FEMA Application Process
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Here's How You Start

Call the toll-free application number 1-800-621-FEMA. This is the ONLY way to apply for assistance.

Here's What Will Happen

You will be asked general information about your income, insurance, and the damage to your residence and housing needs.

You will be given an application number, which will help locate your file in the system. Write this number down so you will have it secure and handy in the future.

A Few Days Later

A FEMA inspector will call you to arrange a visit to your damaged home or apartment.

The FEMA inspector will come and look at disaster-related damages for FEMA's Individuals and Households Program.

You will be asked to sign a document saying that you or someone in your household was lawfully present in the U.S. at the time of the disaster. You will need to present identification.

Later On

If you qualify for FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, you will receive a check and separate letter explaining how you may use it. You may get checks from other programs later.

This Check

This U.S. Government check may be used for rental assistance if your home or apartment is uninhabitable because of the disaster.

You may use FEMA housing repair grants for essential repairs to make your residence safe, sanitary and functional. These grants are for repairs necessary to make primary rooms habitable.

THE SBA PROCESS & FEMA

The U.S. Small Business Administra-tion (SBA) may send you a loan packet after you call to apply at 1-800-621-FEMA. It is very important to complete the forms in this packet and return them to the SBA as soon as you can.

If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, you may not be eligible for other types of assistance.

Face-to-Face Help

You can receive face-to-face help in filling out the SBA loan packet at any Disaster Recovery Center or SBA Workshop. For the nearest location, call the toll-free SBA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-359-2227.

SBA low-interest disaster loans are available to renters, homeowners, business owners and non-profit organizations that suffered losses due to the disaster.

Loan Limits

Homeowners may be eligible to borrow up to $200,000 for real estate repairs.

" Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 for replacement of disaster-damaged personal property.

" Businesses may apply for up to $1.5 million for losses not fully covered by insurance.

" SBA loans are made for the repair or replacement of real estate or personal property. You may borrow up to 20% more to spend on measures that may help prevent damage from happening again.

WHAT TYPES OF ASSISTANCE ARE PROVIDED?

• Housing Assistance
  Money for individuals to rent a different place to live (or a temporary housing unit when rental properties are not available).
• Repair
  Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe, sanitary and functional. You may need to apply for an SBA low-interest loan before receiving certain assistance.
• Replacement
  Limited funds may be available under rare conditions to replace a disaster-damaged home.

Other Needs Assistance

Money for necessary and serious needs caused by the disaster, not covered by insurance or other aid. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, and other expenses that FEMA approves.

FEMA Information

After you have applied for assistance, the FEMA Disaster Application and Information Services line is a very useful resource. You may ask about insurance programs, the status of your application or how money from various assistance programs may be used. FEMA assistance does not make you whole again, but it can give you a helping hand to recover.


Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the government may help pay for basic needs not covered under your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent first, then if they have unmet needs they should call FEMA to apply. Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other forms of help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain the details to you when you call.

Numbers to Remember

FEMA Disaster Application and Information Services

1-800-621-FEMA
TTY 1-800-462-7585

Disaster recovery assistance is available to any individual without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discrimin-ated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA or contact your State Office of Equal Rights.