FEMA disaster assistance for San Diego renters and homeowners: how to apply

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Homeowners and renters in San Diego County who had damage or losses caused by the major January storm can now apply for disaster assistance.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released a fact sheet Sunday, detailing step-by-step how those impacted by the severe weather can seek financial help.

Information needed before applying

Before storm victims start their FEMA application, the following information will be needed:

  -- Social Security number

• You, another adult, or a minor child member in your household must have a Social Security number. You or they must also be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen.
• If you don't have a Social Security Number, go to the Social Security number and card page. You will get instructions on what to do and what documents you will need.
• Once you have your Social Security number, you may come back to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline to apply.

-- Insurance information

• Describe the type(s) of insurance coverage you have. This could include coverage under policies like homeowners, flood, automobile, or mobile home insurance.

  -- Damage information

• Describe the damage caused by the disaster. Include the type of disaster (like flood, hurricane, or earthquake) and the type of home or vehicle (like a condo, mobile home or house, or a car or truck).

  -- Financial information

• Provide the address and phone number of the property where the damage occurred and the address and phone number of where FEMA can reach you now.

-- Direct deposit information (optional)

• If approved, FEMA can deposit your funds directly into your bank account. You just need to provide the following banking information: bank name, type of account (like checking or savings), routing number and account number.

Ways to apply

There are few ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Here's a look at your options:

-- Go online to disasterAssistance.gov.

-- Use the FEMA mobile app.

-- Call 1-800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. 

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance on YouTube.

You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to get help applying for federal assistance and disaster loans, updating applications and learning about other available resources. DRC locations are below:

-- Mountain View Community Center, 641 South Boundary St., San Diego, CA 92113

-- Spring Valley Library, 836 Kempton St., Spring Valley, CA 91977

Both centers operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, unless otherwise noted.

More information

For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.