Individual Assistance

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet your basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.

IHP Assistance may include:

• Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance, or reimbursement for hotel costs
• A temporary housing unit, if approved for the disaster, when you are not able to use rental assistance due to a lack of available housing resources
• Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence, including privately-owned access routes, such as driveways, roads, or bridges
• Funds for other uninsured or under-insured disaster-caused expenses and serious needs, such as repair or replacement of personal property and vehicles, or funds for moving and storage, medical, dental, child care, funeral, and other miscellaneous items approved by your state, territory, or tribal government
• Funds for hazard mitigation assistance to help eligible homeowners repair or rebuild stronger, more durable homes.

Before you apply for assistance, below are the steps you need to take to start your recovery process:

Step One: Take photos of your damaged home and belongings.

Step Two: Make a list of damaged/lost items.

Step Three: Save yourself time. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurance company. If you do not have insurance, continue to Step Four.

Step Four: Now that you're ready to apply now for disaster assistance or you would like more information on the types of assistance available, please utilize one of the following methods.

How to Apply

By Phone

You may call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 to apply for assistance or check your application status.

If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.

In Person

You may visit a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To look up DRC locations:

• Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
• Check FEMA’s mobile app
• Or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362

Disaster Survivor Assistance team members may also visit door-to-door in your area. They will have official FEMA photo identification.

By Mail or Fax

You may mail updates to your application by mail or by fax.

MAIL TO:

FEMA
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055