FEMA Resources for Disaster Assistance

General Disaster Assistance

• FEMA Disaster Assistance Overview – Central resource for federal disaster help, including financial assistance and support programs.

 

Individual Assistance (IHP)

• FEMA Individual Assistance Program – Information about help available to individuals and families (housing assistance, repairs, rental help, etc.).
   
• Individuals and Households Program (IHP) – Details on eligibility and types of support under this program.

 

Apply for Assistance (Claim/Registration)

These are the primary ways disaster survivors can register or file a claim:

• Apply Online Application Portal
  Click “Apply Now” to start a FEMA assistance application.

 

• Online Application Checklist – Helpful list of what you need to apply.
   
• Check Status / Application Tools
   
• How to Apply for Assistance (FEMA Fact Sheet) – Includes application methods: online, phone, FEMA App, or in person.

 

Eligibility & Lookup

• Check if Your Area Is Eligible for Assistance (enter city/ZIP to confirm disaster declaration coverage)

 

Contact & Help Lines

• FEMA Disaster Assistance Contact Info – Helpline phone number and additional support contacts.
   

 

Additional Useful Government Disaster Info

• USA.gov – Disaster Assistance Guide – Step-by-step overview of how to apply for FEMA assistance.

Summary of Key Links to Use on Your Website

Purpose	Link
Disaster Assistance Portal (apply & info)	https://www.disasterassistance.gov
FEMA Individual Assistance Overview	https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual
IHP Program Details	https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program
Application Checklist	https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/application-checklist
Check Your Application/Apply	https://www.disasterassistance.gov/search/check%20status
How to Apply (instructions)	https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/how-apply-assistance
Eligibility Lookup	https://www.fema.gov/node/how-do-i-know-if-my-area-eligible-assistance
FEMA Helpline/Contact	https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/contact-us
USA.gov Disaster Info	https://www.usa.gov/disaster-assistance

 

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:

Download 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.