D-SNAP Helps With Food Costs After a Declared Disaster

<p>If the president authorizes <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.disasterassistance.gov/">individual disaster assistance</a> for your area, you may qualify for <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/forms-of-assistance/5769">D-SNAP</a>. </p><h3>Learn About D-SNAP </h3><p>The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is also known as food stamps for disaster situations. D-SNAP provides one month’s worth of benefits on a debit-type card that you can use at most grocery stores.</p><ul><li><p>Once your state sets up a D-SNAP program, you’ll have about a week to apply.</p></li><li><p>If you qualify, you’ll receive benefits within three days.</p></li></ul><h3>Find Out If You Qualify for D-Snap</h3><p>You must live where:</p><ul><li>The president has <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.disasterassistance.gov/">declared individual assistance</a> for the disaster area</li><li>The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) has approved states to operate D-SNAP in a disaster area</li><li>Your state has requested and received FNS approval to operate D-SNAP</li></ul><p>You may qualify for D-SNAP even if you wouldn't normally qualify for regular <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.usa.gov/food-help#item-35787">SNAP</a> (food stamps) because:</p><ul><li><p>You may be out of work due to the disaster</p></li><li><p>You may be facing costly home repairs</p></li></ul><p>If you already receive SNAP, you can apply for D-SNAP if the amount you’d receive is more than you get under SNAP.</p><p>As a separate benefit, you may be able to get <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fns.usda.gov/disaster/child-nutrition-programs-during-disaster">free meals</a> for your children or your entire family. This is provided through the school meals programs.</p><h3>Apply for D-SNAP</h3><p>Contact <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory">your local SNAP office</a> to apply for D-SNAP or to find the location of special application sites throughout the affected disaster area. </p>

Disaster Relief Assistance

<p>Following a disaster, you may be facing damages to your property. Find out about how to receive financial help in the form of loans and tax relief.</p><h3>Apply for Help With Disaster Recovery </h3><p>There are several ways to see if you qualify for financial help after a disaster:</p><ul><li><p>Search for your address using the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.disasterassistance.gov/">address lookup tool on DisasterAssistance.gov</a>. </p><ul><li><p>You can also use the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app">Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mobile App</a>.</p></li></ul></li><li><p>Complete the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.disasterassistance.gov/get-assistance/find-assistance">online questionnaire and disaster assistance application</a>.</p></li><li><p>Visit FEMA's <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance">Individual Disaster Assistance</a> page.</p></li><li><p>Call FEMA at <a href="tel:18006213362">1-800-621-3362</a> (TTY: <a href="tel:8004627585">1-800-462-7585</a>) for disaster assistance.</p></li><li><p>To get help in person, find a Disaster Recovery Center near you with the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator">Disaster Recovery Center locator</a>. </p></li></ul><h3>Apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan</h3><p>The Small Business Administration provides low-interest loans. These loans can help homeowners and small businesses recover from declared disasters. <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance">Find out if you're eligible and apply online</a>.</p><h3>Get Tax Relief After a Disaster</h3><p>Find out if you qualify as an individual or as a business owner for <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">disaster relief from the IRS on your income taxes</a>.</p><h3>Complain About Disaster Relief Assistance</h3><p>Learn where to <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.usa.gov/disaster-area-help#item-37127">file a complaint about your disaster relief experience or report disaster relief fraud</a>. </p>

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

<p>If you’ve lost your job as a direct result of a major disaster, you may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. If you own your own business, you may be eligible too. </p><p>You’re not eligible if you qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits.</p><h3>Eligibility, Benefits, and Filing a Claim for Disaster Unemployment</h3><p>Visit the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/597">Disaster Unemployment Assistance</a> web page to:</p><ul><li><p>See if you’re eligible for assistance</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>View the benefits you may receive</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Get information on how to file a claim</p></li></ul><p>The Department of Labor (DOL) provides <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.dol.gov/general/stormrecovery">income and job assistance after a disaster</a>. This includes:</p><ul><li><p>Keeping workers safe during cleanup and recovery efforts</p></li><li><p>Ensuring workers get paid properly</p></li></ul><p>For more information, call <a href="tel:8664USADOL">1-866-4-USA-DOL</a><a href="tel:8664872365"> (1-866-487-2365)</a>.</p>

Get Emergency Help with Utility Bills

<p>If you can’t afford to heat or cool your home after a disaster, you may qualify for emergency help with energy bills. </p><h3>Where can I get help with my energy bills?</h3><p>The <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.usa.gov/repairing-home#item-35107">Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)</a> may be able to provide <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/faq/liheap-q-disaster-relief">disaster relief funding</a> so you can:</p><ul><li><p>Pay to reconnect utilities</p></li><li><p>Pay utility bills</p></li><li><p>Repair or replace your furnace and air conditioners</p></li><li><p>Repair home insulation</p></li><li><p>Buy coats and blankets</p></li><li><p>Buy fans and generators</p></li></ul><h3>How can I apply for assistance with energy bills?</h3><p>To get help:</p><ul><li><p>You must meet your <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/map/liheap-map-state-and-territory-contact-listing">local LIHEAP office’s</a> eligibility requirements.</p></li><li><p>Your state must have funds available.</p></li></ul><p><a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fema.gov/faq/assistance-utility-bills">FEMA does not help with emergency electric or utility payments</a>. But local social services agencies or charitable organizations may offer short-term help. Visit <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.211.org/">211.org</a> online or call 211 to find local agencies that may be able to help.</p>

Mortgages for Homeowners Rebuilding After a Disaster

<p>If you lost your home due to a major disaster, you may qualify for an insured mortgage. You can use the mortgage to rebuild your home or to buy another one. It must be a single family home and your main residence.</p><h3>How does disaster mortgage insurance work?</h3><p>The <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/ins/203h-dft">mortgage insurance for disaster victims</a> program helps homeowners recover by making it easier to get a mortgage. The program is also known as Section 203(h). It’s offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).</p><ul><li><p>You don't have to make a down payment. You do have to pay closing costs and prepaid expenses. Or, the seller can pay them.</p></li><li><p>FHA mortgage insurance is not free. You must pay a premium upfront and regular monthly premiums with your mortgage payment.</p></li><li><p>The government sets limits on the amount that may be insured and on the dollar value of the mortgage itself. <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm">See the current FHA mortgage limits.</a> These figures vary by location depending on the cost of living and other factors.</p></li></ul><h3>Find More Information on the No Down Payment Program</h3><ul><li><p>Contact the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/fharesourcectr">FHA Resource Center</a>.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Check this <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/lender/lenderlist">searchable listing of approved FHA lenders</a> nationwide.</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Contact a <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.hud.gov/i_want_to/talk_to_a_housing_counselor">government-approved housing counseling agency</a> for assistance with disaster-related issues.</p></li></ul>

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

<p>The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/disaster-assistance-and-emergency-relief-for-individuals-and-businesses">special tax help</a> to individuals and businesses hurt by a major disaster or emergency.</p><h3>Get Your Tax Refund Faster After a Disaster</h3><p>In a <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fema.gov/disasters/disaster-declarations">federally-declared disaster area</a>, you can get a faster refund by filing an <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc308">amended return</a>. You will need to claim the disaster-related losses on your tax return for the previous year.</p><p>Get guidance from the IRS on <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/faqs-for-disaster-victims-amended-returns">amending a tax return</a> or <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/faqs-for-disaster-victims-extensions-of-time-to-file">filing an extension after a disaster</a>. </p><h3>Tax Relief for Recent Disasters</h3><p>Get a list of the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations">most recent disasters which may be eligible for tax relief</a>.</p>

File a Complaint About Disaster Relief Assistance

<p>Several U.S. government programs help people after a disaster or emergency. If you want to file a complaint about a specific program, <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/a">contact the agency</a> that manages it.</p><h3>File a Complaint About FEMA Operations and Employees</h3><p><a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.disasterassistance.gov/help/contact-us">Contact FEMA</a> if you have a complaint about its work or employees during or after a disaster. </p><h3>Report Disaster Relief Fraud</h3><p>Scammers and identity thieves often target people affected by a disaster. Most scams involve some aspect of applying for disaster assistance and can include:</p><ul><li><p>Fraud, waste, abuse, or allegations of mismanagement involving disaster relief operations</p></li><li><p>Fraud committed by an individual or entity outside the U.S. </p></li><li><p>Someone filing a false damage claim</p></li></ul><p><a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/how-do-i-recognize-and-prevent-against-fraud-after-a-natural-disaster-en-1529/">Read tips to spot disaster fraud and scams and to avoid them</a>.</p><p><a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.fema.gov/about/offices/security/disaster-fraud">Learn where to report disaster relief fraud</a>.</p><h3>Get More Help If You Can't Resolve an Issue With a Government Agency</h3><p>If you're unable to resolve an issue with a federal agency, <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.ignet.gov/node/207">contact that agency's inspector general</a>. To file a complaint against a state or territory government agency, <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories">contact the agency directly</a>.</p>

Financial Assistance Within Designated Natural Disaster Areas

Q: Disaster Unemployment Assistance

<p>If you&rsquo;ve lost your job as a direct result of a major disaster, you may be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. If you own your own business, you may be eligible too. </p><p>You&rsquo;re not eligible if you qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits.</p><h3>Eligibility, Benefits, and Filing a Claim for Disaster Unemployment</h3><p>Visit the <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/597">Disaster Unemployment Assistance</a> web page to:</p><ul><li><p>See if you&rsquo;re eligible for assistance</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>View the benefits you may receive</p></li></ul><ul><li><p>Get information on how to file a claim</p></li></ul><p>The Department of Labor (DOL) provides <a href="https://webcf.waybackmachine.org/web/20210420114135/https://www.dol.gov/general/stormrecovery">income and job assistance after a disaster</a>. This includes:</p><ul><li><p>Keeping workers safe during cleanup and recovery efforts</p></li><li><p>Ensuring workers get paid properly</p></li></ul><p>For more information, call <a href="tel:8664USADOL">1-866-4-USA-DOL</a><a href="tel:8664872365"> (1-866-487-2365)</a>.</p>

Following an event like an earthquake, flood, or tornado, the president may declare an area a natural disaster and allow individual assistance for those affected. Learn how you can qualify for disaster help with food, bills, unemployment, tax relief, and more.

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Last Updated: September 9, 2020

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