Individual Assistance

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FEMA can help support your recovery from a major disaster.

FEMA Reforms Disaster Assistance

FEMA implemented the most significant updates to disaster assistance in the last 20 years. These updates include:

• Flexible funding provided directly to survivors when they need it most.
• Expanded eligibility to help more people recover faster.
• Simplified application process to meet survivors’ individual needs.

These changes apply to disasters declared on or after March 22, 2024.

What Kind of Help Do You Need?

I Need Immediate Assistance

Our disaster assistance partners can provide help with immediate needs FEMA is not authorized to provide.

• Emergency Medical Assistance: Please dial 9-1-1.
• Emergency Shelter: Locate options by zip code by visiting the American Red Cross, or Salvation Army, or by texting SHELTER and your zip code (for example, “SHELTER 01234”) to 4FEMA (43362). For Spanish text REFUGIO and your zip code. (Standard text message rates apply.) You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to find open shelters.
• Immediate Needs: Check with your local emergency management officials, voluntary agencies or be calling your local 2-1-1. The FEMA Helpline (800-621-3362) may be able to provide additional referrals. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

We also offer support for individuals with disabilities, or access and functional needs.

Are you experiencing distress or other mental health concerns related to natural or human-caused disasters? Visit the Disaster Distress Helpline.

Help for Individuals and Households

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.

• Assistance for individuals and households.
• Other programs for disaster survivors.

Next Steps After Applying for Assistance

You will receive notification letters from FEMA either by U.S. mail or by electronic correspondence. FEMA may contact you about needing to verify information or completing a home inspection.

Materials to Support Individual Assistance

Individual Assistance Resource Library

Get information about policies, guidance, and fact sheets of FEMA’s Individual Assistance programs, including the FEMA Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide (IAPPG).

Road to Recovery

While not all disaster survivors' path to recovery is the same, this interactive tool steps you through the typical processes and requirements to follow that can help get you the support you need after experiencing a disaster.

Get Started on the Road to Recovery