How do I search for forms of assistance?

There are three ways to search for forms of assistance:

How do I apply for disaster assistance through this website?

You may apply for disaster assistance two ways: You may choose to take the disaster assistance questionnaire to find out which assistance programs you may be eligible to receive and then continue on to FEMA's Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) to enter your personal information into the system. If you already know what you would like to apply for, you may bypass the questionnaire by clicking "Apply Online" on the DisasterAssistance.gov homepage and go directly to FEMA's DAC.

Who do I contact for help with this site?

For technical assistance regarding this site, please go to the Contact Us page under the Help tab. There you may e-mail your questions and will receive a response in 1-2 business days. If you need immediate disaster assistance, please call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).

Who should I call if I want to apply for disaster assistance on the phone?

Applicants may call FEMA's Call Center at 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY), and/or apply directly to the agencies individually using the processes currently in place (phone, mailed application, fax, etc.).

How do I check on my application?

Go to the DisasterAssistance.gov homepage and click on "Check Your Status" located on the right side of the homepage. From there you may login and check the status of your application.

Is there a limit to the benefits disaster survivors may receive?

No.

Does disaster help have to be repaid?

A grant from the Individual and Households Program does not have to be repaid. Loans from the Small Business Administration must be repaid.

How can I report disaster fraud?

Call the FEMA Waste, Fraud and Abuse Hotline at 1-800-323-8603. You do not have to provide your name.

You can also:

Fax DHS OIG Hotline at: 202-254-4292
Or email: DHSOIGHOTLINE@dhs.gov
Or write: Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528
Attn: Office of Inspector General, Hotline

When making a report convey as much information as possible such as: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? Complaints may be made anonymously or you may request confidentiality.

Are aliens eligible for disaster assistance? Who is eligible for disaster assistance?

To be eligible for cash assistance from FEMA you must be a qualified alien. A qualified alien generally includes individuals who are lawful permanent residents (possessing an alien registration receipt card) or those with legal status due to asylum, refugee, parole (admission into the U.S. for humanitarian purposes), withholding of deportation, or domestic violence. Applicants should consult an immigration expert concerning whether or not their immigration status falls within the qualified alien category.

What happens if I register more than once for disaster assistance over the internet?

Completing more than one registration in a single disaster will delay the processing of your case. If you have suffered damage caused by two separate disasters, you may register for each. Be certain to select the correct disaster on the first page of the registration application.

What should I expect when completing the questionnaire?

The questionnaire should take a few minutes to complete. Upon completion, you will receive a list of assistance for which you may be eligible. The nature of the questions will vary. Most are specifically related to disasters, while others will determine your eligibility for other forms of assistance. You are not required to answer all questions to complete the questionnaire. Since this is an anonymous questionnaire, this information is not being saved, and will not be used by any Federal agency.