General Disaster Assistance
- FEMA Disaster Assistance Overview – Central resource for federal disaster help, including financial assistance and support programs.
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Individual Assistance (IHP)
- FEMA Individual Assistance Program – Information about help available to individuals and families (housing assistance, repairs, rental help, etc.).
https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual - Individuals and Households Program (IHP) – Details on eligibility and types of support under this program.
https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program
Apply for Assistance (Claim/Registration)
These are the primary ways disaster survivors can register or file a claim:
- Apply Online Application Portal
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
Click “Apply Now” to start a FEMA assistance application. - Online Application Checklist – Helpful list of what you need to apply.
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/application-checklist - Check Status / Application Tools
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/search/check%20status - How to Apply for Assistance (FEMA Fact Sheet) – Includes application methods: online, phone, FEMA App, or in person.
https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-apply-assistance
Eligibility & Lookup
- Check if Your Area Is Eligible for Assistance (enter city/ZIP to confirm disaster declaration coverage)
https://www.fema.gov/node/how-do-i-know-if-my-area-eligible-assistance
Contact & Help Lines
- FEMA Disaster Assistance Contact Info – Helpline phone number and additional support contacts.
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/contact-us
Additional Useful Government Disaster Info
- USA.gov – Disaster Assistance Guide – Step-by-step overview of how to apply for FEMA assistance.
https://www.usa.gov/disaster-assistance
Summary of Key Links to Use on Your Website
|
Purpose |
Link |
|
Disaster Assistance Portal (apply & info) |
|
|
FEMA Individual Assistance Overview |
|
|
IHP Program Details |
|
|
Application Checklist |
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/application-checklist |
|
Check Your Application/Apply |
|
|
How to Apply (instructions) |
|
|
Eligibility Lookup |
https://www.fema.gov/node/how-do-i-know-if-my-area-eligible-assistance |
|
FEMA Helpline/Contact |
|
|
USA.gov Disaster Info |
Official FEMA Public Assistance (PA) Form – Request for Public Assistance
FEMA Form 009-0-49 — Request for Public Assistance (RPA)
This form is used by governments, tribes, local agencies and certain nonprofits to start the application process under FEMA’s Public Assistance (PA) program for reimbursement of eligible emergency and recovery costs from a declared disaster. It’s not the Individuals & Households Program (IHP) form for individual citizens — PA assistance supports governments and eligible nonprofits.
Here’s a usable link to the official FEMA PDF:
Direct PDF download:
https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/fema-public-assistance-request-for-public-assistance_form009-0-49_06-2020.pdf
What This Form Is For
The Request for Public Assistance (RPA) begins the eligibility process for organizations to receive FEMA Public Assistance funds — for things like:
- Emergency protective measures
- Debris removal
- Repair/Replacement of public infrastructure
- Reimbursement of eligible disaster response costs
Eligible applicants include:
✔ State, county, city & tribal governments
✔ Special Districts & Authorities
✔ Certain private nonprofit organizations (like community centers, houses of worship in some cases)
This form does not apply to individuals/families. For individual disaster survivors, use the Individuals and Households Program & registration links shared earlier.