California Disaster Assistance and Resources
Please note, the resources and programs mentioned herein are intended to provide general information and are not exhaustive. Additional resources may be available that better suit individual needs or circumstances. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with relevant professionals or agencies to determine the most appropriate solutions for their specific situations.
Emergency Declarations
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide 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. You may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance even if you have insurance. You must file a claim with your insurance provider and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA to determine your eligibility for some forms of assistance. Apply for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Business Assistance
The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low interest loans for business damage.
Outsmart Disaster offers additional resources to help California businesses prepare for and recover from disasters.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
If you lost your job or can’t work because of a disaster, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance, or Paid Family Leave benefits.
If the president of the United States declares a disaster, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may also be available for workers and self-employed people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. The fastest and easiest way to apply for DUA is to use the Employment Development Department’s online application.
Disaster Recovery Centers
Disaster recovery centers are available to provide local, state, and federal support to survivors and businesses that have suffered losses or damages related to the winter storms.
Shelter, Social, and Health Assistance
211.org is a comprehensive source of information about local resources and services.
Tax Relief
The Internal Revenue Service and California Franchise Tax Board may grant individuals and businesses additional time to file or pay taxes when a major disaster in their area is declared by the federal or state government. Impacted taxpayers may also be eligible to claim a disaster loss on their state income tax return.
The Department of Tax and Fee Administration and Employment Development Department may also offer emergency tax and fee relief for taxpayers who have been directly affected by disasters declared as state of emergencies.
Disaster Legal Services
Disaster Legal Services (DLS) provides free legal help to disaster survivors. DLS may help with matters that include:
- Insurance claims for medical bills, loss of property, loss of life, etc.
- New wills and other legal papers lost in the disaster
- Home repair contracts and contractor fraud
- Problems with landlords
- Proof of home ownership
- FEMA appeals