FEMA Hotline and Disaster Assistance Website

AKA:

Hurricane IDA; Tornado23; Tornado 23; Federal Emergency Management Agency; DisasterAssistance.gov

Description:

Provides hotline and website for disaster survivors to apply for FEMA assistance, Mon - Fri 7:00 am - 11:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. NOTE: ONLY ACTIVATED DURING OR AFTER DISASTER. PERSONS MAY ALSO CONTACT THEIR LOCAL EMA (EVERY COUNTY HAS AN EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICE).

Ways to apply for assistance: Register online at www.disasterassistance.gov,
or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7:00 am - 11:00 pm (local time) seven days a week when disaster occurs.

DisasterAssistance.gov website has pre-screening questionnaire to determine eligibility for help, an online application and a link to check the status of a submitted application.

If you prefer to apply in person (call first), search for the nearest DRC (FEMA Disaster Recovery Center) at this live feed website: www.DisasterAssistance.gov/get-assistance/find-assistance


NOTE: IF POSSIBLE, PERSONS SHOULD REGISTER FOR BENEFITS AT THE WEBSITE OR BY PHONE BEFORE GOING TO THE DRC.

Hours:

Daily 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Intake Process:

Register online or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm (Central time) seven days a week when activated during a disaster; alternate website: Preparednessready.gov

NOTE: ONLY APPLY THROUGH ONE PORTAL; EITHER APPLY ONLINE OR CALL. IF YOU DO MORE THAN ONE, FEMA WILL KICK YOUR REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE OUT OF THE SYSTEM. TTY line for the hearing and speech impaired: 800-462-7585. Applicants registering for aid should be prepared to provide this information: 1) address of damaged property 2) names of people living in household 3) description of the damages 4) insurance information 5) social security number 6) phone number where you can be reached 7) a working mailing address. Be sure to take pictures of the damage if possible and keep records and receipts for any work done or for any disaster-related costs incurred.

NOTE: IF APPLYING IN PERSON, IF POSSIBLE, PERSONS SHOULD REGISTER FOR BENEFITS AT THE WEBSITE OR BY PHONE BEFORE GOING TO THE DRC.

Everyone receives a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency after applying for disaster assistance. It explains where you are in the process and what to do next or how grant money should be spent.

Saferoom Information: saferoom@fema.dhs.gov

For businesses who want to partner with FEMA, call the Office Of External Affairs t 202-646-4600

Program Fees:

No Fee

Eligibility:

Residents and business owners affected by disasters in counties designated for assistance under major disaster declarations. Individuals applying for assistance: at least one member of the household must have a social security number to apply for help.

BOTH renters and property owners of rental property can apply for FEMA disaster assistance using the same addresses if both have sustained disaster-related losses; for example, damage to the house could be claimed by the owner, while the renter could be eligible for rental assistance and other assistance due to losing their place of residence and personal belongings. Inspectors from FEMA or a contract agency hired by FEMA will start to inspect claimants' addresses to determine if the property has indeed sustained disaster-related losses. In some cases, these inspectors will need to speak with the claimants; in other cases, they will not. The inspectors will have FEMA or other badges or ID identifying them, and their ID information has been provided to law enforcement.

Is Shelter?

No

Date of Official Change:

May 2, 2024

Volunteer Opportunities:

https://www.fema.gov/volunteer-donate-responsibly

Geographies Served

• Serves All Areas

Address Listings

Contacts

Phone Numbers

Legal Status:

Federal