How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

New Yorkers recovering from the impact of a federally declared disaster can register for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Assistance for losses may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low - cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help recover from the effects of the disaster. Even those with insurance may be eligible for help from FEMA if their insurance policy does not cover all their needs.

Before you Register

Check with FEMA to see if your area is covered by the disaster declaration.

When you are ready to apply, have the following information ready:

  • Phone number
  • Current and pre-disaster address
  • Total household annual income
  • Social Security number, if available
  • A general list of damages and losses
  • If insured, the name of insurance company, agent and policy number
  • Bank routing number and account number for any direct deposit.

Step 1: Register with FEMA

There are several ways to register:

After applying for aid, you will receive a nine-digit registration number that can be used for reference when corresponding with FEMA.

Step 2: Receive a property inspection

Within a few days of registration, eligible applicants will be given an appointment to have their damaged property inspected. The inspectors, who are FEMA contractors and carry identification badges, visit to make a record of damage. They do not make a determination regarding assistance. There is no cost for the inspection.

Step 3: Status Letters and Follow-Up

All applicants will receive a letter from FEMA regarding the status of their requests for federal assistance. Some will also receive an application for a low-interest disaster recovery loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Those who receive an application packet from the SBA should complete and submit the forms. No one is required to accept a loan but submitting the application may open the door to additional FEMA grants.

Questions

Anyone who has questions about FEMA or about a letter from FEMA should call (800) 621-3362 or TTY, (800) 462-7585.