Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

Applicants may be eligible for Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)—a non-congregate sheltering form of assistance—if they become displaced from their pre-disaster residence and are taking refuge in emergency shelter locations.

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.

FEMA may provide financial assistance to help cover your moving and/or storage expenses.

Moving and storage assistance may be provided for:

• Costs for commercial moving labor
• Moving truck rental fee
• Fuel for the rental vehicle
• Costs for tape and boxes
• Commercial storage unit fees, including self-storage
• Associated sales taxes

If your home was unlivable due to the disaster and you had to move your personal property into another home or a storage facility to protect it from further damage, FEMA may help cover your moving and/or storage expenses.

Applicants with uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused medical or dental expenses. You may be eligible if:

• Your medical or dental expense was a direct result of the disaster.
• You are uninsured or underinsured for the medical or dental expense.

*Expenses covered by insurance or other sources are not eligible for FEMA reimbursement

An eligible medical or dental expense must be a result of the disaster. Eligible expenses may be related to:

• Injury or illness caused by the disaster
• A pre-existing injury, disability or medical condition that was made worse by the disaster.
• Replacement of prescribed medication.
• Loss or damage to medical/dental equipment or medically required modified vehicle.
• Loss or injury of a service animal.

Yes.

• Newly prescribed medication related to an injury or illness caused (or made worse by) the disaster is an eligible expense.
• Replacement of prescribed medication lost or damaged during the disaster.

Yes. You will need to provide the following:

• An insurance settlement or a denial letter or a written and signed statement explaining you do not have medical or dental insurance.
• Proof the expense was a result of the disaster (such as medical statement, etc.).
• Itemized bills, receipts, or estimates showing medical or dental expenses

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.