Common Disaster-Related Rumors

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 home. To find out if you qualify, apply on DisasterAssistance.gov.

You don't need to own a business to request a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to qualified homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes.

You can use SBA disaster loans for the following:

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.

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, but FEMA may 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.

Visit the FAQ page for more information.

This is not true. FEMA assistance is not taxable and will not affect your eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

This is not true. To be considered for federal disaster assistance, you must apply directly with FEMA.

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.

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.

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.

It depends. FEMA may reimburse the purchase if you lost power and the generator was needed to power a medically required piece of equipment, including a refrigerator for required medicines, such as insulin. To qualify, you must submit documentation from a medical services provider stating the equipment is medically required.  

In rare instances, the requirement for a medical-need for the generator may be waived, allowing reimbursement for eligible individuals and households who lost power due to the disaster.

Be sure to check for disaster-specific guidance, including:

1. If reimbursement for a generator is being offered for the disaster.
2. If you qualify for this assistance.
3. The date range in which you can purchase a generator and receive reimbursement.