Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires who are uninsured, underinsured, or facing delays or denials in their insurance claims may receive financial assistance from FEMA. It is essential for survivors to keep their FEMA disaster assistance application updated to get help without delay.
If survivors have not received any funds from their insurance company within 30 days of making a claim, they should reach out to FEMA.
Disaster assistance is intended to meet the basic needs of households for damages caused directly by the wildfires. While FEMA is unable to duplicate insurance payments, it may be able to help where insurance cannot.
FEMA may be able to offer survivors an insurance advance payment, which must be repaid when they receive settlement funds.
In some cases, FEMA may be able to help pay for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses. FEMA may also be able to assist if a survivor’s claim is denied, including denial from damage that did not exceed the policy deductible.
In order to receive assistance, survivors must have submitted their application to FEMA prior to the March 31st, 2025, deadline and informed the agency of any existing insurance policies. Survivors must also keep FEMA up to date with any documents they receive from their insurance company.
Track, Update or Make Changes to Your FEMA Disaster Assistance Application
- By visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
- Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one by clicking on “Check Status” at DisasterAssistance.gov. You will need the email address you registered with.
- Through the FEMA app.
- By calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.