Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Got questions? This page offers a list of frequently asked questions where you may be able to find answers. Just click on a question to see the answer. If you can’t find the answer you're looking for, please Contact Us.

Common Tech Questions

Who do I contact for help with the site?

We have contacts for different kinds of help for the site:

For help to create or sign in to your account:
Visit the Login.gov Help Center.
Login.gov can’t answer questions about your application or information in your account, or questions about other technical problems on our site.
For help with other technical questions or site errors:
Call the Internet Help Desk: 1-800-745-0243, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
The Help Desk can’t answer questions about how to create or sign in to your account, or questions about your application or information in your account.
For help with your application or information in your account, or to make updates:
Call the FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
The Helpline can’t answer questions about how to create or sign in to your account or questions about other technical problems on the site.

Why do I keep getting an error message and have to start my application over again?

You must keep a constant link to the internet when you apply. If it cuts off, that may stop your session and mean you need to log in again or start your application over.

You should try to check your internet strength before you start.

What is reCAPTCHA? How can I get it to work?

ReCAPTCHA is a simple puzzle to make sure a person is filling out the application and not a robot. (It works with screen-readers.)

On the screen, you will find a checkbox next to the words “I’m not a robot.”
Click in this box.
When the puzzle appears, it shows a group of pictures.
To solve the puzzle, the text at the top tells you what you need to do: Select as many pictures as you can of the object it asks for. Or, if offered, click Skip if there are none.
When you’re finished, click Verify.
If you selected enough of the right pictures, a green checkmark appears next to “I’m not a robot.”
Click Submit.

If you have trouble with the pictures, you can do one of the following:

Click the circle arrow icon to get a new challenge.
Click the headphones icon to get an audio challenge.
Click the “i” icon to read a tooltip or get reCAPTCHA help.

If you still have problems, be sure to check your internet strength. Close your browser and re-open it to ensure the webpage is updated.

How do I create an account?

You must have an account to do any of the following:

Finish an application you already started.
Check the status of a current application.
Get messages from FEMA.
Send files to FEMA.
Update information.

You can read Create your Login.gov account or follow the steps below:

Click Check Status on the Home page or from the Get Assistance menu.
Click Create an account under the First time using Login.gov? section.
Enter your email address.
Select the email language you prefer.
Read the “Rules of Use” and check the box to accept.
Click Submit.
You will be asked to check your email to confirm the email address. Follow the instructions in the email. (You must confirm to finish your account set-up.)
After you confirm, you’ll go back to Login.gov and be asked to Create a strong password.
Create your password and click Continue.
Select your authentication method setup and click Continue.
Follow the instructions for that method and submit the response it asks for. You will get a message once confirmed.
You may click add another method to set up a backup method or just click skip for now.
You will be asked to continue to DisasterAssistance.gov (with your email address shown), and you must click agree and continue to finish your set-up.
You will get messages that confirm your account and say you’re already signed in.
Click Continue to go back to DisasterAssistance.gov.

That’s it! You have an account now.

To link other application(s) to your account, if asked, just enter your Date of Birth and Social Security Number, then click Submit. You will go to the Application Summary screen.

If you have questions or need help to create or sign in to your account, visit the Login.gov Help center. You must contact Login.gov directly. (If you get an error, click skip verification to go to the page.) You must contact Login.gov directly. The FEMA Internet Help Desk and FEMA Helpline can’t answer questions or assist with these issues.

To comply with the Privacy Act, Login.gov staff can't create an account for you. Neither can the FEMA Internet Help Desk or FEMA Helpline.

You must contact the FEMA Helpline or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for help with your application or information in your account.

How is my application linked to my Login.gov account?

When you create or sign in to your Login.gov account from your application, it will link right away.

If you create or sign in to your account for the first time from Check Status on the Home page or the Get Assistance menu, you must enter your Social Security number (SSN) and date of birth (DOB) to link your account. After this, all applications with your SSN and DOB will link to your account.

Note: Please double-check your SSN and DOB to make sure they’re correct. You’ll get an error and won’t be able to link if those fields don’t match in both your application and account.

If I already have a Login.gov account, can I use that account here?

Yes, you can use your current Login.gov account. You can sign in when you click Sign In or Create an Account from the account screen on the application.

Or just click Check Status from the Home page or Get Assistance menu to sign in. Follow the prompts to link to your account.

What happened to my previous FEMA account if I now sign in through Login.gov?

Nothing has happened to your account. Only the way you sign in to your account has changed. You’ll only see Login.gov screens during sign-in.

All of your past information and other account functions are still the same.

Why won’t the system accept the password I want to create?

When you create an account, you should create a strong password that meets these rules:

Must be at least 12 characters – any characters. Login.gov has no other restrictions.
Can use words with spaces to get to 12 characters – maybe use a phrase or series of words only you know.
Should be different from passwords you use for other accounts. Re-using the same password makes identity theft easier.

If you need help to create or sign in to your account: Visit the Login.gov Help Center.

Login.gov can’t answer questions about your application or information in your account or questions about other technical problems on our site.

I get an error when I try to set up my account. What should I do?

For help to create your account: Visit the Login.gov Help Center. You must contact them directly for account help.

Neither the FEMA Helpline nor the Internet Help Desk can answer questions about how to create or sign in to your account.

Login.gov can’t answer questions about your application or information in your account or questions about other technical problems on our site.

FEMA’s Internet Help Desk can’t answer questions about account creation or sign-in or questions about your application or information in your account. You must contact the FEMA Helpline or visit a DRC for account or application help.

The FEMA Helpline can’t answer questions about account creation or sign-in or questions about other technical problems on the site.

I get errors when I try to sign in. What should I do?

For help to sign in to your account: Visit the Login.gov Help Center. You must contact them directly for account help.

Neither the FEMA Helpline nor the Internet Help Desk can answer questions about how to create or sign in to your account.

Login.gov can’t answer questions about your application or information in your account or questions about other technical problems on our site.

The FEMA Helpline can’t answer questions about account creation or sign-in or questions about other technical problems on the site.

What is a secure access code and why do I need one?

A secure access code is a way to prove you’re the person asking for access to an account. It’s a 6-number code the system sends out and you can only use it once.

But you’ll only need one if the email address in your application doesn’t match the one in your Login.gov account.

To skip this step next time, update the email address in your application to match the one in your account. You must get a new code each time you sign in if the email addresses don’t match.

You can select how you want to get the code – by text, email, or voice call. We pull the phone number(s) and email address from your application. The code will change each time you get a new one.

Will I need to have a secure access code every time I sign in to my account?

You only need a secure access code if the email address in your application doesn’t match the one in your Login.gov account. But you must get a new code each time you sign in if the email addresses don’t match.

To skip this step, update the email address in your application to match the one in your account.

Do I need a secure access code to get updates when I call the FEMA Helpline?

No. When you call the FEMA Helpline, we use other information to confirm your identity. The agent must confirm your identity before they can give you information.

I already have a PIN and password. Do I need a secure access code to sign in to my account?

With the move of DisasterAssistance.gov accounts to Login.gov, we no longer use PINs. And you will only need a secure access code if the email address in your application doesn’t match the one in your Login.gov account.

You will need a new secure access code each time you sign in if the email addresses don’t match. But to skip this step later, update the email address in your application to match the one in your account.

If you need help to create or sign in to your account: Visit the Login.gov Help Center.

Login.gov can’t answer questions about your application or information in your account or questions about other technical problems on our site.

Before You Apply

When can I apply for assistance?

You may apply for FEMA disaster assistance if there is an approved disaster declaration in your area that includes Individual Assistance. The assistance for each disaster may vary.

To find out if your area is declared:

Click Apply Now on the Home page or Get Assistance menu and, when asked for your location, enter your ZIP Code or city and state, then click Next.
On the disaster selection screen, choose your disaster, then click Next.
On the Select Your Area screen, click the field to get the drop-down list, choose your area, then click Next.
If your area is declared, you will move on in the process. If not, you will get a message that it’s not declared, but you may click Next to move on and apply anyway..

What if my county isn't declared?

Do you have damage from a disaster but your county or area isn’t declared for Individual Assistance?

Sometimes other areas are added to the declaration later. You can come back and check to find out if your area has been added. You can also visit FEMA's Disaster Declarations page.

You may also contact your state emergency management agency to find out if other help is available.

How do I search for assistance?

You can search for disaster assistance in two ways:

Click Find Assistance from the Get Assistance menu to answer the questionnaire.
- You’ll get a personalized list of assistance you may apply for based on your answers.
- The questionnaire is anonymous, so we don’t save your answers and they won’t be shared with any federal agency.
- The types of questions vary, but you don’t have to answer all of them. You just get better results if you do.
- Most questions relate directly to disasters, while others use your answers to suggest other assistance you may qualify for.

Click Forms of Assistance under the Get Assistance menu for two search options.
- You can search for assistance by Category (like Housing or Insurance).
- You can search for assistance by Federal Agency (like U.S. Small Business Administration).
  The programs are the same for both lists, they’re just organized differently.

What should I expect when I answer the questionnaire?

Answering the questionnaire should only take a few minutes. The types of questions will vary. Most relate directly to disasters, while others use your answers to suggest other types of assistance you may qualify for.

You don’t have to answer all of the questions, but you’ll get a better list of results if you do. And it’s anonymous, so we don’t save your answers or share them with any federal agency.

The questionnaire helps to narrow down your search for possible assistance. If you choose to answer it, your answers do not guarantee that you qualify for assistance. It’s only intended as a reference.

To apply for assistance other than FEMA’s, you’ll need to follow the instructions provided for each program. This may require going to another agency’s website.

Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance?

Yes. You may qualify for FEMA assistance even if you have insurance. By law, FEMA can't provide benefits for losses covered by your insurance. So, you need to file an insurance claim as soon as possible.

My insurance settlement hasn't come through yet. Can FEMA help me before it comes?

Maybe. If there's a delay in your settlement, more than 30 days from the date you filed your claim, you may apply for assistance from FEMA. You'll need to explain the reason.

You must provide proof that you filed the claim. If you filed online or over the phone, you must provide the claim number, the date you applied, and an estimate of how long it may take to get your settlement.

Any funds you then get from FEMA will be an advance and must be repaid when you get your settlement.

My insurance settlement didn't meet enough needs to help me recover from the disaster. Can I apply for assistance from FEMA?

Yes. You may apply for FEMA assistance if you still have unmet disaster-caused needs after your final insurance settlement.

FEMA will ask for copy of the claim settlement record and ask you to describe what you still need. You must qualify to get assistance.

If you applied for help from FEMA because of your deductible, FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles.

If you have any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

When You Apply

What do I need to know about the information I submit?

It’s very important that you be honest and as accurate as possible with the information you submit on your application. It helps if you can gather as much as you can and have it ready when you apply.

If you’re unsure about something, please don’t guess or enter information you know is not correct.

If you don’t think you have everything you need, you may be able to save an incomplete application and finish it later. You’ll just need to either create an account or call the FEMA Helpline to finish it.

If you need help, you can call the FEMA Helpline or go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to ask questions.

Please read the application questions and your entries carefully as you proceed. Once you click “Submit,” you can only make limited changes online. To change some information after you submit it, you must call the FEMA Helpline.

It’s very important to know that your application becomes a legal document as soon as you send it. FEMA may use outside sources to verify the information you enter.

If you knowingly make false statements or hide information to try to get assistance, it violates federal and state laws. This can carry severe criminal and civil penalties. Penalties may include a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment, or both (18 U.S.C § 287, 1001, and 3571).

How to Contact the FEMA Helpline

7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

General questions or comments about FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families can be emailed to:

AskIA@fema.dhs.gov

FEMA collects, maintains, uses, retrieves, and shares the personally identifiable information (PII) of people who apply for FEMA disaster assistance under the following authority:

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act), Pub. L. No. 93-288, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5121-5207), and
The System of Records Notice DHS/FEMA-008 Disaster Recovery Assistance Files, 78 FR 25282 (April 30, 2013)

To get case-specific information, we must confirm your identity before we can tell you anything. Please provide the following ONLY if you want to get information about your case:

Your full name.
Damaged property address.
Your current mailing address, if different from property address.
Your current phone number.
A valid email address.
ONLY the last four (4) digits of your Social Security number.

FEMA may keep emails sent to the AskIA email address for quality assurance purposes or to update your file, if needed. You don’t have to provide the information we requested. But if we can't confirm your identity, we won’t be able to tell you anything by email. We will ask you to call the FEMA Helpline.

When you email us, please include your name and the location of the disaster (city and state).

How can I find a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC)?

There are two ways to find a DRC near you:

Use the DRC Locator to find a center near you.
You can get the address as well as the hours of operation, services offered, and driving directions.
Text DRC and a ZIP Code to 43362 to find a center near you.
Example: DRC 01234

Using this option doesn’t add you to any messaging service. Think of it like doing a search on the web. (Standard text rates may apply.)

You can go to a DRC to learn about FEMA’s or other assistance programs. You may also ask questions about your case or seek guidance on other disaster-related issues.

The services offered at each DRC may vary.

How do I apply for FEMA disaster assistance?

To apply for disaster assistance, choose the method that works best for you.

Online

Click Find Assistance on the Get Assistance menu and answer the anonymous questionnaire. You will get a list of assistance you may apply for based on your answers. (This does not guarantee that you qualify or will get assistance.)
Click Apply Now on the Home page or Get Assistance menu to skip the questionnaire. This takes you directly to start a FEMA application.

When you apply, you may create an account on DisasterAssistance.gov. This makes it easier for you to communicate with FEMA. With an account, you can upload documents and check the status of your application from anywhere with an internet connection. Learn how to set up a FEMA online account.

FEMA App

Download the FEMA app to apply from a mobile device.

By Phone

You may call the FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362) to apply for assistance or check your application status. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service (CTS) or others, give FEMA your number for that service.

In Person

You may apply in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).

Do I need an email address to create an account?

Yes, you must have an email address to create an account. You need it to confirm your Login.gov account. Email is also a way we can notify you when you get a new message from FEMA.

There are many email providers to choose from. If you’re not sure how to get an email account, we suggest you talk with a family member or friend.

What happens if I apply more than once?

If you send more than one application for a disaster, it may take longer to process your case.

If you have damage or losses caused by two or more disasters, you need to apply separately under each disaster.

Be sure you choose the correct disaster on your application. Enter only the damage and losses that are for that disaster.

I don't understand the application. Can someone explain it to me?

For questions about the application or the assistance FEMA offers, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). DRCs are set up in accessible areas to make them easier to find.

At a DRC, you can meet with FEMA staff to learn how you can get help or to ask questions about your application.

There are two ways to find a DRC:

Use the DRC Locator to search for a center near you.
You can also learn more about each DRC, like hours of operation, services offered, and driving directions.
Text DRC and a ZIP code to 43362 to find a center near you.
Example: DRC 01234

Using this option doesn’t add you to any messaging service. Think of it like doing a search on the web. (Standard text message rates apply.)

You can email general questions or comments about FEMA disaster assistance for individuals and families to:

AskIA@fema.dhs.gov

FEMA collects, maintains, uses, retrieves, and shares the personally identifiable information (PII) of people who apply for FEMA disaster assistance under the following authority:

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act), Pub. L. No. 93-288, as amended (42 U.S.C. 5121-5207), and
The System of Records Notice DHS/FEMA-008 Disaster Recovery Assistance Files, 78 FR 25282 (April 30, 2013)

To get case-specific information, we must confirm your identity before we can tell you anything. Please provide the following ONLY if you want to get information about your case:

Your full name.
Damaged property address.
Your current mailing address, if different from property address.
Your current phone number.
A valid email address.
ONLY the last four (4) digits of your Social Security number.

FEMA may keep emails sent to the AskIA email address for quality assurance purposes or to update your file, if needed. You don’t have to provide the information we ask for. But if we’re not able to confirm your identity, we won’t be able to tell you anything by email. We will ask you to call the FEMA Helpline.

When you email us, please include your name and the location of the disaster (city and state).

How long before my session times out?

Your application session times out if there is no activity for 10 minutes. At that point, you won’t be able to move on and you will lose any data you didn't save before the timeout.

If you didn’t create an account yet, you’ll need to start over.
If you already have an account, just sign in again.

You must re-enter any data you didn’t save before the timeout.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify for assistance?

To qualify for assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), you or a member of your household must be one of the following:

U.S. citizen
Non-citizen national
Qualified alien

A qualified alien includes:

Legal permanent residents (“Green Card” holder).
Aliens granted asylum.
Refugees.
Aliens paroled into the U.S. for at least one year for urgent humanitarian purposes or significant public benefit.
Cuban/Haitian entrants.
Aliens whose deportation status is being withheld for at least one year.
Certain battered aliens or their spouses or children.
Certain victims of a severe form of human trafficking, including persons with a “T” or “U” visa.
Legal residents in accordance with the Compacts of Free Association with the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.

If you don't know what your immigration status is, talk to an immigration expert to learn if your status falls under qualified alien.

Qualified Minor Child

If you don’t qualify under one of the three categories above, even if you’re undocumented, you can apply for a minor child who qualifies and has a Social Security number. The child must live with the parent or guardian who applies for them.

FEMA or the Social Security Administration (SSA) can help you get Social Security Numbers for Children (PDF, 885 KB).

We will not ask any questions about citizenship status.

Other Programs

Other assistance programs are available, whether you’re a citizen or not. Programs like the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) and Disaster Legal Services (DLS). You may also be able to get other short-term, free emergency help, like shelters.

Voluntary Organizations

Voluntary organizations also offer help whether you’re a citizen or not. The resources below can help you find organizations in your area:

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or look up your local American Red Cross chapter.
Call 2-1-1 from any phone to find your local United Way. If 2-1-1 isn’t working for you, visit 211.org to find the phone number for the service in your area.
Visit National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to learn more about other organizations.

Who can I call if I want to apply over the phone?

To apply for FEMA assistance over the phone, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

To find assistance from other agencies and learn how to apply, you have two options

Click Find Assistance from the Get Assistance menu and answer the anonymous questionnaire.
OR
Click Forms of Assistance under the Get Assistance menu to search by category or federal agency.

To apply to other agencies, you must follow each program's instructions. This may mean you need to go to other agency websites.

After You Apply

How do I check the status of my application?

To check the status of your application you need to create an account first.

To create an account:

Click Check Status on the Home page or from the Get Assistance menu.
Click Create Account.

Read How do I create an account to get instructions.

You must have an email address to create your account.

If you already have an account:

Click Check Status on the Home page or from the Get Assistance menu.
Sign in with your email address and password.
You may get a prompt for a secure access code if the email address in your application is different than the one in your Login.gov account.
This will take you to the Application Summary screen.

If you aren’t sure if you finished your application, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.

Is there a limit to the benefits I can get?

Benefit amounts and lengths of time vary by agency and program. You can click Find Assistance on the Home page or Get Assistance menu to answer the questionnaire. This will help you find out what’s available.

Limits

All agencies have terms or limits to the amount of assistance they can offer.

FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) may be able to give you money or direct services for vital needs not met through other means. IHP sets a yearly limit and not everyone qualifies for the highest amount.

IHP is extra aid meant to help you make your damaged home clean and safe to live in. It does not take the place of insurance and will not restore it to the state it was in before the disaster.

Proper Use

All money FEMA offers is tax-free and you must use it as required by your award letter. This may include renting another place to live, making home repairs, or for expenses to repair or replace personal property.

If you fail to use the money as required, that may disqualify you from other assistance.

Insurance

By law, FEMA can’t provide benefits for losses covered by your insurance. We can only help with certain losses your insurance didn’t cover. FEMA’s programs do not replace insurance and don't cover as much as an insurance policy. We can’t cover all disaster-related losses.

Assistance Periods

Repair and Replacement Assistance is a one‐time payment.

Temporary Housing Assistance is for a starting period of one, two, or three months.

If you need more help, you must prove you’ve spent any other FEMA money as required. And you must show you’ve made efforts to get permanent housing.

If longer Temporary Housing Assistance is approved, it will be for one, two, or three months at a time.

The longest period for IHP assistance is 18 months.

If I don't agree with FEMA's decision, can I appeal?

Yes. You do have the right to appeal if you don’t agree with FEMAʹs decision or the assistance you got. But you must appeal within 60 days of the date on your notification letter.

Read How Do I Appeal FEMA's Decision to learn more.

You may also call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Does disaster assistance have to be repaid?

It depends on the type of assistance you get.

You don’t usually have to repay assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP). But if you tell FEMA there's a delay in your insurance settlement, any money we pay you would be an advance. You must repay this when you get your settlement.

IHP only helps with vital needs. So most disaster help from the federal government is through low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). You must repay those loans.

How can I report disaster fraud?

If you want to report suspicious activity or disaster fraud, you can find contacts under the Disaster Fraud section of our Contact Us page.

Early Application

A major disaster just hit my area. There’s damage, but the disaster hasn’t been declared yet. Is there anything I can do?

If your area was hit by a disaster, but it hasn’t been declared for Individual Assistance yet, you may be still able to start an application now. We call this Early Application.

Click Apply Now on the Home page or Get Assistance menu. Then enter your location to find out if Early Application is open for your area. If it is, you may start an application.

You may also find a special alert posted on the Home page to let you know it’s open and for which areas.

What is Early Application?

Early Application lets you enter your application after a disaster hits, but before it gets declared for Individual Assistance.

At this point, you may be able to add details about damage and losses to your home and personal property. But the system will hold your application and send it through if the disaster is declared and includes your county or area.

Click Apply Now on the Home page or Get Assistance menu. Then enter your location to find out if Early Application is open for your area. If it is, you may start an application.

You may also find a special alert posted on the Home page to let you know it’s open and for which areas.

You must create an account to get back to your application later. Once you have an account, you can sign in, add to or finish your application, and check your status if it goes through

You can create an account during the application process. Or you can click Check Status from the Home page or Get Assistance menu to create your account.

How will I know if I qualify for Early Application?

Click Apply Now on the Home page or Get Assistance menu. Then enter your location to find out if Early Application is open for your area. If it is, you may start an application.

You may also find a special alert posted on the Home page to let you know it’s open and for which areas.

If your area isn’t currently open for Early Application, or no alert is posted, check back again later. Not all disasters are opened for Early Application.

If I use Early Application, how will I know if the disaster is declared?

When you start your application, you will be asked to create or sign in to a Login.gov account. You need an account to be able to get updates.

At the end of the process, you can choose to get email updates. Just select Yes and enter your email address. We will notify you if the disaster is declared.

If you don’t have an account or an email address, you’ll need to check back later to see if the disaster is declared and includes your area.

Does Early Application automatically submit my application when the disaster is declared?

In some cases, yes, the system will submit your application for you from Early Application. But the declaration must name your county or area for Individual Assistance.

When will the system submit my application for me?

The system submits your application if you finished it in Early Application and your area is included in a federal declaration.

What can I do if I can’t get online?

If you can’t create or access an online account, you must call the FEMA Helpline to finish your application, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week. You need your Application ID.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

If you can't sign in to your account or have a lost or forgotten password, visit the Login.gov Help center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

FEMA Help desk staff can’t help with your account or application. You must contact the FEMA Helpline or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for help with your application.

What if my county isn’t declared?

If the disaster declaration doesn’t name your county or area for Individual Assistance, your state emergency management agency or office may be able to offer other help.

But your area could also be added to the declaration later. So you can always come back to check again to find out if it’s been added.

You can also review your state website or FEMA's Disaster Declarations page.

What if I have questions about Early Application?

If you have questions about Early Application, you can call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, 7 days a week.

1-800-621-3362
If you use a video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone (CTS), or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

What if my county isn’t declared?

If the disaster declaration doesn’t name your county or area for Individual Assistance, your state emergency management agency or office may be able to offer other help.

But your area could also be added to the declaration later. So you can always come back to check again to find out if it’s been added.

You can also review your state site or FEMA's Disaster Declarations page.

Last Updated: 06/01/2026