FEMA payment of up to $750 for major assistance following natural disasters such as hurricanes in the U.S.

The $750 FEMA payment is known as Serious Needs Assistance. This program helps Americans who are survivors of a natural disaster. This money from FEMA can be used to pay the necessary expenses related to a disaster.

For example, this $750 FEMA payment will allow eligible recipients buy water, food, emergency supplies and baby formula. Bear in mind that this Serious Needs Assistance is recent. It came into effect after March 22, 2024.

Could I use this $750 payment for fuel or transportation?

Many survivors may have lost everything and they may want to travel to a different State to stay with family or friends. FEMA allows to use the $750 payment for fuel and transportation as well.

If you do not kwno if it is available in your States, you need to know that it is available in all disasters declared for Individual Assistance. Eligibility is key to benefit from this $750 FEMA check.

Do not forget that this $750 payment is per household. So, there is not a check for each family member. This amount may be adjusted annually, just like Social Security are adjusted after COLA.

Eligibility for the $750 FEMA payment

You may qualify for Serious Needs Assistance if:

• You or a household member is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
• FEMA can verify your identity.
• Your residence is located in a declared disaster area.
• You live in your home for the majority of the year.
• You apply for FEMA assistance while the Serious Needs Assistance program is still active.
• Your home was damaged by the disaster, and FEMA confirms this through an inspection or documentation you provide.

Serious Need Assistance is available for survivors who apply for this $750 payment during the first 30 days after a disaster is declared. Always check the information you read on official websites from the U.S. Government. Read more at: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_ia-quick-reference_serious-needs.pdf

Additional financial assistance programs available after a disaster

1. The $750 payment is not the only assistance available. It is an initial, upfront payment meant to help cover essential emergency needs like food, water, medication, and baby supplies.
2. As FEMA continues reviewing applications, disaster survivors may qualify for additional forms of assistance, such as:
   • Temporary housing support
   • Personal property replacement
   • Home repair costs
3. FEMA grants generally do not need to be paid back, with a few exceptions like if insurance later covers the same costs. The $750 payment is not a loan.
4. FEMA cannot seize property or land from those who apply for disaster assistance. Home inspections are only used to determine eligibility and assistance amounts.
5. FEMA is still accepting applications for assistance in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. Current deadlines can be found on DisasterAssistance.gov and FEMA’s state-specific disaster pages.