EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering recovery tips and assistance for those who have been impacted by the recent wildfires in Southen California, including the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires.

According to FEMA's news release Monday, there are several ways to apply for FEMA assistance:

To view an accessible video about how to apply, visit FEMA Accessible: Registering for Individual Assistance or en Español.

"Los Angeles County residents and renters should know that FEMA does not hand out gift cards, vouchers or any other type of credit to guarantee assistance," FEMA said in a statement. "FEMA only provides assistance through check or direct deposit."

FEMA disaster recovery centers

The centers open Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, at 1 p.m. 

  • UCLA Research Park West
    10850 West Pico Blvd.
    Los Angeles, CA 90064
    Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
     
  • Pasadena City College Community Education Center
    3035 East Foothill Blvd.
    Pasadena, CA 91106
    Hours of operation – Daily: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

At the center, people can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on their FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process. FEMA financial assistance may include money for basic home repairs, personal property losses or other uninsured, disaster-related needs such as childcare, transportation, medical needs, funeral, or dental expenses. 

Los Angeles County survivors who register for FEMA assistance will receive a decision letter by mail or on their DisasteAssistance.gov account. If the letter says you are “not approved” for some categories of assistance, it does not mean you have been denied assistance.

It is important to read the letter carefully as it will explain your application status and advise what you need to do to continue the process.

'Not approved'

Those who have registered for FEMA assistance will receive a letter from the agency. If the letter indicates “not approved” for assistance, it does not mean you have been denied assistance.

It means that FEMA cannot approve the application with the information submitted so far.

Often, a “not approved” decision may mean the application only needs additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing the application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

  • Proof of insurance coverage
  • Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of occupancy
  • Proof of ownership
  • Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

Be careful to enter information correctly. Typos and missing numbers or information may also cause delays or an initial “not approved” determination letter.

Those with insurance may receive an initial “not approved” decision, but FEMA assistance may still be available.

FEMA may need your insurance determination to be finalized in order to continue processing your FEMA application to make sure you are not receiving funding for the same damage twice.

By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the wildfires that your insurance already covers. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting their insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide funding for insurance deductibles.

People can apply online for the grants disasterassistance.gov, then visit a Disaster Recovery Center for further assistance.

How to appeal

It is important to read the FEMA letter carefully because it will include the amount of money FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of that money. The letter will also explain the application status and advise what is needed to do to appeal if you do not agree with FEMA’s decision.

Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help, like estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each determination letter received from FEMA explains the types of documents that may help you appeal FEMA’s decision or award amount for that type of assistance.

With the letter, FEMA will provide an appeal form that may be used to provide additional information, if you choose to do so. You may also download the appeal form. When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, you must include your FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4856-CA) on every page.

FEMA also offered the following recovery tips:

Replace your lost documents

FEMA understands that people may have lost important documents like passports, property titles, government issued IDs or other vital personal records during the wildfires. Visit ca.gov for a directory of the state’s departments to request your driver’s license, state tax records, birth certificates and other paperwork.

To submit an application for FEMA disaster assistance, people only need:

  • Names of everyone living in your home at the time of the fires
  • Social Security number (yours or your child’s)
  • Household income
  • Contact information
  • Information of property damage/emergency needs

Clean up safely

Only return to your property if local authorities say it is safe to do so. Avoid hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.

When cleaning, wear protective clothing — including a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves and sturdy thick-soled shoes. Use a respirator to limit your exposure, and, if possible, wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles. People with asthma, COPD and/or other lung conditions should take precautions in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen symptoms.

Ask for help if you need it

The wildfires can take an emotional toll on residents, children and the first responder community. Anyone feeling overwhelmed or in distress because of the fires can call or text the Disaster Distress Helpline 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990 to receive free crisis counseling.

State and nonprofit partners like the American Red Cross and others are providing a safe place to stay, meals and emotional comfort to people. To find a shelter, text SHELTER and your ZIP code to 43362, visit redcross.org/shelter or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). You can also call this number if you need assistance locating a missing loved one because of the fires.

The State of California is committed to supporting residents impacted by the Los Angeles Hurricane-Force Firestorm as they navigate the recovery process. Resources for financial assistance, housing, funds for repair and more are available to help individuals and families.

Visit CA.gov/LAFires for up-to-date information on disaster recovery programs, important deadlines, and how to apply for assistance.

On Monday, AccuWeather experts increased their estimate of total damage and economic loss from the fires to between $250 billion and $275 billion. That's up from its estimate last week of $135 billion to $150 billion.

"Multimillion-dollar homes with priceless contents have already been lost in one of the world's most expensive neighborhoods have contributed to this increase as well as the high costs to mitigate smoke damage and water damage due to fire suppression efforts," AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter said in a statement. "There will also certainly be a decrease in real estate values in some of the affected areas as a result of the fires. And perhaps even migration changes as large numbers of people leave California rather than choose to rebuild."