This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate
California storms: Residents can seek FEMA disaster aid. Here’s how. A tree trimmer dismantles a massive cypress tree that fell, threatening homes along Beach Drive in Rio Del Mar, Calif. Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 after the area was severely damaged by large waves and mudslides during a series of major storms.
Jessica Christian / The Chronicle
Some residents and business owners affected by the California winter storms can now apply for federal assistance.
President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved additional disaster funding for California’s recovery from deadly winter storms that have battered the state for weeks, with heavy rain and intense winds causing widespread property damage, flooding and landslides.
The funding is available to local governments and specific private nonprofit organizations, as well as impacted residents and business owners in Merced, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Here are details about the assistance and how to apply:
What type of assistance is available?
FEMA is offering low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, temporary housing and home repair grants, as well as assistance covering medical, dental, transportation, child care, moving and storage expenses.
Who qualifies?
To qualify, you must be a resident or business owner in the counties of Merced, Sacramento, Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara.
What documents do I need to apply?
Before applying, make sure you have photos of your damaged home and belongings, as well as a list of damaged or lost items. If you have home insurance, note that FEMA requires applicants to file a claim with their insurance company.
You will also need to provide proof of your identity, proof of ownership or occupancy, and an insurance determination letter. The agency says it cannot provide assistance for damage and losses covered by your insurance company.
How do I apply for assistance?
Federal officials say the fastest way to apply is online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov . Enter your city and state or ZIP code to find the online application.
Other ways to apply include downloading the FEMA mobile app on your smartphone or calling the FEMA help line at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Pacific time. Spanish-speaking representatives are available by pressing 2. If you need assistance in another language, press 3.
Applicants who use video relay service, captioned telephone service or other services must give FEMA the specific number assigned to that service.
You can mail or fax your application to FEMA as well. The mailing address is: P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD, 20782-8055.
The fax number is 800-827-8112, and the application must be addressed “Attn: FEMA.”
If you want more information in person, you can talk to FEMA staff and representatives at one of their Disaster Recovery Centers. To find one in your area, use FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center Locator .
Is there a deadline?
Yes. The deadline to apply for FEMA diaster assistance is Thursday, March 16.
Jessica Flores (she/her) is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jessica.flores@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @jesssmflores
