If you applied or will apply for FEMA assistance from the July severe weather, you need to file a claim with your insurance provider if you have insurance coverage that covers disaster damage or loss to your home and personal property. FEMA will ask for an insurance settlement letter or benefits documentation to be considered for federal assistance. FEMA is urging those with uninsured or underinsured property damages to apply for assistance. Applications can be submitted online, through the FEMA mobile app, or by contacting the FEMA helpline directly at 1-800-621-3362. To ensure security, official inspectors will have proper identification and will not request any payment or financial information during their evaluations. If you need assistance or have questions about the process, reach out promptly to begin your recovery journey.
Home inspections
Within ten days of applying for assistance, you may receive a call an inspector to schedule an appointment at the address where damage was reported. The inspector’s call may come from an out-of-state or an “unknown” phone number, and they may ask you to verify personally identifiable information by phone.
FEMA inspectors make several attempts to contact you through phone call or text to schedule an appointment. If FEMA is unable to get in touch, you will be sent a letter indicating your application cannot be processed further—to proceed, you must call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362 to confirm your contact information and need for assistance.
When the FEMA inspector contacts you, write down:
▪ The inspector’s name
▪ Date of call
▪ Date and time of appointment
▪ Inspector’s telephone number
If you are contacted by an inspector, but no one in the household applied for FEMA assistance, ask to withdraw the application and notify FEMA by calling 800-621-3362.
During Inspection
A typical inspection takes up to 45 minutes to complete. Inspectors do not determine eligibility for FEMA assistance—they are looking to verify the damage reported on your application. You or your designated co-applicant will need to meet with an inspector and provide a photo ID. You may invite another individual, such as a household member, relative, or friend, to help communicate with the inspector.
▪ If you or your co-applicant are unable to meet with an inspector, a third-party can be designated in writing and pre-authorized before the scheduled time and date.
▪ A FEMA inspector carries an official photo ID and will never ask for bank information or charge a fee for inspection. If you suspect an inspector isn’t who they say they are, tell them to leave immediately and call local law enforcement.
▪ The inspector will attempt to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, insurance coverage and occupancy or ownership status.
▪ The inspector will walk through the home to assess the condition of both damaged and non-damaged areas—noting structural damage and completing an inventory of essential personal property (appliances, furniture, etc.).
▪ Inspectors will not climb on roofs or enter crawl spaces.
▪ Photos may be taken of the interior and exterior of the home during the inspection process.
▪ In situations where the home is inaccessible, the inspector may meet with the survivor at another location to verify identity, occupancy, and/or ownership.
After the Inspection
Information gathered during the inspection is only one of several criteria used by FEMA to determine eligibility for assistance. If you have questions after your inspection, please call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA will mail you a decision letter about eligibility for assistance. To receive updates and notifications faster, create an online DisasterAssistance.gov account after applying for FEMA assistance.