Jan 15, 2025 - Energy & Climate

How to apply for FEMA $770 payment for California fires

Kelly Tyko

Wildfire victims seek disaster relief services at one of two FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers at the Pasadena City College Community Education Center in Pasadena — FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers opened in Los Angeles County to assist Californians who experienced damage to their primary home, personal property loss or have disaster-caused emergency needs related to the wildfires. Photo: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

People affected by the California wildfires are eligible for a one-time $770 payment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency program.

The big picture: The wildfires across Los Angeles could be the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history, California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said in a "Meet the Press" interview Sunday.

FEMA $770 payment

The federal assistance is designed to cover the cost of essential items and part of FEMA's Serious Needs Assistance Program.

It's "not a form of reimbursement for loss of power or replacing food," FEMA said.

What they're saying: "We are not waiting until the fires are over to help victims. We are helping them all right now," President Biden said Tuesday. "People impacted by these fires are going to receive a one-time payment of $770."

Biden said with the payment people "can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, prescriptions."

How to apply for FEMA assistance

Zoom in: There are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance, per the agency.

Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov and in Spanish language at DisasterAssistance.gov/es.
Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.
Go on the FEMA app to apply on mobile devices.
You can also go to FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for assistance. Find locations here.

FEMA aid open for declared disaster area: Check eligibility

Between the lines: You must live in a presidentially declared disaster area to receive FEMA financial assistance.

Use FEMA's address lookup tool to find out if you are eligible by searching for your area.

Yes, but: Not everyone qualifies for FEMA assistance programs in an area, the agency says.

Types of FEMA assistance and federal aid

State of play: FEMA offers money and other services to help you recover from losses caused by a presidentially declared disaster, such as damage to your home, car, and other personal items.

Find available programs here and learn about temporary housing assistance here.
Here's what to do with student loans if you've been impacted by L.A.-area fires.
And here are some ways for ordinary people to help those affected by the fires.

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How to apply for FEMA $770 payment for California fires

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