FEMA disaster assistance is not taxable income. Accepting a FEMA grant will not affect your Social Security benefits, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or other federal welfare, social safety nets, and other entitlement programs.
Federal disaster grants help you pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by your insurance or other sources.
There is still time to apply
The deadline to apply for disaster assistance is Feb. 21, 2022.
Residents of Jefferson and Shelby Counties who were affected by the Oct. 6-7 severe storms and flooding who have not yet applied for FEMA assistance should do so before that deadline. You can apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Central Time, seven days a week, or by using the FEMA mobile app. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
Applicants should mention any access or functional needs they may have when applying. FEMA can provide interpreters, real-time captioning, and information in alternate formats such as Braille, large-print, audio, and electronic versions. The agency also provides free services to help survivors communicate with its staff and understand FEMA programs, including:
- Information available in accessible electronic formats on FEMA’s website and social media.
- Qualified American Sign Language interpreters.
- Qualified multilingual interpreters.
- Information written in multiple languages.
For more information about Alabama disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4632.