Florida Hurricane Helene

Help for Individuals and Families After a Disaster

If you have insurance, you should file a claim with your insurance company immediately. FEMA assistance cannot help with losses already covered by insurance. Learn more about the steps after applying for assistance.

I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?

After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage.

FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed.

Learn more about what to expect

Review FEMA’s Decision

Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:

• whether you are approved for assistance
• how much assistance you will receive
• how the assistance must be used
• how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it

The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.

You may have received information about a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan for additional unmet needs. For disasters declared before March 22, 2024, you may need to submit an SBA loan application before being considered for certain types of FEMA assistance. Learn more about SBA loans and how the SBA loan application process relates to FEMA disaster assistance.

Multilingual Resources

You can find social media graphics with important safety messaging in various languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish and Vietnamese.

We also have videos in American Sign Language (ASL) on topics including:

• Renters May be Eligible for Federal Help
• Understanding Your Letter