicant, co-applicant, a household member over the age of 18, or someone the applicant authorizes must be present for the inspection.
The inspector will examine the inside and outside of the home to make sure it's structurally sound and safe to live in. They'll also take a look to see if the electrical, gas, heat, and plumbing systems are all in working order.
It's important to note that the inspector is not who decides your claim or whether you qualify for assistance. They are there to note disaster damage to structures and personal property. They will not ask you for bank information or charge you a fee.
FEMA cannot take your home if you apply for or get approved for disaster assistance. It doesn't seize private property or force ownership changes as a condition of assistance. It does offer voluntary buyout programs in some flood-prone communities. These programs are optional and administered with state and local partners.
If you have a mortgage on your home, you're still responsible for paying it. If you can't make your mortgage payments, contact your lender. They may be able to offer disaster-related forbearance periods on your loan.