Wildfires destroyed thousands of structures and displaced countless families across Los Angeles in early January. As firefighters achieve containment of the fires, it’s important for those affected to know how to apply for disaster aid and where to access resources in the process of wildfire recovery.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster. The assistance is intended to meet basic needs and supplement disaster recovery efforts.
Who can apply
FEMA and the state, territory or tribal government may provide direct and financial disaster assistance to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified non-citizens.
When available, life-sustaining resources such as shelter, food and water, crisis counseling, disaster case management, disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program and disaster legal services are available to disaster survivors regardless of citizenship and immigration status.
How to apply
Those impacted by a natural disaster should apply for FEMA aid between 5 and 30 days after the event. Applications for FEMA assistance can be completed online or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 (calls are accepted every day from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST and help is available in most languages). Applicants will be asked to verify citizenship status, identity, ownership/occupancy, insurance coverage and other details. Be ready submit with your application photos of your property and damaged belongings. Make a list of all items lost in the disaster.
The Los Angeles County Library offers free Wi-Fi, public-use computers, and laptops for those applying for wildfire recovery aid and other needs.
What FEMA covers
Disaster assistance may include money for temporary rental assistance, home repairs, personal property loss, medical losses, funeral expenses, and other serious disaster-related needs or expenses not covered by insurance or other means.
If you need to search for shelters near you, text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362.
Timeline
Within 10 days after registering, a FEMA Inspector will contact you to schedule an appointment to conduct an in-person assessment of your property. Appointments typically take about 20 minutes. Within 10 days of the inspector’s visit, you will be sent a decision letter. If eligible for assistance, you will receive a check or an electronic funds transfer. A follow-up letter will explain how the money can be used.
Aid for small businesses
The LA Department of Economic Opportunity is supporting business owners in wildfire recovery efforts through support in submitting insurance claims, signing up for no-cost legal aid, and accessing capital and other resources, including grants and loans as well as local, state, and federal contracting opportunities. The DEO’s workforce development team partners with the County’s 18 America’s Job Centers of California and supports Business Technical Assistance Program.
Resources are available specifically for business owners, such as the Small Business Association (SBA) disaster loans.
Protect yourself against scams
Remain alert and protect yourself against scams, as con artists are creative and resourceful. Scam attempts can be made over the phone, by mail, email, through the internet, or in-person. If you receive suspicious emails or phone calls, you can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 to verify if a FEMA call or email is legitimate.
GoFundMe
FEMA warns that those who receive financial support through a GoFundMe or other crowdfunding source could affect your ability to receive federal aid. FEMA regulations state that no duplicate funding may be provided for losses claimed. Visit the info page to learn more.
Tax relief
You may be eligible for tax relief if your property is damaged or destroyed by a calamity, such as fire or flooding. To qualify, you must file an Application for Reassessment: Property Damaged or Destroyed by Misfortune or Calamity (M&C) Form ADS-820 with the Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date the property was damaged or destroyed. The loss must exceed $10,000 of current market value. For questions or to submit an M&C claim, please call (213) 974-8658.
Other resources
Families in need of general support, referrals and information can contact CCRC’s main phone line at 818-717-1000. CCRC Subsidy families in need of back up care or emergency child care can contact Lead Case Specialist Audrey Frye at extension 3143.
CCRC families and providers in need of critical supplies like food, personal hygiene products, baby items, and kitchen supplies can call our donation line at 805-399-9521 to arrange a pick-up time. Donations will be available while supplies last. Click here for mental health resources for adults and children. Visit the LA County Recovers page for recovery services.
The YMCA Metro LA continues to offer free child care for families displaced by the fires in the following areas: Northridge, DTLA, Culver City, North Hollywood, West LA, Van Nuys, Reseda and Burbank. Click here to learn more. Airbnb.org is offering free housing for evacuees through 211 LA. Click here to complete the form. Emergency shelter is also being offered by: Westwood Recreation Center, El Camino Real Charter High School, Pasadena Convention Center, Arcadia Community Center, Jazzercise Calabasas Community Center, and Calico Fish House.
Other resources for wildfire recovery such as additional shelter, food and animal boarding services can be found here.
