When a hurricane damages your home, property, or income, FEMA provides federal help that can cover temporary housing, repairs, medical needs, transportation, and other disaster-related costs. The application process is straightforward, but you must follow each step carefully to avoid delays or denied claims.

This guide explains exactly how to apply, what documents you need, how inspections work, and what to do if FEMA denies your application.

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1. Understand What FEMA Assistance Covers

FEMA offers several types of support after a hurricane:

Housing Assistance

• Temporary hotel stays
• Rental assistance for another home
• Home repairs to restore essential living areas
• Replacement funds if the home is destroyed (limited amount)

Other Needs Assistance (ONA)

• Medical, dental, and funeral costs caused by the disaster
• Childcare help
• Transportation repair or replacement
• Cleaning items and essential personal property
• Moving and storage
• Hazardous debris removal from inside the home

Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans

SBA loans are part of disaster assistance. FEMA may refer you to the SBA for low-interest loans to repair or replace:

• Homes
• Vehicles
• Personal belongings
• Business property

You must complete the SBA application if FEMA instructs you, or you may miss out on additional grants.

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2. Check Eligibility Before Applying

You qualify for FEMA assistance if:

• You live in an area declared a federal disaster zone.
• You are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have a qualifying immigration status.
• You had hurricane-related losses.
• The damaged home was your primary residence (not a vacation home).

Renters, homeowners, and individuals living in mobile homes are all eligible.

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3. Apply for FEMA Assistance (Three Easy Methods)

Apply as soon as the area is declared a federal disaster area. Use one of these methods:

A. Apply Online (Fastest)

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
You can:

• Create an account
• Upload documents
• Track your case
• Receive notifications

B. Apply by Phone

Call FEMA’s Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)
TTY users: 1-800-462-7585

This option helps if you do not have internet access.

C. Apply In Person

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you.
FEMA staff can:

• Help you complete the application
• Explain your case status
• Assist with appeals
• Accept documents

Search locations at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA mobile app.

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4. Information You Must Provide When Applying

FEMA needs complete and accurate information:

• Your full name and date of birth
• Social Security number
• Address of the damaged home
• Description of hurricane-related damage
• Current contact information
• Insurance coverage (homeowners, renters, flood, or auto)
• Total household income
• Banking details for direct deposit

If insurance covers part of your loss, FEMA cannot issue funds for the same expenses, but you may still qualify for unmet needs.

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5. Upload or Submit Required Documents

Depending on your situation, FEMA may request:

• Proof of identity (ID card, passport, Social Security card)
• Proof of occupancy (utility bill, lease, phone bill)
• Proof of ownership (deed, mortgage, property tax documents)
• Insurance policies and settlement letters
• Repair estimates or contractor quotes
• Bank statements or financial records

Upload documents through your online FEMA account or bring them to a Disaster Recovery Center.

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6. Home Inspection Process

FEMA may schedule a home inspection to verify the hurricane damage.

How It Works

• An inspector contacts you by phone or text.
• The inspection is free.
• They check structural damage, utilities, and essential living spaces.
• They do not assess cosmetic repairs like painting or cosmetic flooring.

Inspection Tips

• Be present or appoint a trusted adult.
• Have your FEMA registration number ready.
• Show all damaged areas.
• Provide any insurance claim information.

If your home is inaccessible, FEMA may ask for photos, videos, or alternative documentation.

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7. After the Inspection: Understanding Your FEMA Letter

You will receive a decision letter by mail or in your FEMA account. It explains:

• Whether you are approved
• How much money you will receive
• What the funds are for
• Next steps
• If denied, the specific reason

Common Denial Reasons

• Missing documents
• Insurance funds not exhausted yet
• FEMA couldn’t verify identity, occupancy, or ownership
• Home was not your primary residence
• Damage not caused by the hurricane

You can fix most denials by submitting corrected paperwork.

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8. How to Appeal a FEMA Denial

You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA letter to file an appeal.

Steps to Appeal

1. Write a simple, clear appeal letter stating why FEMA’s decision was wrong.
2. Include your FEMA registration number, disaster number, and your signature.
3. Attach supporting documents such as:
   • Repair estimates
   • Contractor statements
   • Insurance settlement documents
   • Proof of ownership/occupancy
4. Upload your appeal online or mail it to the address in your FEMA letter.

FEMA usually responds within 30–90 days.

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9. How and When FEMA Issues Payments

If approved, FEMA sends money by:

• Direct deposit (fastest)
• Paper check by mail

You may receive multiple payments if your situation changes—for example, if you need more rental assistance or your home requires more repairs.

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10. Keep Your FEMA Case Updated

Notify FEMA right away if:

• You change your phone number
• You change your address
• Insurance approves or denies your claim
• Damage gets worse
• You cannot live in your home

Failure to update your case may delay payments.

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11. Additional Help You Can Access

Besides FEMA and SBA loans, you may qualify for:

• Red Cross emergency shelter and supplies
• Local and state disaster grants
• Temporary hotels through FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program
• Nonprofit support such as Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and United Way
• Rent, utility, or food assistance from local churches
• Long-term case management through VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster)

These resources can fill gaps FEMA does not cover.

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Final Thoughts

Applying for FEMA disaster assistance after a hurricane takes careful attention to detail, but the steps are clear. Submit your application as early as possible, provide accurate documents, and respond quickly to FEMA’s requests. If you get denied, file an appeal with supporting evidence.

With the right information and preparation, you can secure the help you need to recover and rebuild your home and daily life.