Deadly fires continue to burn across Los Angeles County. For a week now, blazes have raged across communities, burning more than 38,000 acres and destroying 12,000 homes, businesses and other structures. With more than 180,000 residents displaced and the confirmed death toll rising to at least 21 people, these wildfires are among the most destructive on record in California.
We have compiled resources for you regarding donations, relief efforts and how to help fire victims. And now, the Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced it is stepping in to offer financial assistance to those with disaster-related needs stemming from the fires. FEMA has already issued more than $5.3 million to survivors to help pay for emergency supplies like food, water and baby formula, and help displaced residents pay for lodging.
Below, we break down what kind of FEMA assistance is available to California residents impacted by the Palisades, Eaton and other LA-area wildfires and how to apply.
For more important and timely information about the LA County fires, learn about these eight steps for homeowners to take if your home is damaged by wildfires and the Watch Duty app that provides updates on wildfire conditions.
What assistance is available?
FEMA disaster assistance is designed to help with necessary expenses that aren't covered, or are minimally covered, by insurance. This includes food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication, fuel for transportation and other emergency supplies.
Assistance is also available for those who cannot return to their homes to cover hotel expenses or other housing fees as you search for more permanent housing. Financial aid for rental assistance, basic home repairs for your primary home, personal property losses and other expenses related to the wildfires are available for eligible individuals.
How to apply for FEMA assistance
If you have insurance and are seeking FEMA assistance, you must first file a claim with your insurance provider. By law, FEMA cannot provide assistance for losses already covered by insurance. However, if your insurance does not fully cover your damages, you may still qualify for federal aid.
There are three ways to apply for FEMA assistance:
- Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have access to the internet and powered devices, applying online is the fastest and most convenient way.
- Apply via smartphone or tablet using the FEMA app.
- Apply by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
You can also view this video with help on how to apply.
Note FEMA does not provide financial assistance via gift cards, vouchers or any other type of credit -- assistance is only provided through check or direct deposit.
Info needed for your FEMA application
To submit an application for FEMA disaster assistance, you'll need the following information:
- Names of everyone living in your home at the time of the fires
- Social Security number (yours or your child's)
- Household income
- Contact information
- Information of property damage and emergency needs
You may have lost crucial personal documents -- like passports, social security cards, IDs and property titles -- in the wildfires. To assist with replacing these important documents, you can visit ca.gov for a directory of the state's departments to request your driver's license, state tax records, birth certificates and more.