Natural disasters can strike anywhere, and during certain times of the year—like hurricane season—they happen often and with intense fury. Heavy storms, floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires have become more common, stronger, and less predictable.

After any extreme weather event, finding stability and recovering can take months or even years, and being displaced often impacts older adults and people with disabilities more.

For some with limited mobility, health issues, or fixed incomes, the rebuilding process can be hard to prepare for and recover from. Fortunately, there are public and private benefits programs and resources available to help immediately following a disaster, including food assistance, shelter, home repairs, medical expenses, transportation, tax relief, and more.

Disaster assistance that can help you now

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides emergency assistance to people who have experienced a natural disaster, including one new option called "flexible funding." Flexible funding gives money directly to individuals for essentials like food, water, baby formula, and other emergency supplies. They also offer “displacement assistance,” which provides funds for housing needs if you can’t return home after a disaster. This money can be used for hotels, staying with friends or family, or other options while you look for a rental.

How do I apply for FEMA emergency assistance?

FEMA has made it easier to apply for disaster relief by visiting disasterassistance.gov. All you need to do is click on 'Let’s get started’ and provide information about your current situation. If you need local help or immediate assistance, you can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Local disaster assistance options

  • From the American Red Cross: If you need help right away, you can find shelter options by entering your ZIP code on the American Red Cross website. You can also text SHELTER followed by your ZIP code (like “SHELTER 01234”) to 4FEMA (43362). If you need help in Spanish, text REFUGIO followed by your ZIP code (like “REFUGIO 01234”).
  • From Local Emergency Management Officials: You can also check with your local emergency management officials or voluntary agencies. Go to 211.org or call 211 by simply dialing 2-1-1 to get local assistance or to locate the closest 211 center. At your local 211 center, you’ll be connected to important resources like help with housing, food, healthcare, mental health support, utility bill assistance, and more.
  • From Local Experts: Your Area Agency on Aging, senior center, or other community-based organization can quickly screen and connect you to programs that can help you recover from disaster. Go to the Eldercare Locator and enter your ZIP code to find one near you. You can also call 1-800-677-1116 to speak with a specialist who can assist you.

Additional assistance geared toward older adults

Here are a few organizations and resources that have extensive experience working with older adults:

  1. BenefitsCheckUp® and NCOA Benefits Enrollment Centers: The website you're currently on, BenefitsCheckUp®, can help you find benefits programs, including disaster assistance. There are many benefits programs that expand or become available for those affected by natural disasters, providing support for shelter, food, tax relief, energy costs, and more. Simply click go to the homepage of our site, enter your ZIP code to browse available programs. NCOA also has a network of community centers across the country with caring staff to answer your questions and help you apply for assistance. Contacting these centers is 100% free and confidential. You can search for a center near you or visit one in person.
  2. Utility Assistance: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)'s disaster relief program can help with energy costs and related home repairs in some areas. To learn more or to find out if you're eligible , locate your state’s DHS office and contact them for assistance.
  3. Tax Relief Programs: The IRS has a Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Program that offers tax counseling and support after a disaster. Special tax rules are available for areas declared major disaster zones. Visit the IRS tax relief assistance page for more details and to see which areas are eligible.
  4. Food Assistance Programs: The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides emergency food benefits in states that the president has declared an emergency or disaster area. For more information about D-SNAP and its availability, check DisasterAssistance.gov.
  5. Medicare coverage and health care resources: Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can answer questions about Medicare and help determine how to get replacement documents you may need. You can find their number online by entering your ZIP code or by calling toll-free 1-877-839-2675. Additionally, you can find information on how to manage specific health conditions following a disaster on Medicare.gov.