News

Oct 18, 2024

FEMA Check status: How to apply and check for your application

Millions of people on the East Coast are still sorting out their next steps as they continue reeling from the catastrophic damage inflicted by hurricanes Helene and Milton. While plenty of questions

Millions of people on the East Coast are still sorting out their next steps as they continue reeling from the catastrophic damage inflicted by hurricanes Helene and Milton.

While plenty of questions remain regarding what the future holds and when impacted areas can expect a return to normalcy, there are at least some resources when it comes to determining where and when one can expect to receive aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Those living in a presidentially declared disaster area can be eligible to receive financial assistance through the agency, though it should be noted that not everyone may qualify for every assistance program FEMA has to offer.

FEMA's website features an address-lookup tool that allows one to check if they're eligible to receive financial aid based on their area. The site also has a form users can fill out to see what other types of assistance programs they might be eligible for based on their unique situation.

Those seeking assistance from FEMA can apply for aid by filling out an online application through DisasterAssistance.gov, or through the FEMA smartphone app. People can also apply by phone at 1-800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or DRC, in-person, the locations of which can found on FEMA's website.

According to FEMA's website, applicants will be asked to provide the following information:

Those who've already applied for assistance and are waiting to hear back can check the status of their application by logging onto their account at DisasterAssistance.gov if they created an account and click the "Check Status" button.

One can also check the status of their application by calling 1-800-621-3362 or visiting a DRC in-person.

FEMA offers tax relief to those eligible in federally declared disaster areas, which can come in various forms such as a tax-filing extension or expedited refund.

Disaster Legal Services, or DLS, provide free legal help to low-income individuals in a federally declared disaster area so long as the case won't generate a fee, as such cases are turned over to a local lawyer referral service.

Examples of cases that DLS might assist one with include:

According to FEMA's website, the president typically bases their decision on whether to federally declare a natural disaster based on whether state and local governments are capable of providing enough help to disaster survivors on their own.

If federal assistance isn't available in one's area, FEMA recommends people check if the American Red Cross serves your community and what support they might provide along with your state's social services program.