Individual Assistance
Individual Assistance (IA) benefits survivors of a disaster directly to assist those who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. The assistance is meant to return a home to a safe, sanitary and functional residence. It is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts. Please note, federal assistance cannot duplicate the benefits provided by other sources, such as insurance, and cannot pay for all losses caused by a disaster.
What types of financial and direct assistance does FEMA provide to eligible individuals and families through the Individual Assistance program?
Under Individual Assistance, FEMA provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. Learn more about types of assistance that may be available.
How can I find out if I am eligible for Individual Assistance?
Information on eligibility is available here: Home | disasterassistance.gov
What is the deadline for applying?
FEMA assistance can be applied for until 60 days from the date of the declaration, which is July 15, 2024.
If I previously filled out a damage report, have I already applied?
NO. Many residents and business owners previously filled out a survey to describe their damage after the storm. This survey is not an application and it has no bearing on your eligibility. You need to apply with FEMA and/or SBA in order to receive assistance.
How can I apply?
Individuals and business owners can use one of the following methods to apply:
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in person (you do not need an appointment):
- The Bristol County DRC located in Attleboro closed on July 3.
- Leominster City Hall
25 West St.
Leominster, MA 01453
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This DRC will close permanently on July 15 at 6 p.m.
- Call FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Help is available in multiple languages.
- Go online to disasterassistance.gov (also in Spanish)
- Download the FEMA Mobile App (also in Spanish) at the Google Play or Apple App store
To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit:
FEMA Accessible: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance
What happens next?
Individuals and businesses that have already applied for assistance will receive a call from FEMA inspectors to make an appointment to begin the inspection process. The inspectors will be calling from non-local phone numbers but will identify themselves as FEMA inspectors and will carry FEMA IDs. These appointments will be scheduled in advance, so individuals should be aware of the expected arrival. FEMA provides additional information on what to expect after applying for assistance.
What if I disagree with FEMA's decision?
Applicants have 60 days to appeal FEMA's determination. Information on how to appeal can be found on FEMA's website.
Additional Resources
Small Business Administration (SBA) Assistance
As a FEMA partner, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, homeowners and renters. SBA disaster loans are the primary source of federal long-term disaster recovery funds for disaster damages not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. They do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.
The deadline to submit a Physical Damage filing is July 15, 2024. The deadline to submit an Economic Injury filing is February 18, 2025.
SBA assistance can be applied for through the following locations, contact information, and website.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans are available at the Disaster Recovery Centers (see above). SBA's standalone Business Recovery Centers are now closed.
- Applicants may call SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955
- Applicants may also email: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
- Apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at: sba.gov/disaster
To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit: Reasons to Apply for an SBA Loan
Additional Resources
Hazard Mitigation
The President’s action makes federal funding available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures in the Commonwealth. When that funding becomes available, MEMA will work with cities and towns to receive and process applications. Learn more about hazard mitigation and keep up-to-date on funding availability and deadlines.