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 provides low-interest loans for damage to property owned by homeowners, renters, businesses and private non-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 (IHP) 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 qualified 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 notification 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 specific 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.
• 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 damaged 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.

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.