Los Angeles Fires FEMA Assistance Guide and FAQs

As a string of devastating fires burn throughout the Los Angeles County and Southern California are, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was approved to provide disaster assistance to survivors.  At this time, Los Angeles County residents who have been affected by this devastating situation may be eligible for financial assistance. 

FEMA disaster assistance is intended to meet the basic needs of your household for uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs to jumpstart your recovery. However, the process can be difficult and confusing, especially for survivors in such a difficult time.   

At Singleton Schreiber, we have dedicated our practice to helping those affected by fires.  For this reason, we've built the following resources for those seeking FEMA disaster assistance at this time. 

Incident Details

• Disaster Number: DR-4856-CA
• Designated Areas: Counties impacted by the wildfires and straight-line winds in California. To view a map of the designated areas, visit fema.gov/disaster/4856/designated-areas.

What Fema Can Cover

FEMA provides several types of assistance for survivors of the Los Angeles fires. Whether your home was damaged or destroyed in the Eaton Fire, Hurst Fire, or any other fire that has raged during this disaster, coverage may include:

1. Housing Assistance:

• Temporary housing
• Rental assistance
• Financial aid for essential home repairs or home

2. Other Needs Assistance:

• Personal property replacement (e.g., furniture, appliances).
• Medical, dental, funeral, and childcare expenses related to the
• Transportation costs, such as vehicle repairs or
• Miscellaneous needs, like moving and storage
• Essential household items and tools required for

4. Crisis Counseling and Disaster-Related Legal Aid

• Free mental health counseling for
• Legal support for issues like insurance claims, landlord disputes, and document

5. Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)

• Temporary unemployment benefits for individuals who lost work due to the disaster and do not qualify for regular unemployment.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, you must:

• Live in an area covered under DR-4856-
• Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
• Have disaster-related damage to their primary residence or expenses not covered by insurance.

How to Apply For FEMA Assistance

The fastest way to apply is through DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also apply through the FEMA mobile app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Information You’ll Need to Apply

Before starting your application, gather the following details:

• Social Security Number (SSN).
• Insurance Information (for homeowners, renters, or vehicles).
• Damage details and
• Income Information (total household income before the )
• Banking details for direct

What to Do After Applying

1. Schedule Inspections: FEMA may contact you to inspect your property and verify
2. Review FEMA Decision Letters: FEMA will send a letter detailing the decision, assistance provided, or why you may have been denied.
3. Appeal a Denial: You have 60 days to appeal if you disagree with FEMA’s

How to Appeal FEMA Decisions

If FEMA denies your application or provides insufficient assistance, you can appeal:

• Deadline: Submit appeals within 60 days of receiving FEMA’s decision
• Required Documents: Provide receipts, repair estimates, photos, or other relevant

Submission Methods:

• Online: Upload documents to your gov account.
• Mail: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782- 8055.
• Fax: 1-800-827-8112.

Tips for a Successful FEMA Application

1. Document Everything: Take photos of damage, keep receipts for repairs, and maintain a log of all disaster-related expenses.
2. Act Quickly: Submit your application as soon as possible to meet
3. Follow Up: Check the status of your application regularly and respond to any requests for additional information promptly.

For additional application or appeal assistance please contact Alejandra Ferreyro at mailto:aferreyro@singletonschreiber.com.

Helpful Contacts for Los Angeles Fire Survivors

• FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
• California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): ca.gov
• Local Disaster Resources: Dial 211 for referrals to local services like shelters and food

FEMA Assistance FAQs

1. Can I apply for FEMA assistance if I have insurance?

Yes. FEMA assistance can supplement what insurance doesn’t cover. Submit your insurance claim first, as FEMA will request documentation showing your insurance coverage.

2. How long does it take to receive assistance?

FEMA strives to process applications within 10 days. Delays may occur if additional documentation is needed.

3. Do I need to repay FEMA assistance?

No. FEMA grants usually don’t need to be repaid. However, if FEMA advances funds for temporary housing while you wait for an insurance settlement, you’ll need to repay FEMA once you receive the settlement.

FEMA may also refer you to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest disaster loans. These loans can help cover unmet needs like home repairs, personal property, vehicles, and business losses, but they are optional and must be repaid.

4. What if FEMA denies my application?

If FEMA denies your application, you can appeal within 60 days of receiving the determination letter. Include additional documentation to support your claim.

5. Can undocumented individuals apply for FEMA assistance?

Yes, if a minor child in the household is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien, the parent or guardian can apply on their behalf.

6. Does FEMA provide help with food?

FEMA does not directly provide food assistance, but referrals may be available through local organizations or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program

The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program is a FEMA initiative that provides short-term hotel accommodations to disaster survivors who cannot return to their homes due to severe damage or inaccessibility. This program is designed to bridge the gap between immediate evacuation and finding more stable, longer-term housing solutions.

Who is Eligible for TSA?

To qualify for TSA, survivors must:

1. Be Displaced Due to the Disaster:

Your primary residence must be uninhabitable, inaccessible, or located in a mandatory evacuation zone.

2. Have Applied for FEMA Assistance:

You must have a valid application for disaster assistance with FEMA.

3. Meet FEMA’s Eligibility Criteria:

FEMA determines TSA eligibility based on verified damage and living conditions.

4. Have No Immediate Shelter Options:

TSA is intended for those who cannot safely return home or do not have other suitable housing options.

What Does TSA Cover?

• Covered Expenses: Hotel room charges (taxes included).
• Not Covered: Incidentals such as food, pet fees, or other hotel

How Does TSA Work?

1. FEMA Directs You to TSA-Participating Hotels:

• Approved survivors can stay in hotels or motels that are part of FEMA’s TSA
• FEMA provides a list of participating hotels, which you can find on gov.

2. FEMA Pays the Hotel Directly:

• Approved applicants do not pay out of pocket for room charges (up to FEMA’s established rates).

3. Timeframe:

• TSA is typically available for a limited period (e.g., 5-14 days initially), with possible extensions based on ongoing need and FEMA’s assessment.

4. Regular Reviews:

• FEMA evaluates your eligibility regularly and informs you of extensions or termination of the program.

How to Apply for TSA

1. Apply for FEMA Assistance:

Complete a FEMA application online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621- 3362.

2. Check TSA Eligibility:

FEMA will notify you if you qualify for TSA. You can also check your status on your FEMA account.

3. Stay in a Participating Hotel:

Select a hotel from FEMA’s TSA list and provide your FEMA registration information to the hotel.

Tips for Using TSA

• Communicate With FEMA: Keep your contact information updated with FEMA, as eligibility decisions and updates are sent regularly.
• Plan Ahead: TSA is a temporary solution, so explore other housing options
• Document Expenses: While FEMA pays for eligible costs, keep records in case additional documentation is required.

If you have any questions regarding your situation or need help with your claim, please contact Singleton Schreiber as soon as you are able.  Our in-house trauma & disaster recovery team understands what you are going through and can help guide you through the FEMA application process along with any insurance claims you may have. 

Whether you were affected by the Eaton Fire, Pallisades Fire, or Hurst Fire, you are not alone.  At Singleton Schreiber, we stand with all survivors of the devastating Los Angeles fires. 

(310) 455-8351 | singletonschreiber.com