How to apply for disaster assistance

Presidentially declared disasters are eligible for help from FEMA. If your area is not eligible, state agencies and other organizations may offer assistance. Learn if you are eligible and how to apply.

Who qualifies for FEMA disaster relief?

You must live in a presidentially declared disaster area to receive financial assistance from FEMA. Search for your area in the address lookup tool to find out if you are eligible.

Not everyone qualifies for all the assistance programs in an area. FEMA offers an anonymous tool to help you check your eligibility. Get a personalized list of the disaster assistance you qualify for.

How to apply for FEMA disaster assistance

There are four ways you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance:

• Fill out a DisasterAssistance.gov application online.
• Apply using the FEMA app. Download the free app from your smart phone's app store.
• Apply by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
• Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find a DRC near you.

Information you will need to apply for disaster assistance

To apply for disaster assistance, you will need:

• Your Social Security number
• Insurance information
• A description of the damage caused
• Your annual household income
• Contact information
• Bank account information for direct deposit

Check the status of your application

You can check the status of your application if you provided your email address and contact information when you applied for assistance. There are three ways to check your application:

• Check your application status at DisasterAssistance.gov if you created an account.
• Look for the "Check Status" button. Check the status by calling 1-800-621-3362.
• Check the status of your application in person at a DRC. Find a DRC near you.

Get tax relief after a disaster

If you live in an area affected by a federally declared disaster, you may be eligible for IRS tax relief. Tax relief options may include a tax filing extension and an expedited refund.

Get more information about disaster tax relief options.

How to get legal help after a disaster

Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal help to individuals who earn a low income and live in a federally declared disaster area. Legal advice is limited to cases that will not produce a fee. Cases that may generate a fee are turned over to a local lawyer referral service.

DLS may be able to help you with:

• Insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, loss of property, or loss of life
• New wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents lost in the disaster
• Home repair contracts and contractors
• Problems with landlords

Learn more about Disaster Legal Services.

Find assistance if the disaster you experienced was not federally declared

The president of the United States decides which natural disasters are federally declared. In many cases, this decision is based on whether state and local governments in the disaster area can provide enough assistance to disaster survivors.

If the disaster you experienced was not declared an emergency federally, you may be eligible for help from other resources:

• You may be able to get free shelter and food through the Red Cross if it is offering assistance near you. Find out if the Red Cross serves your community and get tips on what to pack if you need help.
• State and local governments may assist disaster survivors by providing food and shelter. Contact your state’s social service agency to find out what help you may qualify for.

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Find more programs and services to help with life after a disaster.

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