What Is FEMA and What Can It Do for You?

FEMA provides aid and coordinates disaster response and recovery.

Written by

Edited by

Edited by other Published Jan 13, 2025

How Californians affected by wildfires can get FEMA aid

How Californians affected by wildfires can get FEMA aid As wildfires continue in California, FEMA is coordinating a response effort to provide aid to those affected. If you have home insurance. you should first file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. Those whose homes were impacted by the fires may receive cost coverage from FEMA for: Essential items Finding a place to stay Replacing personal property Basic home repairs You can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or use the FEMA app. Free crisis counseling is also available through the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is a government agency that coordinates disaster response, relief and recovery efforts. It is activated when local and state resources are overwhelmed by the impact of a disaster. It was founded in 1979 via an executive order made by President Jimmy Carter and, in 2003, it was made part of the Department of Homeland Security. » MORE: Where to turn when a natural disaster upends your finances » MORE:

What does FEMA do?

FEMA coordinates within the federal government to prepare for and respond to disasters. It coordinates with officials in states, Tribal Nations and territories affected by disasters and helps them make requests for federal support. When disastrous events occur, state and local offices must do a preliminary damage assessment and provide information to the federal government in order to have the event officially declared a disaster. All emergency and major disaster declarations must be made by the president. Once a major disaster is declared, FEMA is activated. Major disasters are considered any event that causes sufficient, severe damage including: Hurricanes Tornados Storms High water Wind-driven water Tidal wave Tsunami Earthquake Volcanic eruption Landslide Mudslide Snowstorm Drought FEMA is also activated for emergency events such as shootings or acts of terror — for example, FEMA provided an integral response to the Sept. 11 attacks. The agency employs 20,000 workers and operates through Program Offices and Regional Offices throughout the country. It also hires temporarily when major disasters occur. FEMA also: Manages the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Provides support for wildfire prevention and management. Manages grant programs for recovery initiatives and research. Provides disaster preparedness training and education to communities. Assists with rebuilding infrastructure damaged by disasters.

What FEMA can do for you

In addition to aiding communities during a disaster, FEMA most directly provides people with financial assistance with repairs and other needs as a result of disasters. Here are a list of current disasters and webpages FEMA set up to assist those affected: California wildfires Georgia Hurricane Helene North Carolina Tropical Storm Helene South Carolina Hurricane Helene West Virginia Post-tropical Storm Helene

What happens if FEMA denies assistance?

When you apply for FEMA assistance, you’ll receive a determination letter. If you are considered “not approved” it doesn’t always mean you can’t receive help. Read the full letter, which may instruct how to appeal the determination and the information FEMA needs to continue processing your application. Additional information required might include insurance settlement documentation, a contractor estimate or proof of occupancy like a utility bill.

How to appeal a FEMA determination

To appeal a determination, you must submit a signed letter that explains why you think you should still receive assistance. It should also include any supporting documents and an appeal form that was included with the letter. Add the following information printed on each page of your appeal: Full name. Disaster number. FEMA registration number. You have several options to submit an appeal, which must be done within 60 days of receiving your determination letter: Go to a Disaster Recovery Center to work with a FEMA specialist to upload your documents to your registration. Upload your documents on DisasterAssistance.gov or the FEMA mobile app. Send by mail to FEMA at P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 Fax to 1-800-827-8112 marked Attn: FEMA.

How to reach FEMA

On its website, FEMA lists disaster declarations, news and contact information by region. Here are a few other ways to contact FEMA: Contact the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. Find out more information from FEMA: Disaster preparedness at Ready.gov. Learn how to get a flood insurance policy at FloodSmart.gov. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News via Getty Images) Explore more on About the author Helhoski Anna Helhoski is a senior writer covering economic news and trends in consumer finance at NerdWallet. She is an on-air contributor and producer of Money News segments for NerdWallet's Smart Money podcast. She is also an authority on student loans. She joined NerdWallet in 2014. Her work has been syndicated in news outlets nationwide including The Associated Press, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times and USA Today. She previously covered local news in the New York metro area for the Daily Voice and New York state politics for The Legislative Gazette. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from Purchase College, State University of New York. Published in How to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026 Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean and How They Work How to Budget Money in 5 Steps 28 Proven Ways to Save Money Get Your Free Credit Score By NerdWallet How to Pay Off Debt: Top Strategies for 2026 By Lauren Schwahn, Jackie Veling 50/30/20 Budget Calculator By Amanda Barroso, Elizabeth Ayoola