Hurricane Rumor Response

This is a misleading statement.

To determine what assistance you may be eligible for, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 to go through the application process. You will be asked questions during the application process about how the disaster affected you. Your application will be reviewed and you will be updated about the assistance you qualify for as it goes through the review process. Some forms of assistance may be provided sooner than others. You can check the status of your application any time by logging into DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

This is false.

This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other serious disaster-related needs. It not a form of reimbursement for loss of power or replacing food and is intended for emergency needs only.

FEMA assistance is NOT a loan. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. Learn more about types of assistance FEMA provides.

Each disaster application is reviewed separately and is based on your specific situation. Your eligibility for different types of assistance is determined as we review your application and may require a home inspection. If you have questions about your application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.

Note: FEMA adjusts the maximum amount of financial assistance available to disaster survivors each fiscal year, which began on October 1. The new maximum for the initial Serious Needs assistance is now $770. These maximums apply to any disasters declared on or after October 1, 2024.

This is false.

FEMA is not blockading people in Florida and preventing evacuations. FEMA does not control traffic flow or conduct traffic stops, which are handled by local authorities. This is a harmful rumor that can put lives in danger.

If you live in the west coast of Florida and the Florida peninsula, take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. Follow the guidance of your local authorities. If you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying your evacuation can put your life and the lives of others at risk.

Local officials are the best source of information about evacuation and resources to help. Find more information: Hurricane Milton | Florida Disaster.

This is false. In most cases, FEMA grants do NOT have to be paid back.

There are some less common situations in which you may have to pay FEMA back if you receive duplicate benefits from insurance or a grant from another source. For example, if you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but you ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement.

If you are a homeowner or small business owner, low-interest disaster loans are also available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in a declared major disaster area. These loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits. Learn more about SBA disaster loans.

People need to apply for assistance one time per household.  Do not re-submit or create a new application during the disaster assistance process. Submitting more than one application per disaster will cause delays.

You can check the status of your application or read any FEMA correspondence by accessing your DisasterAssistance.gov account or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

The FAA is not restricting access for recovery operations. The FAA is coordinating closely with state and local officials to make sure everyone is operating safely in very crowded and congested airspace.

Learn More from the FAA

FEMA provides assistance to survivors regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status.

FEMA cannot seize your property or land. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land. When you apply for disaster assistance a FEMA inspector may be sent to verify the damage on your home. This is one of many factors reviewed to determine what kind of disaster assistance you may be eligible for. If the results of the inspection deem your home uninhabitable, that information is only used to determine the amount of FEMA assistance you may receive to make your home safe, sanitary and functional.

FEMA is still accepting assistance applications throughout areas affected by Helene. For current application timelines, visit disasterassistance.gov. You can also see if applications are being accepted on FEMA’s state specific Helene disaster webpages; Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

FEMA has enough money right now for immediate response and recovery needs. If you were affected by Helene, do not hesitate to apply for disaster assistance as there is a variety of help available for different needs.