FEMA assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot pay for losses your insurance covers. Report the loss to your insurer as soon as you can.
Start with your insurance
Report the loss to your insurance provider as soon as possible. If you have insurance, you must file a claim with your insurer, because FEMA cannot provide assistance for losses that are covered by insurance. Take photos of the damage and list damaged or lost items first.
Document the damage
For a flood insurance claim, take photos and videos of damaged belongings and property and record the make, model and serial number of appliances and electronics. Keep samples of damaged items such as carpet, flooring and curtains. Document as soon as it is safe after the water recedes and before the adjuster arrives.
Protect the property and work with your adjuster
After you document, start cleanup and throw away items that are a health risk, such as perishable food, clothing, carpets and pillows. Take steps to prevent mold, because standard flood insurance policies do not cover mold damage. Talk to your agent or adjuster before you sign a contract with a cleanup or repair company. You may start repairs before you are paid. Ask to see the adjuster's driver's license and Flood Control Number card, which should show a photo and be dated for the current storm year, and check the damage estimate carefully for accuracy.
Advance payments and timing
During major flood events a flood insurance provider may offer an advance of up to $5,000 without an adjuster visit, and up to $20,000 with FEMA authorization and documentation. The advance is taken out of your final payment. Finalizing and paying a claim can take 4 to 8 weeks, and sometimes longer. These details describe National Flood Insurance Program claims. Homeowners and other policies differ, so ask your insurer.
What FEMA individual assistance covers
When a disaster is declared for Individual Assistance, FEMA's Individuals and Households Program can give financial help and direct services to eligible people with necessary expenses and serious needs that insurance or other help does not cover. This can include temporary housing such as rental assistance or hotel reimbursement, repair or replacement of an owner-occupied primary home, and other items approved by the state, territory or tribal government, such as personal property, vehicles, moving and storage, medical, dental, child care and funeral costs.
Who can get it
FEMA says you must complete an application, confirm that you are a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien, pass an identity check, have unmet needs after insurance or other disaster assistance, and have expenses directly caused by a declared disaster.
How to apply
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or in the FEMA app, or call 1-800-621-FEMA (1-800-621-3362). TTY users can call 800-462-7585, and 711 or video relay users can use the same helpline number. You can also apply in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, or with a Disaster Survivor Assistance team member, who carries official FEMA photo ID. Have your insurance determination letter, proof that you own or live in the home, and proof of identity ready.
What this guide does not cover
FEMA's program page does not give application deadlines, how long decisions take, or how to appeal a decision. Deadlines depend on the disaster declaration, so check DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA for the dates that apply to you.
FEMA help does not replace insurance. FEMA cannot pay for losses that are covered by insurance, so file your insurance claim first.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Sources
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 24, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.