Q&A: FEMA Individual Assistance

FEMA Individual Assistance helps disaster survivors begin recovery by providing grants for basic, critical needs. Answers to questions about the federal assistance process can be found below.   

What if I can’t use the Internet to apply with FEMA? 

• Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service when you apply. FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams are walking through neighborhoods to sign up disaster survivors in person as well. Be sure to check for a FEMA I.D. Disaster Recovery Centers are also open. Centers have specialists available to help you apply and explain the programs that you may qualify for.  

What types of assistance could I receive? 

• FEMA assistance is designed to jumpstart recovery efforts and ensure your home is livable. The assistance you receive is not likely to cover the full costs of returning your home or property to the condition it may have been in prior to the disaster. To see what types of assistance might be available to you, visit the Find Assistance page. 

Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance? 

• Yes. You may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance even if you have insurance, so don’t wait to register with FEMA. However, you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA to determine your eligibility for some forms of assistance. By law, FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by your insurance. 

If I am not a U.S. citizen, can someone else in my household apply with FEMA?  

• Yes. To qualify for assistance from FEMA, you or a member of your household must be a U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national or qualified non-citizen. Families with diverse immigration status need only one family member with a Social Security number to apply. That family member could be a minor child who is a U.S. citizen, a non-U.S. citizen national, or a qualified non-citizen.  Learn more by visiting Qualifying for FEMA Disaster Assistance: Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements | FEMA.gov. 

If I already started the clean-up process, can I still get help to cover those expenses? 

• Yes. Don’t wait for possible federal assistance to begin your recovery.  Keep repair receipts and document damages whenever possible. FEMA inspectors are trained to recognize damage caused by a disaster and will discuss those damages with you when they contact you or come to your home.  

What should I do about mold growth in my home?  

• FEMA assistance may be available to repair certain components of your home affected by disaster-caused mold growth. Report this damage when you register. Resources from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are available to learn about mold cleanup and remediation. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/cleanup.htm  

As a renter, what types of FEMA assistance could I be eligible for? 

• Financial assistance for pre-disaster renters may cover reimbursement for short-term lodging expenses, funds to rent temporary housing, funds to replace or repair necessary personal property, including a vehicle, and uninsured funeral, medical, dental, childcare, moving and storage expenses.  

Will FEMA grants affect my Social Security benefits, taxes, food stamps, or Medicaid? 

• No. FEMA assistance is tax-free and does not affect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or other federal welfare and entitlement programs. 

Do I need a home inspection to get FEMA assistance?  

• Yes. Over the course of a few days, FEMA staff and inspectors may call from an unknown phone number and make several attempts to discuss your disaster-caused damage. An inspection can only be done when the applicant or co-applicant is present.   

Why is FEMA directing me to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a loan? 

• The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides affordable, low-interest, long-term disaster loans to homeowners and renters who have suffered losses that have not been fully covered by insurance and other sources. If SBA cannot approve your loan, they can refer you back to FEMA for possible additional assistance. Not returning the SBA application may disqualify you from other FEMA assistance for disaster-related car repairs, essential household items and necessary disaster-related expenses.  

I had damage in my basement. What FEMA help can I get for those losses?  

• While assistance for basement damage is limited to losses that affect whether your home can be lived in, critical appliances or structural components in your basement, such as the furnace, water heater or your home’s foundation, could be eligible for FEMA assistance. Households with damage in essential living spaces of a basement—such as garden apartments—may also be eligible. You must register with FEMA first, and specialists can work with you to determine your eligibility.  

I received a letter saying I am ineligible for FEMA assistance. Does that mean I can’t expect any help from FEMA? 

• Not necessarily. It’s important to read your FEMA decision letter carefully. You may just need to provide additional information or documents to keep your application moving. You can always visit a recovery center or call the FEMA Helpline if you have questions or need help with the process.  

 I am a landlord and I own an apartment building or home that was damaged in the disaster. Can I get FEMA assistance? 

• Home Repair Assistance through FEMA is only available to landlords who permanently live in the damaged home. In apartment buildings, assistance may be available to cover damage-related expenses inside the owner-occupied unit. FEMA assistance will not cover expenses for damage in common areas. However, qualified rental properties may be eligible for assistance under the U.S. Small Business Administration business disaster loan program. To learn more, contact the SBA at 1-800-659-2955. 

Is there someone at FEMA who speaks my language?  

• Yes. The FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 is staffed with specialists who speak many languages. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. FEMA also offers free services to help survivors communicate with FEMA personnel on the phone or at Disaster Recovery Centers. To locate a recovery center, go to fema.gov/drc.