How to fill out FEMA applications for natural disaster assistance.
Severe weather can easily turn your life upside down. If you’ve been affected by a natural disaster, FEMA assistance might be able to help. Here’s what you need to know.
What can FEMA assistance help cover?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers programs to help those affected by natural disasters get their properties back into usable condition. This assistance covers the basics to make safe, sanitary, and functional repairs to homes, including:
- Property — HVAC, essential appliances like stoves and fridges, and utilities like water and electric
- Ceiling and roof damage — major roof leaks that threaten structural damage or electrical components
- Floors — subfloor damage and structural issues
- Windows — broken, damaged, or leaking windows
If a natural disaster has made your home unlivable, FEMA assistance may also cover temporary lodging expenses.
FEMA assistance won’t return your home to its original condition, but it could help with essential repairs to make your house livable again. Just don’t expect it to cover non-essential repairs or replacements like dishwashers or televisions.
FEMA applications: How to apply for FEMA disaster assistance
If you’ve been affected by a natural disaster, applying for FEMA assistance is straightforward. Just go to the FEMA website (www.fema.gov) and follow these steps:
- Select your location
- Choose a declared disaster
- Fill in the required fields
FEMA provides funds only for major, declared disasters. It does take some time for a disaster to be declared, so check the website regularly to find out when the declaration has been made for your area. Once the funds are available, you can begin the application.
After you fill in all required information, sign the digital government application with an e-signature using software like Acrobat Sign, and submit your form. If all goes well, you should get your funds shortly.
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