What's Next

American Sign Language: Next Steps After Applying for FEMA Assistance

FEMA may be able to approve assistance based on what you put on your application. But many times, we need more information.

What to expect:

If we need more information, FEMA will call, or send an email or a letter, to ask for what we need.
If you had disaster damage to your home or personal property, FEMA may confirm the damage by an onsite or remote inspection.
If you have homeowner's insurance, FEMA may not send an inspector right away. You may need to submit insurance documents before we can schedule an inspection.
If a FEMA inspector confirms your damage, you will get a decision letter after the inspection.
If you're approved, based on your choice, you may get a check from the U.S. Department of the Treasury or a direct deposit.
Whether approved for disaster assistance or not, FEMA will send you a letter to explain the decision. The letter will also include instructions on how to appeal if you disagree with FEMA's decision.

Insurance
Please file a claim with insurance as soon as possible. If your insurance does NOT cover all of your needs, or is delayed, call FEMA's Helpline for more information.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
To learn about low-interest disaster loans, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance page. You can also use the ways below to get help or apply:

Email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Call 1-800-659-2955, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday. (TTY/TRS: 711)
Visit an SBA Disaster Recovery Center or schedule an in-person appointment in advance.

Stay in touch with FEMA
If your contact details change you can update them on your account. Or you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.