FEMA Accessible: Disaster Survivors Are Urged to Spend Disaster Funds for Approved Uses

Disclaimer: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is currently not operating any physical Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs). You may still apply for disaster assistance by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-3362, TTY 1-800-462-7585, going to www.disasterassistance.gov or through the FEMA App.
FEMA accessible video about how to appropriately spend your FEMA disaster assistance money in American Sign Language (ASL).
[Transcript:]
Disaster Survivors Are Urged to Spend Disaster Funds for Approved Uses
If you received money for assistance because of the recent disaster, you must only use it to pay for things related to the disaster.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds you that you should not use the disaster money for your regular living expenses, such as: utilities, food, medical or dental bills, or for other expenses like travel or entertainment that are not related to the disaster.
Federal law doesn´t allow getting money from two different sources for the same thing. You need to keep your receipts for three years to show how you spend your money.
When you receive money from FEMA, you will receive a letter explaining how you can use it. Examples:
• For repairing your home (the structure, the water system, the septic system, and the sewage system)
• For rent money to find another place to live for a while.
• For repairing or replacing your main car.
• For medical care if you were hurt because of the disaster.
• For repairing, cleaning or replacing clothes or special tools you use for work.
• For necessary school materials (like computers, textbooks, supplies).
• For moving and storage after the disaster.
• For other uses related to the disaster.
You may spend the money from FEMA to help you get a permanent, safe, clean place to live.
• The money to help with rent is for a temporary place to live when you cannot live or access your home because of a disaster.
• If you own or rent a house, you can rent an apartment, house, mobile home or rent another unit for a while.
• If you want to continue receiving help with your rent, you will need receipts to show how you used the money you received to pay for rent.
If you have any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, at 800-621-3362. For 711 or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. TTY, call 800-462-7585. You can register in any language.
Published July 25, 2017