What FEMA Individual Assistance Covers
FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) provides grants — not loans — to help homeowners and renters recover from disaster. Coverage includes: temporary housing while your home is uninhabitable, repair or replacement of essential household items, medical, dental, or funeral expenses caused by the disaster, and other necessary expenses related to the disaster. Maximum grants vary by disaster declaration.
How to Register for FEMA Assistance
Register at DisasterAssistance.gov, via the FEMA app, by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. You will need: Social Security number, address of the damaged property, insurance information, current address and phone number, bank account information for direct deposit. Apply as soon as the registration period opens — there are deadlines.
What to Document for Your FEMA Claim
- Photos and video of all damage — interior, exterior, and all personal property
- Receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary housing
- Receipts for essential items replaced immediately after the disaster
- Insurance claim number and settlement information if applicable
- List of all damaged or destroyed items with estimated values
FEMA and SBA Loans
FEMA may refer applicants to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans. SBA disaster loans are available to homeowners (not just businesses) for up to $200,000 for real property and $40,000 for personal property. You must apply for and be declined for an SBA loan before FEMA will provide Other Needs Assistance in many categories.
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