When can I apply for Individual Assistance?
You can apply for FEMA disaster assistance after the area in which you live has received a major disaster declaration designated for Individual Assistance.
Statewide emergency declarations are often made by the Governor before or directly following a disaster. However, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, a separate, Federal declaration must be made by the President. Monitor your local news and/or check DisasterAssistance.gov to confirm if there is an open declaration in your area. If your county, municipality, parish, or tribal area is not included in the initial declaration, continue to monitor as it may be added later.