What is FEMA?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is the federal agency responsible for coordinating the nation's response to major disasters and emergencies. FEMA works with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments before, during, and after disasters to help communities prepare and respond to emergencies.
Historically, FEMA has assisted in natural federally declared emergencies. But FEMA also develops emergency preparedness resources to help individuals and families prepare before disasters occur and provides assistance grants for those who have experienced/experiencing a federally declared emergency. For individuals living with ALS and their caregivers, FEMA is a great resource for emergency preparation.
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Understanding what disaster assistance FEMA may provide
Applying for FEMA disaster assistance
Contacting FEMA for support
FEMA Disaster Assistance and How to Apply
After a federally declared disaster The term “federally declared disaster” means a disaster or other situation for which a Presidential declaration of major disaster is issued under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ). , FEMA may provide assistance to eligible individuals and households. There are many different levels of assistance, from home repairs to transportation. For people living with ALS, FEMA assistance may also address disaster-related needs connected to medical equipment, daily care, and/or mobility. Once a federal disaster declaration has been made in your area, you may be eligible to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Applications can be completed in many different ways:
By filling out a disaster assistance application online
By phone at 1-800-621-3362
By using the FEMA Mobile App
In person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
What will you need to apply
According to USA.gov in order to apply for disaster assistance, you will need:
You or Your Care Recipient’s Social Security number
You or Your Care Recipient’s Insurance Information
You or Your Care Recipient’s Annual Household income
Contact Information
Bank account information for direct deposits
References
DRC Locator. (n.d.). Egateway.Fema.Gov. Retrieved October 26, 2026, from https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator
FEMA. (2023). FEMA Mobile App and Text Messages | FEMA.Gov. Www.Fema.Gov. https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
Home | DisasterAssistance.Gov. (2010). Disasterassistance.Gov. https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
USA.gov. (2018). Official guide to government information and services | USAGov. Usa.Gov. https://www.usa.gov/