What do I need to know about the information I submit?
It’s very important that you be as honest and accurate as possible with the information you submit on your application. It helps if you can gather as much as you can and have it ready when you apply.
If you’re unsure about something, please don’t guess or enter information you know is not correct.
If you don’t think you have everything you need, you may be able to save an incomplete application and finish it later. You’ll just need to either create an account or call the FEMA Helpline to finish it.
If you need help, you can call the FEMA Helpline, COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline, or go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to ask questions.
Please read the application questions and your entries carefully as you proceed. Once you click “Submit,” you can only make limited changes online. To change some information after you submit it, you must call the FEMA Helpline.
It’s very important to know that your application becomes a legal document as soon as you send it. FEMA may use outside sources to verify the information you enter.
If you knowingly make false statements or hide information to try to get assistance, it violates federal and state laws. This can carry severe criminal and civil penalties. Penalties may include a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment, or both (18 U.S.C § 287, 1001, and 3571).
How to Contact the FEMA Helpline
Call 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity.
- 1-800-621-3362
- If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
General questions or comments about FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can be emailed to:
FEMA collects, maintains, uses, retrieves, and shares the personally identifiable information (PII) of people who apply for FEMA disaster assistance under the following authority:
- The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act), Pub. L. No. 93-288, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5121-5207), and
- The System of Records Notice DHS/FEMA-008 Disaster Recovery Assistance Files, 78 FR 25282 (April 30, 2013)
To get case-specific information, we must confirm your identity before we can tell you anything. Please provide the following ONLY if you want to get information about your case:
- Your full name.
- Damaged property address.
- Your current mailing address, if different from property address.
- Your current phone number.
- ONLY the last four (4) digits of your Social Security number.
FEMA may keep emails sent to the AskIA email address for quality assurance purposes or to update your file, if needed. You don’t have to provide the information we requested. But if we can't confirm your identity, we won’t be able to tell you anything by email. We will ask you to call the FEMA Helpline.
When you email us, please include your name and the location of the disaster (city and state).
How to Apply for FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The COVID-19 national emergency ended on May 11, 2023. But this date does not affect the application period for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance or related expenses if you qualify.
FEMA will provide COVID-19 funeral assistance until September 30, 2025. This is the date set by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
To apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, and for ALL other questions and concerns about this program, call 1-844-684-6333, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Do not call the normal FEMA Helpline for help with this program.
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
You must apply by phone. FEMA will not accept online applications. Before you call, visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance page for more details.
How can I find a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)?
There are two ways to find a DRC near you:
- Use the DRC Locator to find a center near you.
You can get the address as well as the hours of operation, services offered, and driving directions.
- Text DRC and a ZIP Code to 43362 to find a center near you.
Example: DRC 01234
Using this option doesn’t add you to any messaging service. Think of it like doing a search on the web. (Standard text rates may apply.)
You can go to a DRC to learn about FEMA’s or other assistance programs. You may also ask questions about your case or seek guidance on other disaster-related issues.
The services offered at each DRC may vary.
How do I apply for assistance?
You may apply for assistance in two ways:
- Click Find Assistance on the Get Assistance menu and answer the anonymous questionnaire. You will get a list of assistance you may apply for based on your answers. (This does not guarantee that you qualify or will get assistance.)
You can then either apply online with FEMA or learn how you can apply for other assistance.
To apply for assistance that FEMA doesn't manage, you must follow each program's instructions. This may mean you need to go to another agency’s website.
- Click Let's Get Started or Apply Online on the Home page to skip the questionnaire. This takes you directly to start a FEMA application.
How to Apply for FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
The COVID-19 national emergency ended on May 11, 2023. But this date does not affect the application period for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance or related expenses if you qualify.
FEMA will provide COVID-19 funeral assistance until September 30, 2025. This is the date set by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
To apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, and for ALL other questions and concerns about this program, call 1-844-684-6333, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Do not call the normal FEMA Helpline for help with this program.
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
You must apply by phone. FEMA will not accept online applications. Before you call, visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance page for more details.
Do I need an email address to create an account?
Yes, you must have an email address to create an account. You need it to confirm your Login.gov account. Email is also a way we can notify you when you get a new message from FEMA.
There are many email providers to choose from. If you’re not sure how to get an email account, we suggest you talk with a family member or friend.
What happens if I apply more than once?
If you send more than one application for a disaster, it may take longer to process your case.
If you have damage or losses caused by two or more disasters, you need to apply separately under each disaster.
Be sure you choose the correct disaster on your application. Enter only the damage and losses that are for that disaster.
I don't understand the application. Can someone explain it to me?
For questions about the application or the assistance FEMA offers, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity.
- 1-800-621-3362
- If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). DRCs are set up in accessible areas to make them easier to find.
At a DRC, you can meet with FEMA staff to learn how you can get help or to ask questions about your application.
There are two ways to find a DRC:
- Use the DRC Locator to search for a center near you.
You can also learn more about each DRC, like hours of operation, services offered, and driving directions.
- Text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362 to find a center near you.
Example: DRC 01234
Using this option doesn’t add you to any messaging service. Think of it like doing a search on the web. (Standard text message rates apply.)
You can email general questions or comments about FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families to:
FEMA collects, maintains, uses, retrieves, and shares the personally identifiable information (PII) of people who apply for FEMA disaster assistance under the following authority:
- The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act), Pub. L. No. 93-288, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5121-5207), and
- The System of Records Notice DHS/FEMA-008 Disaster Recovery Assistance Files, 78 FR 25282 (April 30, 2013)
To get case-specific information, we must confirm your identity before we can tell you anything. Please provide the following ONLY if you want to get information about your case:
- Your full name.
- Damaged property address.
- Your current mailing address, if different from property address.
- Your current phone number.
- ONLY the last four (4) digits of your Social Security number.
FEMA may keep emails sent to the AskIA email address for quality assurance purposes or to update your file, if needed. You don’t have to provide the information we ask for. But if we’re not able to confirm your identity, we won’t be able to tell you anything by email. We will ask you to call the FEMA Helpline.
When you email us, please include your name and the location of the disaster (city and state).
How long before my session times out?
Your application session times out if there is no activity for 10 minutes. At that point, you won’t be able to move on and you will lose any data you didn't save before the timeout.
- If you didn’t create an account yet, you’ll need to start over.
- If you already have an account, just sign in again.
You must re-enter any data you didn’t save before the timeout.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for assistance?
To qualify for assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), you or a member of your household must be one of the following:
- U.S. citizen
- Non-citizen national
- Qualified alien
A qualified alien is a lawful permanent resident who has a green card.
It could also be someone with legal status for any of the following:
- Asylum
- Refugee
- Parole (admission into the U.S. for humanitarian reasons)
- Withholding of deportation
- Domestic violence
If you don't know what your immigration status is, talk to an immigration expert to learn if your status falls under qualified alien.
Qualified Minor Child
If you don’t qualify under one of the three categories above, even if you’re undocumented, you can apply for a minor child who qualifies and has a Social Security number. The child must live with the parent or guardian who applies for them.
FEMA or the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help you get Social Security Numbers for Children (PDF, 885 KB).
We will not ask any questions about citizenship status.
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance
Before you apply, visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance page for details.
The COVID-19 national emergency ended on May 11, 2023. But this date does not affect the application period for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance or related expenses if you qualify.
FEMA will provide COVID-19 funeral assistance until September 30, 2025. This is the date set by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Other Programs
Other assistance programs are available, whether you’re a citizen or not. Programs like the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) and Disaster Legal Services (DLS). You may also be able to get other short-term, free emergency help, like mass shelters.
Voluntary Organizations
Voluntary organizations also offer help whether you’re a citizen or not. The resources below can help you find organizations in your area:
Who can I call if I want to apply over the phone?
To apply for FEMA assistance over the phone, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (in your time zone), 7 days a week. Hours may be longer during high disaster activity.
- 1-800-621-3362
- If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
To find assistance from other agencies and learn how to apply, you have two options
- Click Find Assistance from the Get Assistance menu and answer the anonymous questionnaire.
OR
- Click Forms of Assistance under the Get Assistance menu to search by category or federal agency.
To apply to other agencies, you must follow the each program's instructions. This may mean you need to go to other agency websites.
FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Helpline
The COVID-19 national emergency ended on May 11, 2023. But this date does not affect the application period for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance or related expenses if you qualify.
FEMA will provide COVID-19 funeral assistance until September 30, 2025. This is the date set by Congress in the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
To apply for COVID-19 Funeral Assistance, and for ALL other questions and concerns about this program, call 1-844-684-6333, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Do not call the normal FEMA Helpline for help with this program.
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
You must apply by phone. FEMA will not accept online applications. Before you call, visit the COVID-19 Funeral Assistance page for more details.