FEMA: Disaster Assistance Frequently Asked Questions

State and local officials work with voluntary agencies to establish shelters during an evacuation. Your local officials will inform the public of these locations through your local media outlets or you can call the American Red Cross at 1-866-GET INFO
(1-866-438-4636).

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AFTER THE STORM:

How do I locate a missing loved one?

To locate displaced family members, individuals can call the American Red Cross at 1-866-GET INF0 (1-866-438-4636), or contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross (ARC). To find your local Red Cross chapter using the internet go to www.redcross.org and browse through a list of ARC chapters.

I have medical issues that require me to have a breathing machine and my electricity is out. I have no money to buy a generator. Is there somewhere I can go to borrow a generator?

If your electricity is out and you have a medical emergency for a generator, contact your local Emergency Operations Center (911). You may also want to contact the American Red Cross to find the closest shelter in your area handling special needs. Call the American Red Cross at 1-866-GET-INFO (438-4636) or visit them online at www.redcross.org.

I have trees down all over my yard, is there any help for debris removal?

Many homeowners' insurance policies cover debris removal. FEMA does not typically pay for cleaning up debris on private property or in gated communities, but if the debris is keeping you or emergency workers from safely getting to your home, FEMA may be able to provide help. Your local officials can also tell you of a pickup schedule for debris in your area.

How do I get help to put a temporary plastic cover on my roof? (Florida Only)

There are two ways: If the damage is slight and you think you can do the work yourself, you can pick up plastic tarps at your county's emergency management office. If you are unable to cover the roof yourself, call toll-free 1-888-ROOF-BLU and make arrangements for a contractor to come to your house. Both services are free.

I lost my food because of the power outage; will I be reimbursed for it?

FEMA's disaster assistance program does not cover food losses. Voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with your immediate need for food.

I purchased a generator. Will I be reimbursed?

FEMA reviews requests for reimbursement of the cost of a generator on a case-by-case basis and determines if a generator was purchased to overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse condition. You should register and submit your receipts to see if the cost is covered.

My home that was damaged was a second home. Am I eligible for disaster assistance?

Damages to a secondary or vacation home are not eligible under FEMA's disaster assistance program. However, if you own a secondary home that is rented out or occupied by a family member, you may be eligible for assistance from the Small Business Administration. FEMA will review your personal property losses on a case-by-case basis to determine eligibility.

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INSURANCE

Are insurance deductibles covered under FEMA's programs?

FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles. However, if your insurance proceeds are insufficient to cover your necessary expenses or serious needs, FEMA may be able to offer assistance.

I have insurance and filed a claim with my insurance agent, but I don't have a place to live. Is there any help for me?

FEMA cannot duplicate assistance from your insurance company. If you still have serious unmet needs after receiving your insurance settlement, FEMA may be able to provide assistance in accordance with program guidelines. If you are unable to locate a place to rent you, can visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or call FEMA's Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to get the list of rental resources in your area.

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APPLYING FOR HELP

How do I apply for disaster help?

If you live in a Presidential declared disaster area and need disaster help call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY -- Call TTY: 1-800-462-7585) or you can register on line at www.FEMA.gov. Click on "Register for Disaster Assistance Online" and the screens will prompt you through the process. If you get a busy signal when you call the 800 number, try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

In addition to having a pen and paper available to write down important phone contacts when you register, you will need your social security number, current and pre-disaster address and phone number, insurance information/type, total household annual income, and financial information from your bank (routing and account number) if you want to have the funds transferred directly to your financial institution.

Will FEMA send anyone to my home to take my application?

FEMA will not send anyone out to your home to take an application. If you live in a Presidential declared disaster area and need disaster help call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired ONLY—Call TTY: 1-800-462-7585) or you can register on line at www.FEMA.gov. Click on "Register for Disaster Assistance Online" and the screens will prompt you through the process. If you get a busy signal when you call the 800 number, try calling in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

What are FEMA's citizenship/immigration requirements?

You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien to qualify for a grant from FEMA's Individuals and Households Program. However, undocumented individuals can apply on behalf of their minor child who is a citizen and has a social security number. FEMA can provide information on how to obtain a social security number for a minor child. The minor child must live with the parent/guardian applying on his/her behalf.

The undocumented individual does not have to be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or a qualified alien for crisis counseling, disaster legal services or other short-term, non-cash emergency assistance. Voluntary agencies provide help regardless of immigration status.

Are aliens eligible for disaster assistance? Who is eligible for disaster assistance?

To be eligible for cash assistance from FEMA you must be a "Qualified" alien. A "Qualified" alien generally includes individuals who are Lawful Permanent Residents (possessing an alien registration receipt card, sometimes referred to as a "Green Card") or those with legal status due to asylum, refugee, parole (admission into the U.S. for humanitarian purposes), withholding of deportation, or domestic violence. Applicants should consult an immigration expert concerning whether or not their immigration status falls within the "Qualified" alien category.

If I am an undocumented immigrant, am I eligible for any assistance from FEMA?

You may be eligible for short-term, non-cash, emergency aid provided by FEMA. You will not be personally eligible for assistance from the Individuals and Households Program; however, if you have a child who is a US citizen, or there is another adult living in you home who meets the citizenship requirement, you may be eligible for assistance.

My home was damaged from one hurricane. What if I have received additional damages from another hurricane?

Given the severity of these hurricanes, you may be eligible for assistance in multiple disasters. Eligibility will be determined on a case-by-case basis. You will have to register separately for each hurricane.

My home sustained damage from multiple hurricanes. I've been told that I will have to make multiple registrations and meet with several different inspectors at different times to look at the damage to my home. Why can't one inspector just cover all of my applications?

FEMA will make every effort to inspect your damages from all of the hurricanes during one visit. However, there will be instances when this will not be possible. To ensure that all available and eligible assistance is provided to you for your losses, a separate inspection for each hurricane may be necessary.

I have sustained damage from multiple hurricanes; can FEMA tell which hurricane caused which damage?

FEMA has a process in place for evaluating damages that occur in two separate disasters to ensure that all eligible assistance and needs caused by each event is addressed. Call the FEMA Helpline if you have additional questions regarding your damages.

I have not been able to work since the hurricane hit. My employer says that I still have a job, but I am not drawing a paycheck. Does FEMA pay for lost wages?

If you have lost work or wages because of the disaster, and you are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Contact your local state workforce or agency for specific information on DUA benefits.

I have been out of work for 5 days. I went to the unemployment office and they said I have to be unemployed at least 2 weeks before I can receive benefits. What do I do now? I have bills to pay?

If you have lost work or wages because of the disaster, and you are not eligible for regular unemployment insurance, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Contact your local state workforce or agency for specific information on DUA benefits

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AFTER YOU APPLY

I applied for disaster assistance two weeks ago and haven't heard from anyone. I keep calling the 1-800-621-3362 number, but I get a busy signal. What should I do?

You may visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in your area to ask about your application or call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired only: 1-800-462-7585) in the evening after 6:00 p.m. or on the weekends when call volumes tend to be lighter.

I have a new telephone number to give the inspector. How do I update or ask questions about my application?

Call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired only —call TTY: 1-800-462-7585), or visit a Disaster Recovery Center.

How long does it take to get FEMA/State disaster help?

If you are eligible for help, you should receive a U.S. Treasury / State check or notification of a deposit to your bank account within about ten days from the inspector's visit.

Will I be reimbursed for living expenses I incurred while I was evacuated?

FEMA provides limited reimbursement for living expenses incurred during evacuations. To be eligible for reimbursement of living expenses incurred during evacuations, the home from where you are displaced must be your primary residence. In addition, the home must be either damaged by the disaster or you are prohibited from returning to the home once the general evacuation order is lifted because of the disaster. You should register and submit your receipts to see if the cost is covered. FEMA reviews these requests on a case-by-case basis.

Should I wait until the inspectors come before I begin clean up?

You may clean before the inspection. If possible, take photos of the damage before you clean. Remember to keep receipts for all of your expenses.

What will FEMA accept as ‘proof of ownership' or what type of ownership documentation can I provide to support my application for help?

There are several documents that may be used to prove ownership. They include but are not limited to the deed, deed of trust, mortgage payment book or other mortgage documents, real property insurance policy, tax receipts; or property tax bill. The document must list you as the legal owner along with the damaged dwelling address.

What will FEMA accept as ‘proof of occupancy' or what type of occupancy documents can I provide to support my application for help?

There are several documents that may be used to prove occupancy. They include but are not limited to utility bill for the damage dwelling you are occupying; merchant's statement sent to the damage dwelling; employer's pay statement sent to the damage dwelling, or current driver's license showing the address of the damage dwelling.

FEMA told me to send in my receipts. What is the mailing address?

Please mail all correspondences to the following address:

Mail:
FEMA – Individual and Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Or
Fax: 1-800-827-8112

Please write your name and application number on all pages of your document in addition to keeping a copy for your own records.

What happens after I apply for disaster assistance?

FEMA will mail you a copy of your application and an Applicant's Guide that will answer many of your questions. An inspector should contact you within 10 days after you apply to schedule a time to meet you at your damaged home. The inspector sends a report about your disaster damages to FEMA. About 10 days after the inspection FEMA will decide if you qualify for assistance. If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it in your bank account. FEMA will also send you a letter describing how you are to use the money (for example: repairs to your home or to rent another house while you make repairs).

If FEMA decides that you are not eligible for a grant, FEMA will send you a letter explaining why you were turned down and give you a chance to appeal the decision. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of FEMA's decision.

If you get an SBA Disaster Loan application in the mail, you need to complete and return the application. SBA staff is available at Disaster Recovery Centers to help you with the application. If SBA finds that you cannot afford a loan, they will automatically refer you to FEMA's Individual and Household grant program for help. SBA makes the determination if you can afford a loan.

If SBA approves you for a loan, they will contact you.

If SBA finds that you cannot afford a loan, FEMA will contact you.

Can I apply for help for my damaged car?

Yes. You will need to register with FEMA and provide proof of ownership and insurance information for the vehicle.

Will FEMA pay for moving and storage expenses?

Costs of moving and storage may be covered, if these costs are directly related to the disaster. You should register and submit your receipts to see if the cost is covered.

I received my check for rental assistance, but there are no places to rent.

If you are unable to locate a place to rent you can visit a local Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or call FEMA's Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) to get the list of rental resources in your area.

Can I have a travel trailer/mobile home at my home?

FEMA reviews the need for Travel Trailers /Mobile Homes on a case-by-case basis. In addition, we will evaluate your site, local codes and permits to determine if it is feasible to place a Travel Trailer/Mobile Home at the requested location. .

How long can I use the travel trailer/mobile home?

Applicants may be able to use a FEMA Travel Trailer /Mobile Home for up to 18 months from the date of declaration if the applicant continues to have a disaster related housing need.

My family is too large for a travel trailer/mobile home. What do we do?

FEMA can provide more than one travel trailer for a family if necessary.

Can I have a ramp built for a travel trailer/mobile home?

Requirements for ramps for travel trailers/mobile homes are part of the initial assessment. If you did not receive a ramp and require one, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A helpline representative will ensure that someone will get back in contact with you.

One of the hurricanes damaged the Travel Trailer that FEMA provided me. What should I do?

Contact the maintenance number provided when you were leased into your unit. If you do not have the number, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362). A helpline representative will ensure that someone will get back in contact with you.

Does disaster help have to be repaid?

A grant from the Individual and Households Program does not have to be repaid. Loans from the Small Business Administration must be repaid.

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

Do you care that my neighbor is using his FEMA money to go on vacation?

If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of federal disaster help, call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603.

After the storm the gas station up the street was charging $3.00 a gallon for gas. Isn't that price gouging?

If you find price gouging, contact your state Attorney General office.

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Last Updated: Thursday, 14-Oct-2004 17:48:56

FEMA 500 C Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20472 Phone: (202) 566-1600