Disaster Assistance: Navigating Federal, State, Local Resources

Find disaster assistance programs, tips, and resources for family caregivers to navigate challenges and secure support during natural disasters.
Published on
October 3, 2024
Presented by Givers
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When disaster strikes, it brings a host of challenges that can be overwhelming for family caregivers. Recently, Hurricane Helene has left a trail of destruction across the southeast of the United States, and the state of Georgia has announced the availability of disaster assistance for those affected in 41 counties.

While this assistance is important for everyone, family caregivers—particularly those in limited-income households—face additional challenges in making sure their loved ones are safe.

Ahead, we explore the types of disaster assistance available, how to apply, and what you can do to prepare and protect your loved ones in the face of a natural disaster.

In this article:

  • Challenges caregivers face during disasters
  • Types of disaster assistance
  • Tax relief and financial aid
  • Eligibility for disaster assistance
  • How to apply for assistance

Challenges caregivers face during disasters

Beyond the immediate concerns of safety, caregivers also need to take care of the well-being of their loved ones. Some of the challenges that family caregivers face may include:

Securing safe transportation

Transportation can become a logistical nightmare in an emergency. Caregivers may have to navigate flooded roads, power outages, and overwhelmed emergency services.

The key to managing safe transportation during a disaster is to have a plan in place beforehand. Caregivers should identify accessible vehicles, map out potential evacuation routes, and prepare a list of items to take in case of an emergency.

Managing disrupted healthcare services

Natural disasters often lead to disruptions in healthcare services like medication shortages, canceled appointments, and even temporary hospital closures.

To prepare for disruptions, caregivers should keep an emergency medication supply and have a list of alternative pharmacies and healthcare facilities. Refill prescriptions as early as possible when a storm or disaster is coming.

We also recommend you keep a file of important medical information, including prescriptions, medical conditions, and contact information for healthcare providers, in a waterproof bag that's easy to grab during an evacuation.

Finding alternative caregiving support

Finding reliable backup care can be particularly challenging during emergencies. With local services overwhelmed and community members facing their own crises, arranging respite care or emergency support requires foresight and planning.

Caregivers should build a network of local contacts like neighbors, community members, or nearby friends who may be able to assist during emergencies. You might also keep a list on hand of local organizations or churches that may also offer caregiving support.

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Types of disaster assistance

Understanding what disaster assistance programs exist can help families navigate the aftermath.

Federal assistance programs

The federal government has various disaster assistance programs that can support families impacted by emergencies. These programs are designed to address both immediate needs and longer-term recovery.

On October 2, 2024, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced that residents in 41 Georgia counties affected by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance (Categories A and B).
  • FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) Program: This program by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides aid directly to individuals and households affected by a disaster to help recover their personal lives, homes, and basic needs. The program covers:
    • Grants for temporary housing
    • Repairs or replacement of primary residences
    • Other Needs Assistance (ONA): Financial aid for disaster-related expenses, including medical, dental, funeral costs, personal property replacement, transportation, and childcare expenses.
    • Unemployment assistance: Support those who lost their jobs due to the disaster and do not qualify for standard unemployment benefits.
  • FEMA Public Assistance Program: This program helps communities respond to and recover from major disasters by cleaning up, repairing, and rebuilding public infrastructure and facilities. Funding is provided to eligible governments and organizations that use these funds to address the public needs of their communities. The program covers:
    • Immediate response activities like debris removal (Category A) and emergency protective measures (Category B), like setting up shelters and providing emergency medical care.
    • Long-term recovery activities, including repairing roads and bridges (Category C), water control facilities (Category D), public buildings (Category E), utilities (Category F), and parks and recreational facilities (Category G).
  • Small Business Administration (SBA) Low-Interest Loans: Although typically associated with businesses, the SBA offers low-interest loans to individuals for home repairs, personal property losses, and replacement of critical items such as medical equipment.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Emergency Benefits: In the wake of disasters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture may provide emergency SNAP benefits to help families access food.

State and local programs

State and local governments also offer disaster assistance programs tailored to the needs of their communities after disasters.

In Georgia, several resources may be available to support caregiving families:

  • Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS): GEMA/HS coordinates with local, state, and federal partners to provide disaster assistance to Georgia residents. They offer guidance on available support, including shelter locations, emergency food services, and recovery resources. Find specific information on assistance in your county >>
  • Local county assistance programs: Many counties in Georgia have their own disaster relief initiatives, which may include emergency shelters, food distribution, and direct financial aid. Find your local community action agency >>

Nonprofit relief efforts

Nonprofit organizations often provide disaster relief services that meet immediate needs, such as food, shelter, medical supplies, and emotional support.

Credit: AP Photo/Mike Stewart

Tax relief and financial aid

Natural disasters like Hurricane Helene can bring unexpected financial burdens, particularly for caregiving families who may already be managing limited resources.

FEMA disaster assistance programs

FEMA offers financial support through programs like the Individuals and Households Program (IHP), which provides aid for temporary housing and home repairs. This assistance is vital for caregivers needing a safe environment to continue care. FEMA also covers disaster-related expenses, such as medical or equipment costs, through its Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362.

IRS tax relief for disaster victims

The IRS provides tax relief to those in federally declared disaster areas, including extended deadlines for filing returns and paying taxes. Families may also qualify to claim a casualty loss deduction for damaged or destroyed property. To apply for these relief options, visit the IRS's website.

SBA disaster loans

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans to homeowners and renters for disaster recovery to make home repairs and replace personal property. These loans can cover costs for items critical to caregiving, like medical equipment or home modifications. You can apply online through the SBA's Disaster Loan Assistance portal.

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Eligibility for disaster assistance

Understanding the general requirements for these disaster assistance programs can help you access the support you need more efficiently.

General eligibility requirements

To qualify for federal disaster assistance, you need to live in a county officially declared a disaster area and demonstrate that you have suffered losses directly caused by the disaster. Low-income and Medicaid-eligible families often meet the financial need criteria for many assistance programs, making them strong candidates for support.

For those who rent their homes, there are programs specifically designed to provide temporary housing or reimburse for personal property losses. Homeowners may be eligible for grants to repair damage that affects the safety and habitability of their homes.

To apply for federal disaster assistance, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability can use the TTY number 800-462-7585.

Specific criteria for financial aid programs

Different financial aid programs have their own set of eligibility requirements:

  • FEMA's Individual Assistance (IA) Program: This program requires applicants to have suffered property damage or incurred disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance. Financial need is a key factor, and the applicant's primary residence must be in a disaster-declared area.
  • SBA disaster loans: To be eligible for an SBA loan, individuals must have suffered physical damage to their property or a loss of personal belongings. The SBA considers applicants' creditworthiness and ability to repay the loan. However, families with limited income may still qualify, as the terms can be more favorable for those with limited financial resources.

Unemployment benefit eligibility

If you or a family member loses employment due to the disaster, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). This program provides financial aid to those unemployed due to a declared disaster who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

To apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance, contact your state's unemployment insurance office or visit the DisasterAssistance.gov website.

Additional resources

Federal and state disaster assistance resources

  • DisasterAssistance.gov: Provides access to various federal disaster assistance programs. Use DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for FEMA aid, check your application status, and find information on other relief programs.
  • Georgia Disaster Assistance: Contact the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) for state-specific resources and support.
    • Phone: 1-800-TRY-GEMA (1-800-879-4362)
    • Email: PublicAssistance@gema.ga.gov (for public assistance)
    • Email: IndividualAssistance@gema.ga.gov (for individual assistance)

Local support services

  • Local food banks: Visit Feeding America's Food Bank Locator to find food banks in your local area.
  • Housing assistance programs: Reach out to Georgia's Department of Community Affairs for information on temporary housing and rental assistance programs available during emergencies.
  • Community support groups: Contact local community centers, churches, or disability organizations for support services and respite care options.

Emergency preparedness information

  • Creating an emergency plan: Visit the Ready Georgia website for instructions on developing an emergency kit and communication plan tailored to your family's needs.
  • Emergency supply kit checklist: Visit Ready.gov for a detailed checklist of essential items to include in a disaster supply kit.

Caregiver-specific support

  • Givers: Givers offers resources and support for family caregivers navigating challenges related to care. Find our emergency preparedness guide for family caregivers here: https://www.joingivers.com/learn/emergency-preparedness.
  • Emergency preparedness guides for Medicaid families: Medicaid.gov provides resources on preparing for emergencies, with tips and checklists tailored to families on Medicaid. The Administration for Community Living also offers guides for older adults and caregivers on preparing for disaster situations.
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