**APPLICATION PROCESS**

***[Here's How You Start]{.underline}***

-   Call the toll-free application number 1‑800‑621‑FEMA (3362) or
    register on-line at [http://www.fema.gov](http://www.fema.gov/).
    These are the **[ONLY]{.underline}** ways to apply for assistance.

## Here's What Will Happen

-   You will be asked for general information about your income,
    insurance, and the damage to your residence and housing needs.

-   You will be given an **application number**, which will help locate
    your file in the system. Write this number down so you will have it
    secure and handy in the future.

## A Few Days Later

-   A FEMA inspector will call you to arrange a visit to your damaged
    home or apartment.

-   The FEMA inspector will come and look at disaster-related damages
    for FEMA's Individuals and Households Program.

-   You will be asked to sign a document saying that you or someone in
    your household was a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or
    qualified alien at the time of the disaster. You will need to
    present identification.

***[Later on]{.underline}***

-   If you qualify for FEMA's Individuals and Households Program, you
    will receive a check in the mail or direct deposit to your bank and
    a separate letter, in the mail, explaining how you may use the
    assistance. You may get additional funds from other programs later.

***[This Assistance]{.underline}***

-   These funds may be used for rental assistance if your home or
    apartment is uninhabitable because of the disaster.

-   You may use FEMA housing repair funds for essential repairs to make
    your residence safe, sanitary, and functional. These funds are for
    repairs necessary to make primary rooms habitable.

-   You may use personal property funds for essential repairs to or to
    replace appliances and furniture.

THE SBA PROCESS\
& FEMA

-   The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) may send you a loan
    packet after you apply for assistance at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or
    [www.fema.gov]{.underline}. **It is very important to complete the
    forms in this packet and return them to the SBA as soon as you
    can.**

-   If you do not fill out and return the SBA application, you may not
    be eligible for other types of assistance.

***[Face-to-Face Help]{.underline}***

-   You can receive face-to-face help in filling out the SBA loan packet
    at any Disaster Recovery Center. For the nearest location, call the
    toll-free SBA Disaster Helpline at **1‑800‑359-2227**.

-   SBA low-interest loans are available to renters, homeowners,
    business owners, and non-profit organizations that suffered losses
    due to this disaster.

***[Loan Limits]{.underline}***

-   Homeowners may be eligible to borrow up to \$200,000 for real estate
    repairs.

-   Renters and homeowners may borrow up to \$40,000 for replacement of
    disaster-damaged personal property.

-   Businesses may apply for up to \$1.5 million for losses not fully
    covered by insurance.

-   SBA loans are made for the repair or replacement of real estate or
    personal property. You may also increase your loan up to 20 percent
    to spend on protective improvements that may help prevent damage
    from happening again.

**WHAT TYPES OF FEMA ASSISTANCE ARE PROVIDED?**

***[Housing Assistance]{.underline}***

Money for individuals to rent a different place to live (or a temporary
housing unit when rental properties are not available).

***[Repair]{.underline}***

Money for homeowners to repair damage from the disaster that is not
covered by insurance. The goal is to make the damaged home safe,
sanitary, and functional.

***[Replacement]{.underline}***

Limited funds may be available under rare conditions to replace a
disaster-destroyed home.

***[Other Needs Assistance]{.underline}***

Money for necessary and serious needs caused by the disaster, not
covered by insurance or other aid. This includes medical, dental,
funeral, personal property, transportation, and other expenses that FEMA
approves. You may need to apply for an SBA low-interest loan before
receiving certain assistance.

***[FEMA Information]{.underline}***

After you have applied for assistance, the FEMA Disaster Application and
Information Services line is a very useful resource. You may ask about
insurance programs, the status of your application, or how money from
various assistance programs may be used. FEMA assistance does not make
you whole again, but it can give you a helping hand to recover.

Government disaster assistance covers basic needs only and will not
normally compensate you for your entire loss. If you have insurance, the
government's assis­tance may help pay for basic needs not covered under
your insurance policy. Residents should contact their insurance agent
first, then, if they have unmet needs, they should call FEMA to apply.
Some disaster aid does not have to be paid back, while other types of
help may come in the form of loans. The FEMA representative will explain
the details to you when you call. You can also review your claim at the
online Individual Assistance Center at www.fema.gov.

**For Additional Information**

**Or to Check On Your**

**Disaster Assistance Application**

**1-800-621-FEMA (3362)**

TTY: 1-800-462-7585

or

**www.fema.gov**

*Disaster recovery assistance is available to any individual without
regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability
or economic status.*

![](media/image2.png){width="1.0in" height="0.4048611111111111in"}*If
you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call
FEMA toll-free at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of
Equal Rights.*

Guide to Disaster

Assistance Programs