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FEMA Individuals & Households Program (federal disaster money for housing and other needs): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens next

FEMA's Individuals and Households Program pays for temporary housing, home repair and other uninsured needs after a disaster declared for Individual Assistance, up to $44,800 for housing and $44,800 for other needs for disasters declared on or after 1 October 2025. Apply within 60 days of the declaration at DisasterAssistance.gov, in the FEMA app, by phone or at a Disaster Recovery Center; one qualifying household member is enough.

What FEMA's Individuals and Households Program is, in one paragraph

The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is FEMA's money and direct help for people whose home or belongings were hit by a disaster the President has declared for Individual Assistance in their area (rule:purpose, rule:declared_area). It pays for temporary housing, home repair or replacement, and other disaster needs that insurance did not cover (rule:insurance_first). One household member who is a citizen, national or qualified alien is enough, and an undocumented parent can apply for a child with a Social Security number (rule:citizenship, rule:minor_child). Most other federal disaster help is SBA loans, which are repaid (rule:sba_loans).

$44,800 + $44,800
maximum housing assistance plus maximum other needs assistance, per household, for disasters declared on or after 1 October 2025 (FEMA, rule:max_amounts)

Who may qualify

  • A disaster declared for Individual Assistance that covers the person's county or area (rule:declared_area).
  • Uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs (rule:purpose); an insurance claim filed first (rule:insurance_first, rule:insurance_denied). FEMA does not pay deductibles (rule:no_deductibles).
  • The applicant or a household member is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien, or the applicant is the parent of a qualifying minor child with an SSN (rule:citizenship, rule:minor_child).

Limits and periods (rule:max_amounts, rule:temp_housing_period, rule:max_18_months, rule:registration_60, rule:late_60, rule:appeal_60):

ItemFigure
Housing assistance maximum (disasters declared on or after 1 Oct 2025)$44,800
Other needs assistance maximum (same)$44,800
First temporary housing period1, 2 or 3 months
Longest IHP assistance18 months
Registration period60 days from declaration
Late registration60 more days, with a reason
Appealwithin 60 days of the letter

How to apply, and what happens after

Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, in the FEMA app, by phone at 1-800-621-3362 (7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day), or at a Disaster Recovery Center (rule:apply_ways, rule:apply_app, rule:helpline_hours). The deadline is 60 days after the declaration, with 60 more days for late registration with a reason (rule:registration_60, rule:late_60). Each disaster needs its own application (rule:separate_disasters).

A FEMA agent then inspects and records the damage, which may take up to an hour (rule:inspection, rule:inspection_time). Keep photos, a list of losses and receipts (rule:keep_receipts). Money is tax-free and must be spent as the award letter says, or later help can be refused (rule:tax_free_use, rule:misuse). An insurance advance is repaid from the settlement (rule:advance_repay).

Any decision can be appealed within 60 days of the date on the letter (rule:appeal_60); a representative needs the applicant's signed authorization (rule:appeal_rep).

The procedure, stage by stage, as data
JSONThe procedure, stage by stage, as data
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"what_happens""After a disaster, the person learns FEMA help depends on a declaration for Individual Assistance in their county"
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"timeline""From the day of the disaster; Early Application before declaration (rule:declared_area)"
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"id""stage:screen_eligibility"
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"failure_mode""A mixed-status household assuming no one can apply; a qualifying child with an SSN can be the applicant (rule:minor_child)"
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10 keys
"id""stage:gather_documents"
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"name""Gather documents"
"what_happens""Insurance claim number and status, photos of damage, list of losses, receipts"
"who_acts""Person with model checklist"
"timeline""Before and after inspection"
"evidence""Photos, receipts, insurance letters"
"failure_mode""No proof of an insurance claim"
"model_role""Build the checklist (rule:keep_receipts, rule:insurance_first)"
"automation_class""A"
10 keys
"id""stage:submit"
"order"4
"name""Submit"
"what_happens""Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, in the FEMA app, by phone or at a Disaster Recovery Center"
"who_acts""Person"
"timeline""Within 60 days of the declaration; late registration for 60 more days with a reason (rule:registration_60, rule:late_60)"
"evidence""Application number"
"failure_mode""Applying under the wrong disaster; one application per disaster (rule:separate_disasters)"
"model_role""Give the exact route and deadline; never apply for the person"
"automation_class""B"
10 keys
"id""stage:interview_verification"
"order"5
"name""Interview / verification"
"what_happens""A FEMA agent inspects and records damage; up to an hour; agents never ask for money"
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"timeline""After applying"
"evidence""Damage, receipts if repairs began"
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10 keys
"id""stage:decision"
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"who_acts""FEMA"
"timeline""After inspection"
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"failure_mode""Reading 'ineligible' as final when a document is missing"
"model_role""Read the letter's reason with the person"
"automation_class""A"
10 keys
"id""stage:issuance_use"
"order"7
"name""Issuance / use"
"what_happens""Money is paid; it is tax-free and must be used as the award letter says (rule:tax_free_use)"
"who_acts""FEMA + person"
"timeline""After decision"
"evidence""Award letter, receipts of use"
"failure_mode""Spending on other things, which can block later help (rule:misuse)"
"model_role""Track use against the award letter"
"automation_class""B"
10 keys
"id""stage:renew_recertify"
"order"8
"name""Renew / recertify"
"what_happens""Temporary housing starts for 1 to 3 months; more needs proof of spending and housing search; at most 18 months (rule:temp_housing_period, rule:continued_help, rule:max_18_months)"
"who_acts""Person + FEMA"
"timeline""Before each period ends"
"evidence""Receipts, housing search record"
"failure_mode""Gap in housing help"
"model_role""Calendar each period end"
"automation_class""B"
10 keys
"id""stage:denial_response"
"order"9
"name""Denial response"
"what_happens""Classify the denial: missing insurance letter, identity, ownership or occupancy proof, or a merits decision"
"who_acts""Model + person"
"timeline""At once; the appeal clock runs from the letter date"
"evidence""Decision letter"
"failure_mode""Not sending the insurance settlement or denial letter"
"model_role""List the documents that cure the reason"
"automation_class""A"
10 keys
"id""stage:appeal_fair_hearing"
"order"10
"name""Appeal / fair hearing"
"what_happens""Written appeal with explanation and documents, within 60 days of the letter; a representative needs the applicant's signed authorization"
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"timeline""60 days from the letter date (rule:appeal_60)"
"evidence""Letter, documents, signed statement"
"failure_mode""Missing the 60 days"
"model_role""Draft the list of what the appeal must include; never send it"
"automation_class""B"
10 keys
"id""stage:overpayment_exit"
"order"11
"name""Overpayment / exit"
"what_happens""An insurance advance must be repaid from the settlement (rule:advance_repay); help ends at 18 months or when needs are met"
"who_acts""FEMA"
"timeline""On settlement or end of period"
"evidence""Settlement papers"
"failure_mode""Spending the advance and the settlement"
"model_role""Explain the repayment rule"
"automation_class""B"

The same facts open other programs

Address, household and losses after a disaster are asked by:

References (8)
What this article shares with the graph
JSONWhat this article shares with the graph
6 keys
"program_id""B064"
"graph""california-benefits-graph"
"related_program_ids" 8 items
"B010"
"B001"
"B011"
"B027"
"B035"
"B079"
"B042"
"B067"
"related_programs" 8 keys
"B010""Disaster CalFresh (D-SNAP)"
"B001""CalFresh (SNAP)"
"B011""Medi-Cal (Medicaid)"
"B027""Unemployment Insurance (UI)"
"B035""Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)"
"B079""Continuum of Care shelters + Coordinated Entry"
"B042""Legal aid: eviction defense & benefits advocacy"
"B067""211 (navigation infrastructure)"
"triggered_by_events" 2 items
"event:death_of_a_spouse_parent"
"event:natural_disaster_fire_flood_earthquake"
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"person.address.residential.postal_code" 5 items
"B001"
"B035"
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"person.identity.citizenship" 4 items
"B001"
"B011"
"B052"
"B053"
"household.composition.members[]" 3 items
"B001"
"B011"
"B021"

Official addresses

Related pages
Beside
Disaster CalFresh (D-SNAP, one month of food benefits after a declared disaster): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextCalFresh (California food benefits): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextMedi-Cal (California Medicaid health coverage): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextUnemployment Insurance (California weekly benefit after job loss): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8) (rent help paid to a private landlord): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextContinuum of Care shelters and Coordinated Entry (the front door to homeless housing in each county): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens nextLegal aid: eviction defense and benefits advocacy (free lawyers for tenants and people denied benefits): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens next211 (navigation infrastructure) (the free, confidential phone number for local help, open 24 hours): who qualifies, what you get, how to apply, and what happens next
References (29)
  1. Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program (FR Doc. 2026-19854) — Federal Register (GPO govinfo) / FEMA“is $44,800 for housing assistance and $44,800 for other needs assistance.”
  2. Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program (FR Doc. 2026-19854) — Federal Register (GPO govinfo) / FEMA“This adjustment applies to emergencies and major disasters declared on or after October 1, 2025.”
  3. 44 CFR 206.110 Federal assistance to individuals and households — Legal Information Institute (eCFR text)“have uninsured or under-insured, necessary expenses and serious needs and are unable to meet such expenses or needs through other means.”
  4. 44 CFR 206.112 Registration period — Legal Information Institute (eCFR text)“The standard FEMA registration period is 60 days following the date that the President declares an incident a major disaster or an emergency.”
  5. 44 CFR 206.112 Registration period — Legal Information Institute (eCFR text)“After the standard or extended registration period ends, FEMA will accept late registrations for an additional 60 days.”
  6. 44 CFR 206.113 Conditions of eligibility — Legal Information Institute (eCFR text)“In a situation where the applicant has insurance, when the individual or household files a claim with their insurance provider for all potentially applicable types of insurance coverage and the claim is denied;”
  7. 44 CFR 206.115 Appeals — Legal Information Institute (eCFR text)“If someone other than the applicant files the appeal, then the applicant must also submit a signed statement giving that person authority to represent them.”
  8. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“But you must appeal within 60 days of the date on your notification letter.”
  9. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“To qualify for assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP), you or a member of your household must be one of the following:”
  10. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“If you don’t qualify under one of the three categories above, even if you’re undocumented, you can apply for a minor child who qualifies and has a Social Security number.”
  11. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“We will not ask any questions about citizenship status.”
  12. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“By law, FEMA can't provide benefits for losses covered by your insurance.”
  13. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“If you applied for help from FEMA because of your deductible, FEMA does not cover insurance deductibles.”
  14. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“But if you tell FEMA there's a delay in your insurance settlement, any money we pay you would be an advance.”
  15. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“You may call the FEMA Helpline (1-800-621-3362) to apply for assistance or check your application status.”
  16. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“Download the FEMA app to apply from a mobile device.”
  17. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“To apply for FEMA assistance over the phone, call the FEMA Helpline, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time , 7 days a week.”
  18. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“If you have damage or losses caused by two or more disasters, you need to apply separately under each disaster.”
  19. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“When you apply for disaster assistance, a FEMA agent will record the damage to your home and personal property.”
  20. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“It may take up to an hour to complete, depending on the amount of damage.”
  21. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“We recommend you take pictures, make a list of your losses, and keep all receipts to confirm your disaster expenses.”
  22. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“Temporary Housing Assistance is for a starting period of one, two, or three months.”
  23. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“If you need more help, you must prove you’ve spent any other FEMA money as required.”
  24. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“The longest period for IHP assistance is 18 months.”
  25. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“All money FEMA offers is tax-free and you must use it as required by your award letter.”
  26. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“If you fail to use the money as required, that may disqualify you from other assistance.”
  27. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“So most disaster help from the federal government is through low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).”
  28. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“Early Application lets you enter your application after a disaster hits, but before it gets declared for Individual Assistance.”
  29. DisasterAssistance.gov FAQs — Federal Emergency Management Agency (DisasterAssistance.gov)“Other assistance programs are available, whether you’re a citizen or not.”