I Was Affected by a Natural Disaster
After a federally declared disaster, a set of emergency programs activates specifically for affected households — including FEMA individual assistance, Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP), disaster unemployment, and crisis housing resources. Most have short application windows after the disaster declaration. Act quickly.
What to do — in order
Register with FEMA immediately
Register at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. FEMA can provide cash assistance for home repairs, temporary housing, and other disaster-related costs. You must register even if you are not sure whether you qualify — the deadline is typically 60 days after the disaster declaration. Registration is free.
disasterassistance.gov ↗Apply for Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) if available in your area
When USDA activates D-SNAP in a disaster area, it provides one-time food benefits to affected households — including those who do not normally qualify for regular SNAP. Application windows are short (often 5-7 days). Watch for announcements from your state SNAP agency and local news. Regular SNAP recipients receive automatic supplemental benefits in declared disaster areas.
Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If the disaster destroyed your place of work or you cannot work because of disaster-related injuries, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides benefits to people not covered by regular unemployment insurance (including self-employed workers). Apply through your state unemployment agency within 30 days of the DUA announcement.
Contact 2-1-1 for emergency shelter and local resources
2-1-1 operators are updated in real time during disasters and can direct you to emergency shelters, food distribution sites, and other local resources. If phone lines are down, text your ZIP code to 898-211.
Apply for regular SNAP, LIHEAP, and Medicaid if newly eligible
Disaster-related loss of income may qualify you for regular benefit programs you did not previously use. Apply for SNAP, Medicaid, and LIHEAP while the programs are actively processing applications. Disaster-area households often qualify for expedited SNAP processing.
Programs that may apply to your situation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I qualify for FEMA assistance if I rent rather than own?
Yes. FEMA provides assistance to both homeowners and renters. Renters can receive funds for replacing essential belongings, temporary housing costs, and other disaster-related expenses. You do not need to own your home to register.
What is D-SNAP and who qualifies?
Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) is activated by USDA in federally declared disaster areas. It provides one-time food benefits to households that suffered disaster-related losses and meet modified income requirements — including households that typically earn too much for regular SNAP. Existing SNAP recipients receive automatic supplemental benefits and do not need to apply for D-SNAP.
FEMA denied my application. Can I appeal?
Yes. You have 60 days from the denial letter to appeal. Request reconsideration by writing to FEMA and explaining why you believe you qualify. Common denial reasons include: not enough documentation of residency, unclear ownership, or missing receipts. Legal aid organizations can help with FEMA appeals at no cost.
My landlord says I have to leave because of disaster damage. What are my rights?
In federally declared disaster areas, some eviction protections apply. Contact your local legal aid organization immediately — many have disaster-specific hotlines after major events. FEMA's Individuals and Households Program can also provide temporary housing assistance while your situation is resolved.
If you are denied
Every major program has an appeal process. A denial is not the end — many are reversed on appeal. See our Appeals Guide for program-specific deadlines and strategies.