Frequently Asked Questions

MEMA does not provide housing vouchers.

Federal financial assistance is available to homeowners  ONLY if a federal disaster declaration for Individual Assistance is approved by the president. Renters are not eligible for home repair assistance but may be eligible for other federal assistance. Federal financial assistance is never a guarantee. If you need immediate help finding a tarp for your roof call your county emergency management agency office.

MEMA cannot provide generators to individuals or reimbursement for the purchase of a generator. In order to be considered for reimbursement for a generator purchased after a federally declared disaster, there must be an existing medical condition that requires you to have medical equipment/appliance for medical purposes. FEMA will need the following documentation to consider a reimbursement: a copy of the receipt of proof of purchase or rental for the generator, a letter from a physician on letterhead that indicates the required equipment is for medical purposes and an official letter from the electric company for the power outage.

First, take pictures of the damage for documentation purposes. Second, call your insurance provider to file a claim. Depending on the repairs needed, your county emergency management agency or MEMA’s Individual Assistance Bureau could be of assistance. Contact your local EMA for more information.

The Individual Safe Room program is closed due to the lack of funding. Local governments can apply for Hazard Mitigation Grants for public community safe rooms. For more information visit MEMA’s Mitigation page.

You must call FEMA’s disaster assistance helpline to discuss assistance: 800-621-3362

During the FEMA Assistance process, you may be referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a potential loan. While your application is being processed, FEMA is evaluating your needs to see if you qualify for home repairs or other FEMA benefits. If you qualify for federal benefits FEMA will contact you. You may be eligible for additional benefits from FEMA by applying for an SBA loan.

Write an appeal to FEMA. The appeal must be postmarked within 60 days of the date on the award or denial letter from FEMA. See the attached sample appeal letter.

FEMA will inform you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive. These may include home repairs, rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily, repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle, uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster. Repair or replacement of occupational specialized tools, essential educations materials and/or moving and storage expenses related to the disaster. If you do not spend the award on its intended purpose, you may be denied future assistance. In some cases FEMA will ask that the money be returned.

Spend Your FEMA Award Wisely

FEMA will inform you of the types of assistance you are eligible to receive. 

These may include: 

• Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems). 
• Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily. 
• Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle. 
• Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster. 
• Repair or replacement of occupational specialized tools. 
• Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies). 
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster. 

If you do not spend the award on its intended purpose, you may be DENIED FUTURE ASSISTANCE. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the money be returned.