Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

You can expect to receive a response to your appeal within 90 days of the receipt of your documents.

If you recognize that you are struggling after a disaster, here are some activities you can try to help relieve the stress:

• Talk with others. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member, or faith-based leader to explore what meaning the event may have for you.
• Stretch and move your body to get rid of the buildup of extra stress hormones. Try simple moves like walking, or meditating if possible
• Take deep and calming breaths
• Listen to music. Create a relaxing playlist for yourself and listen to it often
• Self-care is important. Take time to ensure you are getting enough rest and stay well hydrated

For more ways to help cope, check out Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s fact sheet.

No. If Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) is approved by your state, territory, or tribal government and you have completed a FEMA disaster assistance application, you will be considered for the program. FEMA will notify you if you are eligible for the program.

No. However, the following types of expenses may be covered for service animals:

• Veterinary expenses for disaster-caused injuries.
• Replacement and/or training costs for a new service animal
• Lost or damaged equipment (such as specialized leash, harness or vest).

*Additional documentation such as written statements from the applicant or co-applicant and medical provider(s) will be required to verify the loss or injury of a service animal.

If you are unsatisfied with the amount of your claim or receive a denial letter for some or all of your claim, you can:

• Work with your insurance company to find a resolution.
• File an appeal with FEMA.
• Seek an appraisal.
• File a lawsuit.

The major disaster declaration process begins when a state Governor or Tribal Chief Executive declares a state of emergency and requests federal assistance.  The Governor or Tribal Chief Executive submits a request to the President, who has the authority to declare a major disaster with federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure.

If your county, municipality, or parish is not included in the initial declaration, continue to monitor as it may be added later.

If your location is not currently in a federally declared area, you may still be able to apply online now. The online application system will let you proceed if early registration is open for your state or county. Your application will be processed if your county is added to an active declaration. 

You may also contact your state emergency management office to report your damage.  For emergency needs, you may contact your local American Red Cross chapter. 

After applying, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for an SBA disaster assistance loan as part of the disaster assistance process.

FEMA works with SBA if you have additional unmet needs. Loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small business and most private nonprofits.

If you are approved for a loan, you are not obligated to accept it.

You can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if you have additional questions or need more information.

For questions about the SBA disaster loan program, please call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339). SBA information is also available at www.SBA.gov/disaster or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

If you were affected by a disaster declared before March 22, 2024, and are referred to the SBA, you must complete an SBA disaster loan application to be eligible for Personal Property Assistance, Transportation Assistance and/or Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP).

For disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024, you may choose if you want to complete an SBA disaster loan application and it will not affect your eligibility for FEMA assistance.

Learn more about SBA disaster loans and how they connect with FEMA assistance.

Assistance is available for eligible survivors, including renters, with uninsured and underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. This may include funds to replace or repair necessary personal property, a vehicle, uninsured or out-of-pocket medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses.

If you have already applied for FEMA assistance but were later evicted due to damage to other parts of your home, you should call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or visit a local FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC), if available. You can contact FEMA even if you were previously not approved for FEMA assistance and FEMA may still be able to help. Check the FEMA App or visit the FEMA DRC Locator to find the locations and hours of operation of the temporary disaster recovery centers. You will need to provide FEMA with documentation demonstrating your eviction was due to the disaster.

If you have exhausted your initial Rental Assistance and still need help with temporary housing costs, you may apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA).

To be considered for CTHA, you must fill out and submit the Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.  You will also need to send documentation to demonstrate that you used your previously awarded Rental Assistance for its intended purpose.

CTHA is typically awarded in three-month increments. Based on need and verifiable documentation, FEMA may award CTHA for up to 18 months, or the end of the 18-month period of disaster assistance, whichever comes first.