Applying for FEMA Disaster Assistance: A Brief Guide for Persons with Disabilities

Publication Information
Publication Date: 
11/14/2018

Three Ways to Register for Disaster Recovery Assistance

• Register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. This is the quickest way to register for FEMA assistance.
• Install the FEMA App available for Apple, Android, and Blackberry mobile devices. Check the online app stores through your smart phone to find and download the app.
• Disaster assistance applicants who have hearing loss or speech disability and who use TTY should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) should call 1-800-621-3362. (Available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, seven days a week)

Required Registration Information

Whether registering on line, by phone or through the app, you will need the following to complete your application:
• Social Security number
• Address of the location where the damage occurred (pre-disaster address)
• Current mailing address
• Current telephone number
• Insurance information
• Total household annual income
• Routing and account number for your checking or savings account (this allows FEMA to directly transfer disaster assistance funds into your bank account)
• A description of your disaster-caused damage and losses

Respond to Vitally Important Disability Related Questions

If you are a person with a disability, respond “yes” to the following two application questions. Then provide complete descriptions to your answers. Be as descriptive as possible in your responses. Provide these disability related details so FEMA can provide assistance that fits your needs.
• Disaster Related Losses: Did you, your co-applicant, or any dependents have help or support doing things like walking, seeing, hearing, or taking care of yourself before the disaster and have you lost that help or support because of the disaster?
• Disaster Related Expenses: Have you incurred uninsured or under-insured expenses as a direct result of the disaster; do you have MEDICAL expenses as a result of the disaster; do you have DENTAL expenses as a result of the disaster; do you have FUNERAL expenses as a result of the disaster?

To receive disability-related assistance, answer “yes” to both questions. Be descriptive.