Individual Assistance

The FEMA Individuals and Households Program provides financial assistance to individuals and households affected as a direct result of a Presidentially declared major disaster or emergency. When disasters take place, the Individuals and Households Program may provide grant assistance and services to citizens in federally declared disaster areas designated for Individual Assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Act. This program is available during some large-scale disaster incidents that meet certain eligibility criteria.

The grant amount is adjusted yearly by the federal government.

More information is available at the FEMA Individual Assistance website.

The majority of federal disaster assistance is in the form of loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA) that must be repaid. Individuals and businesses in counties that have been granted a declaration for SBA assistance may apply for this program.

More information about SBA Disaster Assistance is available at the SBA Disaster Assistance website.

Other assistance for individuals may be obtained through voluntary organizations active in disaster and faith-based organizations.