A fire, flood or storm
What to do first
- If you are in danger, call 911 and follow what local officials tell you.
- Call 211 for shelter, food and supplies near you.
- Take photos of the damage and keep every receipt.
- Call your insurance company to start a claim.
- If the President declared a disaster in your area, apply with FEMA.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
FEMA disaster help
You usually have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to apply with FEMA. FEMA sometimes gives more time, and you can ask to apply late if you have a reason.
Source: FEMA.gov
Help from the District of Columbia
District of Columbia programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible residents buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Human Services
Homelessness Prevention and Diversion
These services help residents avoid shelter or move from shelter toward permanent housing.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Department of Human Services
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
ERAP helps eligible residents with rent arrears or costs for a security deposit and first month's rent.
Ways to apply:Phone
Department of Employment Services
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment compensation provides temporary payments to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Energy and Environment
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and cooling energy costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Health Care Finance
District of Columbia Medicaid
DC Medicaid pays for health care for eligible residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Behavioral Health
Public Behavioral Health Services
DBH oversees mental health and substance use prevention, treatment, and support services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SBA.gov
Disaster loans for homes
The Small Business Administration makes low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not only businesses, to repair or replace what was lost.
USDA.gov
Food help after a disaster
After some disasters, the state may offer Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) for a short time. Your state's food benefits office will say if it is open.
SAMHSA.gov
Someone to talk to
The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and open all day, every day, for anyone upset by a disaster.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA disaster assistance
Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Social Security Administration
Replace a Social Security card
Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Request it online with a my Social Security account, or visit or call Social Security. It is always free.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Answers, Please
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988