Frequently Asked Questions About Disasters

FEMA Home Repair Assistance is money to repair your primary home that you own and live in if it was damaged by a disaster and not covered by insurance or other means. The amount of assistance provided is based on damage verified by FEMA during inspection. Home Repair Assistance is limited and is intended to make the home livable; it is not intended to fully restore the home to its pre-disaster condition.

To be eligible for Home Repair Assistance, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen or be the parent or guardian of a qualified minor that is part of the household.
• FEMA must be able to verify your identity.
• Your insurance, or other forms of disaster assistance received, cannot meet your disaster-caused needs.
• You must also be a homeowner whose primary residence was made unlivable by the disaster.
• Your home must be in the declared disaster area.

To be eligible for Home Repair Assistance, FEMA must be able to verify that you owned and lived in your home as your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

FEMA typically verifies homeownership and occupancy through an automated public records search conducted at the time of registration. If FEMA is unable to verify this information via automated records search or other methods, you may be asked to submit documentation to verify your ownership and occupancy status.

By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits provided by insurance. If you have applicable insurance, you must submit your insurance settlement or denial to FEMA before being considered for Home Repair Assistance.

FEMA may be able to provide assistance with well decontamination. You may contact your local health department or obtain proof of the contamination and submit it to FEMA for consideration of financial assistance.

Services will vary by shelter. During a disaster or emergency, services at emergency shelters may include:

• A safe place to weather a hazard
• Meals, snacks and water
• Restrooms
• Blankets
• Basic first aid

As disasters progress, additional services may become available such as:

• Sleep accommodations
• Health services (for disaster-related conditions), such as refilling lost prescriptions or replacing lost eyeglasses
• Emotional support and mental health services
• Spiritual care
• Help reconnecting with loved ones
• Information about disaster-related resources in the community. You can also access these services even if you don’t need a place to sleep—anyone with a disaster-related need can visit the shelter to be directed to the appropriate resources.  During some emergencies, we may also be able to provide other important services, such as:
  • Childcare
  • Laundry
  • Direct access to services provided by our partners

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. 

The hours of operation at FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) vary by location.  Please visit the DRC Locator to help you find you find the hours, services, and locations of local DRCs.

To find safe food and water after a disaster:

• If available, visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To find the closest DRC, use the DRC Locator.  
• Call your state or local 211 or go to 211.org for local services
• Search for a local Food Bank.

In addition to funds to repair or replace your damaged home or personal property, some other eligible disaster expenses may include:

• Essential items like, food, water, baby formula and other emergency supplies 
• Temporary housing expenses if you cannot return to your home or find an alternate housing solution 
• Medical or dental expenses, such as damage or loss of medical or dental equipment 
• Funeral expenses 
• Transportation repair or replacement 
• Generator purchase or rental 
• Mold remediation 

Unfortunately, FEMA is not able to clean your property. You may call 2-1-1 for referral to local services. There may be agencies in your area that may provide clean-up services. Monitor your local newspaper, radio, and television.