Research – Discover – Verify – Act
There are numerous rumors and scams after a disaster. Those affected by a disaster MUST confirm and reconfirm all information provided to them to ensure its validity and accuracy. Do your part to stop the spread of rumors by doing three easy things:
- Find trusted sources of information.
- Share information from trusted sources.
- Discourage others from sharing information from unverified sources.
Rumor: I can be paid $3,000 a week to assist with storm cleanup
Fact: This is false. FEMA is not paying people weekly to assist with cleanup. However, during some disasters, FEMA may provide a one-time grant to individuals to help them clean up their homes. To find out if you qualify, apply on DisasterAssistance.gov.
Rumor: FEMA assistance is only for homeowners
Fact: This is not true. Renters may apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. FEMA may be able to provide pre-disaster renters with money to help pay for short-term lodging expenses, costs for renting temporary housing, and the costs of replacing or repairing a vehicle and other necessary personal property. FEMA may also be able to help pay for uninsured medical, dental, childcare, moving, and storage expenses. If Direct Housing Assistance is authorized for the disaster, pre-disaster renters may be eligible for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance if they are unable to use financial assistance to secure temporary housing.
Question: I am a renter; can I apply for assistance with FEMA?
Answer: Yes, renters may apply for disaster assistance with FEMA. If you have renter’s insurance, you should call your insurance provider to file a claim. If you are insured, you must provide information from your insurance which may include a declaration page and a settlement or denial.
Question: As a renter, what types of help could I be eligible for?
Answer: Awards may be available to rent or pay for a different place to live for a limited time while repairs are made to your rental home or until it is livable. Rental grants may be used for security deposits, rent, and the cost of essential utilities, such as gas and water. The grants may not be used for separate cable or internet bills.
Question: Can I use my rental assistance grant to stay in a hotel/motel?
Answer: The funds can be used to stay in another temporary place to live, which includes a hotel/motel. The rental assistance grant is equivalent to the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for the area the primary home is located in.
Question: I have been staying in a hotel and paying for it myself, can I get reimbursed for the costs?
Answer: You may be eligible for reimbursement for out-of-pocket lodging expenses if you are not covered by insurance benefits like additional living expenses or loss of use or receiving help with lodging from another source such as a voluntary organization. Eligible expenses may include the cost of the room and taxes charged by a hotel or other lodging provider.
Question: I’ve heard about a program called Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA), is this the same as rental assistance?
Answer: TSA is a FEMA program that is approved for this disaster. It allows for temporary, short-term lodging at a participating hotel/motel, that FEMA pays for directly. Survivors may not request TSA. Those who are eligible will be contacted by FEMA about their eligibility.
Question: My personal property was damaged, is there financial help available for my losses?
Answer: Help is also available for eligible survivors, including renters, with uninsured and underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Renters may also qualify for assistance for essential personal property and other disaster-related expenses. These may include replacement or repair of necessary personal property, such as furniture, appliances, clothing, textbooks, or school supplies; replacement or repair of tools and other job-related equipment; vehicle repair; and medical/dental bills.
Rumor: Survivors can’t apply if they have insurance
Fact: This is not true. If you have insurance, you can apply for FEMA assistance but you must file an insurance claim as well. FEMA cannot help with expenses your insurance might cover until you send us your insurance settlement or denial. Still, FEMA may be able to assist with other losses insurance won’t cover. If insurance does not cover the entire cost of disaster-related expenses and your settlement was less than the maximum amount of money FEMA can provide for that loss, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Rumor: FEMA will only assist one person per household
Fact: Generally, FEMA provides all eligible assistance to one application to assist all members of the pre-disaster household. However, FEMA will evaluate the unique needs of eligible survivors to include households that may be separated due to the disaster, households made up of roommates, or when there is a financial relationship between an owner living in a home with boarders or renters.
Rumor: FEMA will pay for my hotel if I call 1-800-621-3362
Fact: You are not able to request hotel room payment assistance from FEMA by calling any number. However, FEMA may reimburse lodging expenses to eligible individuals and families. To see if this assistance is available to you, apply at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Rumor: If I receive a grant from FEMA, I have to pay it back
Fact: This is not true. In most cases, FEMA grants do not have to be paid back. If you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but you ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement. FEMA partners with other agencies to help meet the needs of disaster survivors. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in a declared major disaster area. If you still have unmet needs, loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small businesses and most private nonprofits. Learn more about SBA disaster loans. You can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 if you have additional questions or need more information.
Rumor: My homeowner’s insurance includes flood insurance
Fact: This is not true. Homeowner insurance policies do not normally cover flood damage. Flood insurance is typically a separate policy. Visit the National Flood Insurance Program page to purchase flood insurance or find out more.
Rumor: I will receive reimbursement for my eligible lodging expenses immediately
Fact: This is not true. Your timeline can vary because requests are manually reviewed. For example, in larger-scale disasters with many applicants, reimbursement of receipts may take longer.
Rumor: If my application is not approved, there is nothing I can do about it
Fact: This is not true. Every applicant has the right to appeal. An appeal is your chance to tell FEMA why you don’t agree with the decision the agency made. You may send new or additional information and ask FEMA to change its decision. You must mail or submit your signed appeal letter within 60 days of receiving your decision letter.
Rumor: I don’t need flood insurance if I can get disaster assistance from FEMA
Fact: This is not true. A flood insurance policy covers you during different flood events. FEMA disaster assistance is only available when a federal disaster is declared by the president. Additionally, grants provided by FEMA are not always enough to cover all losses. Visit the National Flood Insurance Program page for more information.