Help After a Disaster

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program

May 2004
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the authority set forth in 

section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 

U.S.C. §5174-5204c and Title 44 of the Code Federal Regulations (CFR) may provide 

fi nancial assistance and if necessary direct services to eligible individuals and households 

who, as a direct result of a major disaster, have necessary expenses and serious needs and 

are unable to meet such expenses or needs through other means.
Table of Contents

Overview of The Individuals and 2

Households Program (IHP)

Types Of Assistance 2

Your Civil Rights And Disaster Assistance 3

Disaster Assistance Process 3

Eligibility 3

Types Of Eligible Losses 5

Important Information About Disaster Help 6

If You Are Eligible For Help 7

If You Are Not Eligible For Help 8

Information About Insurance and Disaster Help 10

I Want To Have My Case Reviewed Again (Appeal) 11

Rebuilding and Repairing— Mitigation Measures 12

Information About Additional Disaster Help Programs 13

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers 15

Declaration And Release Form 20
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Help After a Disaster 

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

Overview of The Individuals and 

Households Program(IHP)

PURPOSE: When disasters take place, the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)

provides money and services to people in the disaster area when losses are not covered by 

insurance and property has been damaged or destroyed.

This program guide provides information that will help you understand IHP and explains how 

to apply. You must meet specifi c eligibility conditions to qualify for help.

IHP is designed to help you with critical expenses that cannot be covered in other ways.

LIMITATIONS: IHP will not cover all of your losses from damage to your property (home, 

personal property, household goods) that resulted from the disaster.

IHP is not intended to restore your damaged property to its condition before the disaster. In 

some cases, IHP may only provide enough money, up to the program limits, for you to return 

an item to service.

IHP does not cover business-related losses that resulted from the disaster. 

By law, IHP cannot provide money to you for losses that are covered by your insurance.

While some money is available through IHP, most disaster aid from the Federal government 

is in the form of loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid. 

Applicants to IHP may be required to seek help from SBA fi rst, before being considered for 

certain types of IHP help.

Types of Assistance

The following list shows the types of assistance that are available through IHP and what 

each provides.

Temporary Housing (a place to live for a limited period of time): Money is available 

to rent a different place to live, or a government provided housing unit when rental 

properties are not available.

Repair: Money is available to 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.

Replace ment: Money is available to homeowners to replace their home destroyed in 

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Help After a Disaster 

the disaster that is not covered by insurance. The goal is to help the homeowner with 

the cost of replacing their destroyed home.

Permanent Housing Construction: Direct assistance or money for the construction of 

a home. This type of help occurs only in insular areas or remote locations specified by 

FEMA, where no other type of housing assistance is possible.

Other Needs: Money is available for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the 

disaster. This includes medical, dental, funeral, personal property, transportation, moving 

and storage, and other expenses that are authorized by law.

Your Civil Rights and Disaster Assistance

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) is the law that 

authorizes Federal assistance when the President declares a State to be a disaster area. Section 

308 of the Stafford Act protects individuals from discrimination on the basis of their race, color, 

religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status in all disaster assistance programs. Section 309 

of the Stafford Act applies these non-discrimination provisions to all private relief organizations 

participating in the response and recovery effort. 

In addition, Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 also protects individuals from discrimination 

on the basis of their race, color, or national origin in programs that receive Federal fi nancial assistance. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a Federal law that protects individuals 

with disabilities from discrimination in all programs receiving funds from the Federal government or operated by the Federal government. Section 508 of that law prohibits discrimination 

against persons with disabilities in regard to federally operated technology systems. 

Disaster Assistance Process

To be used by people in Presidentially declared disaster areas: 

1. Apply over the phone to FEMA Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired 

ONLY—call 1-800-462-7585). In addition to having a pen and paper, please have the following information ready to give to the person who takes your call:

• Your Social Security Number. 

• A description of your losses that were caused by the disaster.

• Insurance Information.

• Directions to your damaged property.

• A telephone number where you can be contacted.

When you apply over the phone, the information you provide is put into the computer and an 

application is generated. At this point you will be provided a FEMA application number. 

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

If you have questions AFTER you have applied for assistance or if the information you provided 

has changed, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired 

ONLY—call 1-800-462-7585). When you call, have your application number ready. This 

number will be given to you when you apply and will be on all mail sent to you from IHP.

2. Within about 10 days after you have applied for help, if an inspection is required to 

process your application, an inspector will contact you to make an appointment to visit your 

property. The inspector will contact you within 10 days of your application. In some cases you 

may be contacted the same day that you apply. The inspector will visit your property to assess the 

damage related to the disaster. There is no fee for the inspection. Inspectors are contractors, not FEMA 

employees, but your inspector will have FEMA identifi cation. You must be present for your scheduled 

appointment. You must have proof of ownership and occupancy to show the inspector.

• Proof of ownership (your deed, tax records, mortgage payment book, or a 

copy of your dwelling’s insurance policy for the address, showing you as the 

owner)

• Proof of occupancy (your driver’s license address, any fi rst-class government mail sent to you within the last 3 months at that address, or recent utility 

bills in your name at that address).

The Inspector will ask you to sign a form authorizing FEMA to verify that the information you 

have given is correct. Inspectors fi le your report but do not determine your eligibility.

3. Within about 10 days of the inspector’s visit, you will receive a letter from IHP informing 

you of the decision on your request for help. 

• If you are eligible for help, the letter will be followed by a U.S. Treasury/

State check or there will be a transfer of cash to your bank account. The letter 

will explain what the money can be used to pay for. You should use the money 

given to you as explained in the letter. 

• If you are not eligible for help, eligible for help, the letter will give the reason for the decision. You will be informed of your appeal rights in the letter from FEMA.

• If you were referred to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for 

help from the SBA Disaster Assistance Program, you will receive a SBA application.

Eligibility

To receive money or help for Housing Needs that are the result of a disaster, all of the following must be true:

• You have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President.

• You have fi led for insurance benefi ts and the damaged to your property is 

not covered by your insurance. You may be eligible for help from IHP to repair 

damage to your property.

• You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a noncitizen national, or a qualifi ed alien.

• Your home is in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President.

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Help After a Disaster 

• The home in the disaster area is where you usually live and where you were 

living at the time of the disaster.

• You are not able to live in your home now, you cannot get to your home due 

to the disaster, or your home requires repairs because of damage from the disaster.

To receive money for Other than Housing Needs that are the result of a disaster, all of the 

following must be true:

• You have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President. 

• You have fi led for insurance benefi ts and the damage to your property is not 

covered by your insurance. You may be eligible for help from IHP to repair 

damage to your property. 

• You or someone who lives with you is a citizen of the United States, a noncitizen national, or a qualifi ed alien. 

• You have necessary expenses or serious needs because of the disaster. 

• You have accepted assistance from all other sources for which you are eligible, such as insurance proceeds or SBA loans.

You may not be eligible for money or help from IHP if:

• You have other, adequate rent-free housing that you can use (for example, 

rental property that is not occupied).

• Your home that was damaged is your secondary or vacation residence.

• Your expenses resulted only from leaving your home as a precaution and 

you were able to return to your home immediately after the incident.

• You have refused assistance from your insurance provider(s).

• Your only losses are business losses (including farm business other than the 

farmhouse and self-employment) or items not covered by this program.

• The damaged home where you live is located in a designated fl ood hazard 

area and your community is not participating in the National Flood Insurance 

Program. In this case, the fl ood damage to your home would not be covered, 

but you may qualify for rental assistance or items not covered by fl ood insurance, such as water wells, septic systems, medical, dental, or funeral expenses.

Types of Eligible Losses

IHP only covers repair or replacement of items that are damaged as a direct result of the disaster 

that are not covered by insurance. Repairs or rebuilding may not improve your home above its 

pre-disaster condition unless such improvements are required by current building codes.

Housing Needs: Money to repair your home is limited to making your home safe and sanitary 

so you can live there. IHP will not pay to return your home to its condition before the disaster. 

You may use your money provided for housing needs to repair:

• Structural parts of your home (foundation, outside walls, roof).

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

• Windows, doors, floors, walls, ceilings, cabinetry.

• Septic or sewage system. 

• Well or other water system. 

• Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning system. 

• Utilities (electrical, plumbing, and gas systems). 

• Entrance and exit ways from your home, including privately owned access roads.

• Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a mobile home and reconnecting or 

resetting its sewer, water, electrical and fuel lines, and tanks.

Other than Housing Needs: Money to repair damaged personal property or to pay for disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs is limited to items or services that help prevent 

or overcome a disaster-related hardship, injury, or adverse condition. IHP will not pay to return 

or replace your personal property to its condition before the disaster. You may use your money 

provided for other than housing needs to repair or pay for:

• Disaster-related medical and dental costs.

• Disaster-related funeral and burial cost.

• Clothing; household items (room furnishings, appliances); tools (specialized or protective clothing and equipment) required for your job; necessary 

educational materials (computers, school books, supplies).

• Fuels for primary heat source (heating oil, gas, firewood) 

• Clean-up items (wet/dry vacuum, air purifier, dehumidifier) 

• Disaster damaged vehicle. 

• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster (moving and storing 

property to avoid additional disaster damage while disaster-related repairs are 

being made to the home). 

• Other necessary expenses or serious needs as determined by FEMA.

Important Information 

About Disaster Help

Money received from IHP for Housing and Other than Housing Needs must be used for eligible expenses only, as identified by FEMA.

• If you do not use the money as explained by FEMA, you may not be 

eligible for any additional help and may have to give the money back.

• Is usually limited to up to 18 months from the date the President declares 

the disaster.

• Does not have to be repaid.

• Is tax-free.

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Help After a Disaster 

• Is not counted as income or a resource in determining eligibility for 

welfare, income assistance, or income-tested benefit programs funded by the 

Federal government.

• Is exempt from garnishment, seizure, encumbrance, levy, execution, pledge, 

attachment, release, or waiver.

• May not be reassigned or transferred to another person. 

• You must keep receipts or bills for 3 years to demonstrate how all of the money was used 

in meeting your disaster-related need. 

Before you begin any repairs, check with your local building department to find out what 

local permits or inspections are required.

If You Are Eligible for Help

If your application for help under IHP has met the required conditions and has been approved, 

the money or help you receive must be used as described below. Money from this program may 

not be used to pay utilities or for staying with family or friends. Below is an explanation of the 

categories.

Dental: Money to address the cost of dental treatments due to dental injuries received during 

the disaster.

Funeral: Money to address the cost of funeral services, burial or cremation, and other funeral 

expenses related to a death caused by the disaster.

Home Repair: Money, available to homeowners, to address the cost of labor and materials for 

repairs to your home to make it safe, sanitary and/or functional.

Housing Assistance: Help with the cost of disaster-related housing needs.

Medical: Money to address the cost of medical treatment or the purchase of medical equipment required because of physical injuries received as a result of the disaster.

Moving and Storage: Money to address the costs of moving and storing personal property 

from the disaster-damage dwelling to avoid additional disaster-related damage.

Other: Money to address the cost of other specifi c disaster-related needs approved for the 

disaster.

Permanent Housing: Due to a lack of rental resources, the infeasibility of home repair and replacement housing assistance and the lack of available building contractors in your area, FEMA 

will have your home rebuilt. 

Personal Property: Money to address the cost of repairing and/or replacing disaster-damaged 

items, such as furniture, bedding, appliances, and clothing.

Rental Assistance: Money to address the cost of renting another place to live. For homeowners, this money may be provided in addition to Home Repair, if needed. 

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

Replacement Housing: Money to help with the cost of replacing your home, up to the limits 

allowed by law, because it is not safe, sanitary, and/or functional.

Transient Accommodations: Money to address the cost of temporary lodging expenses (hotel 

or motel) related to the disaster.

Transportation: Money to address the cost of repairing and/or replacing your vehicle that is 

no longer usable because of disaster-related damage.

If You are Not Eligible for Help

If your application for help under IHP has not met the required conditions and has been 

denied, then read below for an explanation of the denial reason.

I69B-Ineligible – Signature not Obtained (90-69B): The required signature or documents 

requested has not been provided. 

IANS – Applicant statement/Authorization (90-69B) not signed: The required signature or 

documents requested has not been provided.

IARC-ARC Assisted: Disaster assistance may not be provided when money is available from, or 

your needs have been met by, another source.

IAW-Ineligible – Assisted with Household Member: Our records show that another member 

of your pre-disaster household applied and received help for your losses.

ICBRA-Damaged Dwelling located in CBRA or OPA: Your home is located in a Coastal Barrier 

Resources System (CBRS) area or an otherwise protected area. Under Federal laws that protect 

these lands from development, we do not provide Federal assistance to persons who live in 

these areas. 

IDEA – Ineligible for dental due to previous EAD Award: The maximum amount of money 

under this category has been provided.

IDNS-Self-declaration (90-69D) not signed: The required signature or document requested 

has not been provided. 

IDUPA-Duplicate Application: Our records show that a member of your pre-disaster household has already registered for help.

IDUPL-Duplicate losses awarded under another application: Our records show that another 

member of your pre-disaster household has received help for your household’s losses.

IID-Ineligible – Insufficient Damage: There was not enough damage to your home or property 

for you to qualify for this program.

IINS – Ineligible due to insurance coverage: Your insurance should cover your disaster-related 

losses.

IINSI-Ineligible: All categories have appropriate insurance excluding flood, inspection 

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Help After a Disaster 

completed -Your insurance should cover your disaster-related losses.

IINSN – Ineligible due to insurance, no inspection completed: Your insurance should cover 

your disaster-related losses.

IISS-Ineligible – Insufficient Substantiation Submitted: You have not provided enough 

documentation to support your application for assistance.

IMEA – Ineligible for medical due to previous EAM Award: The maximum amount of 

money under this category has been provided.

INC-Ineligible – No change on appeal, original ineligible status stands: You are not eligible 

for any further assistance under this category. Your file is now closed.

INDR-Ineligible – Damages Not Disaster Related: The condition of your home was not 

caused or aggravated by the disaster.

INFI-Ineligible – Has Flood Insurance: Your insurance should cover your disaster-related 

losses.

INI-Ineligible – Ineligible Insurance: Your insurance should cover your disaster-related losses.

INLR-Ineligible – Not Legal Resident: In order to be eligible for assistance from this program, either you, an adult member of your household, or your child must be a U.S. Citizen, 

Non-Citizen National, or a Qualifi ed Alien.

INO-Ineligible-Other: Your application for assistance is denied. Please see specifi c reason on 

letter.

INP-Ineligible – Not Primary Residence: You have not provided enough documentation to 

prove the home that was damaged was the home where you were living at the time of the 

disaster. 

INS-Insured: Your insurance should cover your disaster-related losses.

INSL-Ineligible – Non-sufficient damages per inspection: There was not enough damage to 

your home or property for you to qualify for this program.

INSS-Ineligible – No substantiation submitted: You have not provided enough documentation to support your application for assistance.

IOR-Other Reason: Your application for assistance is denied. Please see specifi c reason on letter.

IOWN – Ownership Not Provided: You have not provided enough ownership documentation 

to prove ownership.

ISBA – SBA loan covered losses: Disaster assistance may not be provided when money is 

available from, or your needs have been met by, another source.

ISC – Sanctioned Community in SFHA: Your community does not participate in the National 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or has been suspended from the NFIP; you are not eligible for 

disaster assistance. If your community joins the NFIP within 6 months of this disaster declaration date, we may re-evaluate your need for assistance.

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

IVINS-Vehicle – No Liability Insurance: Disaster assistance may not be provided for a vehicle 

that does not meet the terms of state law.

IVNE-Vehicle – Non Essential: Disaster assistance may not be provided for a vehicle when a 

second vehicle is available.

IVNR-Vehicle – Not Licensed/Registered: Disaster assistance may not be provided for a 

vehicle that does not meet the terms of state law.

IVRC-Vehicle – Cosmetic Damage: There was not enough damage to your vehicle for you to 

qualify for this program.

NCOMP – Non-compliant with flood insurance requirement: Our records indicate that fl ood 

insurance on the damaged home has not been maintained as required. Failing to maintain 

fl ood insurance makes this home ineligible for assistance for damages to the property caused by 

fl ooding.

NPND-NFIRA – Non Compliance: Our records indicate that fl ood insurance on the damaged 

home has not been maintained as required. Failing to maintain fl ood insurance makes this 

home ineligible for assistance for damages to the property caused by fl ooding.

W69B-Withdrawn – Signature not Obtained (90-69B): Your application has been withdrawn because we have not received the required signature or documents requested. 

W69D-Withdrawn – Signature not Obtained (90-69D): Your application has been withdrawn because we have not received the required signature or documents requested. 

WNC-Withdrawn – No Contact: Your application for assistance has been withdrawn because 

we have not been able to contact you.

WNCS – No contact for State IFG: Your application for assistance has been withdrawn because we have not been able to contact you.

WVO-Withdrawn – Applicant Withdrew Voluntarily: At your request, we have withdrawn 

your application for assistance.

WVOA-Voluntary by Applicant: At your request, we have withdrawn your application for assistance.

Information About 

Insurance and Disaster Help

This page contains important information about insurance and disaster assistance.

If you have not already contacted your insurance agent to fi le a claim, please do this as soon 

as possible. Failure to fi le a claim with your insurance company may affect your eligibility for 

help under IHP. After fi ling your claim, if any of the following situations occur, please call the 

FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) for additional information. 

• Your insurance settlement is delayed. If a decision on your insurance 

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Help After a Disaster 

settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time you fi led the 

claim, you will need to write a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. 

You should include documentation from the insurance company proving that 

you fi led the claim. If you fi led your claim over the telephone, you should 

include the claim number, date when you applied, and the estimated time of 

how long it will take to receive your settlement. Any help awarded to you by 

FEMA would be considered an advance and must be repaid to FEMA once an 

insurance settlement is received.

• Your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related 

needs. If you have received the maximum settlement from your insurance 

and still have an unmet disaster-related need, you will need to write a letter to 

FEMA indicating the unmet disaster-related need. You will also need to send in 

documentation from your insurance company for review.

• You have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provided by 

your insurance company. If you have received the maximum settlement from 

your insurance for Additional Living Expenses (Loss of Use) and still need help 

with your disaster-related temporary housing need, write a letter to FEMA 

indicating why you continue to have a temporary housing need. You will also 

need to provide documentation to prove use of ALE from insurance, and a 

permanent housing plan.

• You are unable to locate rental resources in your area. The FEMA 

Helpline has a list of rental resources in the disaster area. If no resources 

are available in your county, then the Helpline agent can provide you with 

resources in an adjacent county.

You have up to twelve (12) months from the date you registered with FEMA to submit your 

insurance information for review. By law, IHP cannot provide money to individuals or 

households for losses that are covered by insurance.

I Want to Have My Case Reviewed Again 

(APPEAL)

You may appeal any decision. Appeals may relate to your eligibility, the amount or type 

of help provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or questions regarding 

continuing help. When you appeal a decision, you are asking IHP to review your case again. 

Before you appeal a decision, please refer to the specifi c information in this guide about qualifying for help. This guide should answer most of your questions about the expenses covered 

under this program.

If, after you review this guide, you still do not agree with the decision about your application 

or help received, follow these steps to appeal the decision:

1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is not correct. You, or someone who represents you or your house11
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

hold, should sign the letter. If the person writing the letter is not a member of your 

household, there must be a signed statement saying that that person may act for you.

2. Include the FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of 

your decision letter) in your letter of appeal.

3. Mail your appeal letter to:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

4. You can fax you appeal letter to: 

 (800) 827-8112

 Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

IMPORTANT: To be considered by IHP, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days 

of the date of the decision letter’s date. Remember to date your letters.

If you need information about your case, you or someone from your household may 

request a copy of the information in your fi le by writing to:

FEMA – Records Management

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055 

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

If someone outside of your household is submitting the request for you, then 

the request also must contain a statement signed by you giving that person your 

authorization to request this information.

Rebuilding and Repairing — 

Mitigation Measures

Mitigation measures are building improvements that reduce the risk of damage in future events. 

After a major disaster, you will make many decisions as you rebuild or repair property that was 

damaged. Some of these decisions could help protect your property from damage if another 

disaster occurs. For example, if appliances or major utilities are raised off the ground, the likelihood of damage from fl ooding is reduced. 

A FEMA Mitigation Advisor at your local Disaster Recovery Center can give you more informa12
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Help After a Disaster 

tion about reducing future losses through mitigation. Listed below are a few examples of 

mitigation measures.

• Elevate or relocate an electrical panel

• Elevate or relocate a clothes washer or dryer

• Anchor a fuel storage tank

• Level and anchor a mobile home

• Elevate, relocate, or strap a water heater

• Relocate a heating unit.

 Elevation of a hot water heater, furnace, washer and dryer.

For information about mitigation projects such as the one shown on this page, call or visit your 

local emergency management-planning offi cial, State Hazard Mitigation Offi cer, or FEMA staff 

at a Disaster Recovery Center. Information on mitigation also is available at: www.fema.gov.

To order publications about mitigation projects, call FEMA Publications at 1-800-480-2520.

Information About Additional Disaster Help Programs 

This section contains a general listing of the types of disaster help available during a Presidentially declared major disaster. During a major disaster if you feel you have disaster-related 

needs that can be addressed by an agency or service listed in this section, you should contact 

the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)(hearing/speech impaired ONLY—call 

1-800-462-7585) for referral information.

Aging Services: Services are available to meet the needs of the elderly who have been directly 

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FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) • Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585

Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

affected by a declared disaster (i.e., transportation, meals, home care, etc.). 

Agricultural Aid: The USDA Rural Development may make emergency loans to farmers and 

ranchers (owners or tenants) who were operating and managing a farm or ranch at the time 

of the disaster. These loans are limited to the amount necessary to compensate for actual losses 

to essential property and/or production capacity. Farmers and ranchers may also apply for cost 

sharing grants for emergency conservation programs such as debris removal from crop/pasture 

lands, repairs to land/water conservation structures, and permanent fencing. Further information is available from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). 

Assistance From Financial Institutions: Banks that are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Federal Reserve System (FRS), or the Federal Home Loan Bank Board 

(FHLBB) may permit early withdrawal of time deposits, without penalty. Contact your fi nancial 

institution to see if they have obtained a waiver from their regulatory agency. 

Business Loan Program: Disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) 

are available to businesses to repair or replace destroyed or damaged business facilities, inventory, machinery, or equipment. The maximum loan amount is $ 1,500,000. If you have been 

referred to this program you will be receiving an application package in the mail. For more 

information or help in completing this form, refer to your SBA application package or the SBA 

website at www.sba.gov.

Consumer Services: Counseling is available on consumer problems such as non-availability of 

products and services needed for reconstruction, price gouging, disreputable business concerns 

and practices, etc. 

Crisis Counseling: Referral services and short-term intervention counseling is available for 

mental health problems caused or aggravated by the disaster. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance: This assistance provides weekly benefi t payments to 

those out of work due to the disaster, including self-employed persons, farm and ranch owners, 

and others not covered under regular unemployment insurance programs. 

Emergency Assistance: Emergency food, clothing, shelter, and medical assistance may be 

provided to individuals and families having such needs as a result of the disaster. The American 

Red Cross (ARC), the Salvation Army, church groups, and other voluntary organizations can 

provide assistance. 

Hazard Mitigation: You may receive funds to prevent future damage to your major utilities 

(i.e., furnace, water heater, electrical service) by either elevation or relocation of these utilities 

in your home. 

Home and Personal Property Loan Program: Disaster loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) are available to homeowners and renters for restoring or replacing disaster 

damaged real and personal property. The maximum real estate portion of the loan is $200,000 

and for personal property is $40,000. The loan amount is limited to the amount of uninsured 

SBA verifi ed losses. If you have been referred to this program you will fi nd more information 

in the “Application Summary” on the back of the Disaster Assistance Application Form. 

Insurance Information: Help and/or counseling is available on insurance problems and questions, which may include obtaining copies of lost policies, claims fi ling, expediting settlements, 

etc. If you have not been able to resolve your problem with your insurance company you may 

contact your State Insurance Commissioner. For fl ood insurance inquiries, contact the National 

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Help After a Disaster 

Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 

Legal Services: Free or reduced legal services, including legal advice, counseling, and representation may be provided to low-income disaster victims. 

Social Security: Help is available from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in expediting 

delivery of checks delayed by the disaster and in applying for Social Security disability and 

survivor benefi ts.. 

Federal Tax Assistance: The federal tax laws allow the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to grant 

relief to taxpayers who are victims of a Presidentially declared disaster. This relief includes postponing tax deadlines to provide you with extra time to file and pay before you will be assessed 

any penalty, additional amount, or addition to the tax, or abating your interest for periods for 

which you received an extension of time to file tax returns and pay taxes because you were 

located in a Presidentially declared disaster area. 

Generally, qualifi ed disaster relief payments are not required to be reported in gross income. 

Qualifi ed disaster relief payments include payments received from any source to pay reasonable 

and necessary personal, family, living, or funeral expenses incurred as a result of a Presidentially 

declared disaster. The IRS may allow casualty losses that were suffered on home, personal 

property, and household goods to be deducted on the income tax return if they are not covered 

by insurance. Taxpayers may also fi le an amended return to receive an early tax refund. More 

information, forms and publications can be found on the IRS web at http://www.irs.gov/

newsroom/article/0,,id=108362,00.html 

Other Tax Assistance: County tax assessors may provide information and assistance on possible property tax relief. 

Veteran’s Benefits: The Veterans Administration (VA) can expedite delivery of information 

about benefi ts, pensions, insurance settlements, and VA mortgage loans. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

Disaster Awards: Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What is FEMA? FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is responsible for providing and coordinating emergency services in Federally declared disaster 

areas. FEMA works as a partner with other parts of the Federal government and with 

State and local governments and voluntary organizations.

What types of help are available in a disaster? Two primary Federal programs offer disaster assistance.

• FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program provides money and direct 

services to those affected by a major disaster. Requirements must be met to 

qualify for help from this program.

• The U.S. Small Business Administration Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans for provides low-interest loans for

damage to property owned by homeowners, renters, businesses and private non15
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Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

profit organizations that are not fully covered by insurance.

Does disaster help have to be repaid? Money received through FEMA’s Individuals and Households 

Program does not have to be repaid. Loans from the Small Business Administration must be repaid.

Can I apply for help for my damaged car? Yes. You will need to provide proof of ownership and 

insurance information.

Can I apply for help for food that has been lost because of the disaster? No. Food loss is not covered by IHP. 

Voluntary organizations in the disaster area may be able to help you with food needs.

Will any program pay for moving and storage expenses? Costs of moving and storage may be covered 

by IHP, if these costs are directly related to the disaster. Submit receipts to IHP to see if they are 

covered.

What happens after I apply for help with FEMA? Within about ten days of your application to FEMA, 

a qualifi ed inspector will contact you to set up a time to see the damage to your property that 

was caused by the disaster. Your losses will be recorded and submitted to IHP. Within about 

ten more days, you should have a decision about whether you qualify for help from IHP. If you 

have been referred for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SBA 

will also contact you and schedule an appointment to review your disaster-related losses.

How long will it take to get FEMA/State disaster help? If you are eligible for help, you should receive 

a U.S. Treasury/State check or notifi cation of a deposit to your bank account within about ten 

days of the inspector’s visit. Other types of help may be provided later, based on specifi c eligibility and need.

If I have questions about my application or need to change some of the information I provided, what should I 

do? Call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech impaired 

only: 1-800-462-7585).

If it has been more than 12 days since the FEMA inspector’s visit and there has been no word from FEMA, 

what should I do? Call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech 

impaired only: 1-800-462-7585) to ask about your application. If there is a Disaster Recovery 

Center (DRC) in your area, you also may inquire there about your application.

If I do not agree with the results of the inspection or with the amount of money I received from FEMA, what 

should I do? You can appeal the decision. Appeal procedures are outlined in this guide (page 

12), or you can call the FEMA Disaster Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (hearing/speech 

impaired only: 1-800-462-7585) for information about the appeal process.

What type of ownership documentation can I provide to support my application for help? Below are a few 

types of documents that may be provided to prove ownership: 

• Deed or Official record may be the original deed or deed of trust to the 

property listing you as the legal owner. 

• Title number which lists you on the actual escrow or title document for the 

purchase of the dwelling. 

• Mortgage payment book or other mortgage documents (i.e. late payment 

notice, foreclosure notice) may be used to verify the ownership when your 

name is listed along with the damaged dwelling address. 

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Help After a Disaster 

• Real property insurance must be for the damage dwelling you are occupying with your name listed as the Insured. 

• Tax receipts or a property tax bill showing the damaged dwelling and listing 

you as the responsible party to the assessments.

What type of occupancy documentation can I provide to support my application for help? Below are a few 

types of documents that may be provided to prove Occupancy:

• Utility Bill for the damage dwelling you are occupying with your name (or 

name of co-applicant). The utility bill should be for one of the major utilities, 

such as electricity, gas, or water.

• Merchant’s Statement sent to the damage dwelling you are occupying with 

your name (or name of co-applicant). Merchant statements include: credit 

card bills, delivery notices, or other first class mail addressed to you and showing the damaged dwelling address. 

• Employer’s Statement sent to the damage dwelling you are occupying with 

your name (or name of co-applicant). An Employer’s statement refers to pay stubs 

and similar documents sent to you and showing the damaged dwelling address. 

• Current Driver’s License showing the address of the damage dwelling.

Where can I get information about flood insurance? Call a local, licensed casualty or property insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 1-800-427-4661.

Should I begin cleaning my home before the inspection? You may clean before the inspection. If possible, 

take photos of the damage before you clean. Remember to keep receipts for all of your expenses.

Disaster Loans: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)

Why did I receive a disaster loan application from SBA after applying with FEMA? SBA is the primary 

source of federal funds for long-term recovery assistance for disaster victims. For disaster damage to private property owned by homeowners, renters, and non-farm businesses of all sizes, 

which is not fully covered by insurance, the basic form of Federal help is a low-interest disaster 

loan from the SBA. By making affordable loans, the SBA disaster loan program helps disaster 

victims pay for their repairs while keeping costs to the taxpayer reasonable.

How can I get help filling out the application for an SBA disaster loan? SBA has loan offi cers in SBA local 

disaster offi ces to provide face-to-face service to disaster victims. You may visit SBA at any of 

these locations, and without an appointment. An SBA representative will be glad to answer 

questions and to help complete your application. To fi nd out where SBA disaster offi ces are 

located an applicant can call SBA toll-free at 1-800-488-5323.

If I have already received a check from FEMA, but it was not enough to pay for all the work needed to fix the 

disaster damages, can I get more help? Yes. SBA disaster loans are available to cover the amount of 

repair costs that have not already been fully compensated. Application should be made to SBA 

for any additional amount needed to complete recovery.

I think I can pay for the repairs on my own, should I apply for a disaster loan? You may discover that the 

total costs to complete repairs on your own are more than you planned. With an approved SBA loan, you 

will know that the funds to make full repairs are available. While no one wants additional debt, a low 

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Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

interest loan with affordable payments is a better alternative than not making complete disaster repairs.

What happens if I cannot afford a loan to repair damaged property? If SBA determines you cannot afford 

a loan, SBA will automatically refer you back to FEMA for additional help. FEMA may be able 

to provided money for other than housing needs, however this additional help is not available 

to businesses. FEMA’s additional help is intended to meet necessary expenses and serious needs 

not met by any other form of help, including insurance and SBA disaster loans. Remember, 

if you were sent a SBA disaster loan application, SBA will not refer you back to FEMA unless a 

completed loan application is returned to the SBA and SBA determines that you cannot afford a 

loan.

Your Civil Rights and Disaster Assistance

What forms of discrimination do Civil Rights laws prohibit? There are many forms of illegal 

discrimination that can limit the opportunity of people to gain equal access to services and 

programs. Among other things, in operating a FEMA-assisted program, a recipient (state or 

local government agency that receives Federal disaster funds from FEMA) cannot, on the basis 

of race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, or economic status, either directly or through 

contractual means:

• Deny program services, aids or benefi ts;

• Provide a different service, aid or benefi t, or provide them in a manner different than they are provided to others; or, 

• Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the receipt 

of any service, aid, or benefi t.

These prohibitions also apply to FEMA itself in its operation of federally conducted programs.

What if I have a Civil Rights complaint? Each Federal Agency that provides Federal fi nancial 

assistance is responsible for investigating complaints of discrimination in the use of its funds. 

If you believe you or others protected by the Civil Rights laws have been discriminated against 

in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact a FEMA Equal Rights Offi cer (ERO), who has 

the job of ensuring equal access to all FEMA disaster programs. The ERO will attempt to resolve 

your issues. You may reach the ERO by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362) or TTY 1-

800-462-7585.

If the matter is not resolved, you may fi le a complaint with FEMA. A signed, written complaint 

should be sent to the Offi ce of Equal Rights, generally within 180 days of the date of the 

alleged discrimination. The complaint must include:

• Your name, address, and telephone number. Your complaint must be 

signed. If you are fi ling on behalf of another person, include your name, 

address, telephone number, and your relationship to that person (e.g., friend, 

attorney, parent, etc.)

• The name and address of the agency, institution or department you believe 

discriminated against you. 

• How, why, and when you believe you were discriminated against. Include 

as much background information as possible about the alleged acts of discrimination. Include names of individuals whom you allege discriminated 

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Help After a Disaster 

against you, if you know them.

• The names of any persons, if known, that FEMA could contact for additional 

information to support or clarify your allegations. operation of federally conducted programs.

What will FEMA do with my complaint? Once a complaint is fi led, it will be reviewed by FEMA 

to determine whether it has jurisdiction to investigate the issues you have raised. If your 

complaint is accepted, FEMA will investigate it and attempt to resolve any violations that are 

found. If negotiations to correct a violation are unsuccessful, enforcement proceedings may be 

instituted.

What if I am retaliated against for asserting my rights or fi ling a complaint? You should be aware that a 

recipient or a Federal agency is prohibited from retaliating against you or any person because 

he or she opposed an unlawful policy or practice, or made charges, testifi ed, or participated 

in any complaint action under a Civil Rights law. If you believe that you have been retaliated 

against, you should immediately contact FEMA’s Offi ce of Equal Rights.

IF YOU SUSPECT SOMEONE IS FILING FALSE 

DAMAGE CLAIMS, CALL THE FEMA FRAUD 

HOTLINE AT:

1-800-323-8603.

HELP FEMA MAKE SURE THAT DISASTER AID 

GOES ONLY TO THOSE WHO DESERVE IT. IT IS A 

VIOLATION OF FEDERAL LAW TO FILE A FALSE 

CLAIM.

FEMA assistance is available to any affected person or household that meets the 

conditions of eligibility. No Federal, State, or local entity or offi cial (or their agent) may 

discriminate against any individual because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national 

origin, disability, or economic status.

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Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals and Households Program

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