FEMA gives survivors of disasters money for food in some cases

Hurricane season begins on June 1 and lasts until Nov. 30 each year.

Hurricanes can damage homes, buildings and roads, cause widespread power outages and displace hundreds to thousands of people, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA helps people before, during and after disasters, like hurricanes.

In the aftermath of a hurricane, and sometimes before, local, state and federal government officials often issue disaster declarations so survivors can apply to receive federal assistance from FEMA.

VERIFY reader F. Montgomery asked whether FEMA gives money for food and other emergency supplies after a disaster.

THE QUESTION

Does FEMA give money for food and other emergency supplies after a disaster?

THE SOURCES

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
• A FEMA spokesperson
• DisasterAssistance.gov

THE ANSWER

Yes, FEMA gives money for food and other emergency supplies to eligible disaster survivors.

WHAT WE FOUND

FEMA gives a one-time direct payment of $750 to eligible disaster survivors for food and other emergency supplies under its Serious Needs Assistance cash relief program if they apply with the agency and meet certain requirements.

Serious Needs Assistance, which FEMA established in March, gives a one-time direct payment of $750 per household to eligible survivors in declared disaster areas to pay for essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies related to the disaster. It is available in all disasters that qualify for Individual Assistance.

A person is eligible to receive Serious Needs Assistance if:

• You or someone in your home is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen
• FEMA can confirm your identity
• Your home is in a declared disaster area
• You live in your home most of the year
• The disaster damaged your home. FEMA confirms this based on an inspection or documents you send. 
• You apply for FEMA assistance while Serious Needs Assistance is available
• You tell FEMA you are displaced, need shelter, or have other emergency costs due to the disaster on your application

Serious Needs Assistance is available to survivors who apply during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared, according to FEMA. The federal agency says it can also extend this time to 60 days in response to a written request from the impacted state, territory or Tribal Nation. The program applies to people whether or not they are insured.

The $750 Serious Needs Assistance payment, which will be delivered as either a check or direct deposit, is in addition to other funding FEMA may provide disaster survivors based on their circumstances. The payment amount will be adjusted for inflation annually, FEMA says.

Here’s how to apply for Serious Needs Assistance from FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. If you have access to Wi-Fi and your electronic devices have power, applying online is the easiest, fastest and most convenient way to apply.
• On the FEMA App for mobile devices. You can also use the app’s Disaster Recovery Center locator feature to find an open center nearby.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center, for locations and hours, go online to fema.gov/drc.
• Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT.