Applying for FEMA Assistance

FEMA assistance is help that the agency gives to people and communities after the President declares a disaster.  It covers basic needs, housing, repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses when insurance or other resources are not enough.

• You live in the disaster area that the President officially approved for FEMA help.
• Your home was damaged or you had important needs because of the disaster.
• You lived in the home full‑time before the disaster (it must be your main home, not a vacation place).
• You are a U.S. citizen, a legal resident, or a qualified immigrant.
• You can prove who you are, usually with a Social Security number.
• Your insurance doesn’t cover everything, or you don’t have insurance at all.

• Social Security Number (SSN) of an adult in the household.
• Contact information
• Address of the damaged home and current contact address.
• Description of damage.
• Insurance policy information.
• Annual household income.
• Bank routing and account number for direct deposit of funds.

You can apply for FEMA assistance in several ways, including: 

• In person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate DRCs in your area, visit https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
• Call the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362
• On the FEMA website (www.disasterassistance.gov) or 
• The official FEMA app on your phone

Once you complete the application, you will receive a 9-digit registration number. Write it down and keep it in a safe place. You will need this number anytime you contact FEMA, submit an appeal letter, or access your online FEMA account. 

You will usually have 60 days from the date the President approves a major disaster declaration to file your initial application. If you are past the 60-day application deadline, you will need to submit a request to FEMA for a late application. 

A FEMA inspector may contact you within 10 days of applying to schedule an in-person or remote inspection to verify damage. Inspectors will call to arrange a visit to the damaged home to assess structural and personal property damage, usually taking 30–45 minutes. There is no fee for this inspection.

The FEMA inspector will call you, often from an out-of-state or ‘unavailable’ number.  It is very important that you answer that call as most will only try three times to reach you.  Inspectors will always carry an official photo ID badge and will walk through the property to document the disaster-caused damage.

• Your 9 digit registration number
• Photo ID
• A list of people living in the home at the time of the disaster.
• Copies of any insurance policies, claims filed, and settlements or denials.
• Proof of ownership or occupancy of the home, such as a deed or land contract, OR a copy of your lease if you rent. If you have trouble proving that you own your home, you can contact your local legal aid program for help. https://www.kyjustice.org/help-near-you
• FEMA may ask for other documents as well.
• A FEMA inspector will never ask for money. FEMA inspections are free. If someone tells you that you have to pay them for the inspection, they are not from FEMA.

FEMA has up to 90 days to make a decision.  If you are denied and you believe FEMA’s decision is wrong, you may file an appeal.

No.  However, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for things that insurance did not cover. It is recommended to speak with an attorney to ensure you apply for benefits you are eligible to receive. You can find your local legal aid office here.