Do you have concerns about FEMA assistance and how it may affect your other federal benefits? There is no need to worry. Accepting FEMA assistance does not interrupt or affect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and other federal benefits. Also, FEMA assistance grants are not taxable income.
How FEMA Grants May Help Survivors
Disaster assistance grants help you pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, essential personal property replacement and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.
Housing Assistance covers repairs to the structural parts of your primary residence. This includes windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinets, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems (HVACs), utilities (electrical, plumbing and gas systems), and entrance/exit ways. FEMA may also reimburse you for repairing or replacing your furnace, well and septic system.
Other Needs Assistance may reimburse both homeowners and renters for other out-of-pocket expenses related to the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storm and flooding, such as:
- Medical and dental expenses
- Funeral and burial costs
- Cleaning, or replacement of clothing
- Household furniture and appliances
- Specialized tools used for your occupation
- Childcare
- Educational materials
- Moving and storage
Your personally owned and registered disaster-damaged cars and trucks may also be eligible for repair or replacement by FEMA.
How to Apply to FEMA
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Helpline operators are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT daily. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit:
Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
The deadline to apply for assistance is April 19, 2024.
For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.
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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.
All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status.
If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448 (TTY 800-462-7585). Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service. Multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish).