How Can I Apply for Flood Relief?

The federal government requires homeowners of properties with federally backed mortgages in high risk flood zones to carry flood insurance. The government provides limited grant and loan assistance for individual and household flood relief through the Small Business Administration and Federal Emergency Management Agency. States and municipalities may also provide relief programs, but these vary widely.

Instructions

• 1

  File an insurance claim on your flood insurance policy. Flood insurance covers damage to the property and its contents. If you added additional living expenses to a policy, this will reimburse hotel and food expenses if flood damage to your home makes it temporarily unlivable.

• 2

  Apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency online, by phone or by submitting a paper application by mail or at a disaster recovery center. Provide FEMA with a copy of your insurance settlement letter or claim denial letter from the insurance company. Also, enclose a self-written letter explaining the losses that insurance did not cover fully.

• 3

  Complete and submit the application for a Small Business Administration disaster loan. FEMA will provide you with the application packet after you apply for disaster assistance. You must submit an accurate and complete SBA loan application before FEMA will consider you for other assistance types. If the SBA determines you do not qualify for a loan, you can apply to FEMA's Individuals and Households grant program.

• 4

  Apply for the FEMA Individuals and Households grant program. FEMA designed this program to meet essential needs, not total losses. The grant program supplements flood insurance coverage by providing funds to address essential items not fully covered by flood insurance.

• 5

  Contact your local government and Red Cross office to learn of and apply for any state or local relief programs. Availability, services and application procedures vary.