Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.

Fact

This is false.

This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breast feeding supplies, medication and other serious disaster-related needs. It not a form of reimbursement for loss of power or replacing food and is intended for emergency needs only.

FEMA assistance is NOT a loan. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. Learn more about types of assistance FEMA provides.

Each disaster application is reviewed separately and is based on your specific situation. Your eligibility for different types of assistance is determined as we review your application and may require a home inspection. If you have questions about your application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.

Note: FEMA adjusts the maximum amount of financial assistance available to disaster survivors each fiscal year, which began on October 1. The new maximum for the initial Serious Needs assistance is now $770. These maximums apply to any disasters declared on or after October 1, 2024.