The deadly tornadoes that swept through Kentucky and surrounding states last week served as a stark reminder that natural disasters can hit at any time, and often with little or no warning. Once they have hit, however, there are numerous ways to get federal help for those who have been impacted financially.

                By                    Vance Cariaga
  • Disaster Relief Assistance
  • Disaster Unemployment Assistance
  • Food Cost Relief
  • Emergency Help with Utility Bills
  • Mortgages for Homeowners Rebuilding After a Disaster

See: How To Avoid Being Scammed After a Natural Disaster Find: How To Prepare Financially for a Natural Disaster

The USA.gov website provides information on how to apply for financial assistance within natural disaster areas. Here’s a look at some of the options.

Disaster Relief Assistance

If your home or business suffered damage following a disaster, there are several ways to see if you qualify for financial help after a disaster, what might be available, and how to get it:

More From Your Money: Choose a high-interest saving, checking, CD, or investing account from our list of top banks to start saving today.

  • Search for your address using the address lookup tool on DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also use the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Mobile App.
  • Complete the online questionnaire and disaster assistance application.
  • Visit FEMA’s Individual Disaster Assistance page.
  • Call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585) for disaster assistance.
  • To get help in person, find a Disaster Recovery Center near you with the Disaster Recovery Center locator.
  • Visit the Small Business Administration site to see if you qualify for low-interest loans that are available to help homeowners and small businesses recover from declared disasters.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

If you’ve lost your job as a direct result of a major disaster, you might be eligible for disaster unemployment assistance. If you own your own business, you might also qualify. Note that you are not eligible if you qualify for regular unemployment insurance benefits. Here’s what to do:

  • Visit the Disaster Unemployment Assistance web page to see if you’re eligible for assistance, view the benefits you might receive, and get information on how to file a claim.
  • Visit the Department of Labor’s Severe Storm and Flood Recovery Assistance page to see if you qualify for income and job assistance after a disaster. You can also call 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365) for more information.

Food Cost Relief

If the president authorizes individual disaster assistance for your area, you might qualify for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or D-SNAP. These benefits are typically available if you’re out of work or have reduced or delayed income due to the disaster, or you are facing costly home repairs or temporary shelter expenses. Once your state sets up a D-SNAP program, you have about a week to apply. If you do qualify, you should receive the benefits within three days.

Emergency Help with Utility Bills

If you can’t afford to heat or cool your home after a disaster, you might qualify for emergency help with energy bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). If you qualify, the program can pay to reconnect utilities, pay a utility bill, repair or replace your furnace and air conditioners, repair your home insulation, buy coats and blankets and buy fans and generators

To get help, you must meet your local LIHEAP office’s eligibility requirements and your state must have funds available. Keep in mind that FEMA does not help with emergency electric or utility payments. However, local social services agencies or charitable organizations might offer short-term help. Visit 211.org online or call 211 to find local agencies that may be able to help.

See: What Is Disaster Unemployment Assistance and How Do You Apply For It? Find: How Much It Really Costs To Protect Your Home Against Natural Disasters

Mortgages for Homeowners Rebuilding After a Disaster

If you lost your home due to a major disaster, you might qualify for an insured mortgage, which you can use to rebuild your home or buy another one. It must be a single-family home and your main residence. The program is offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Visit the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims page to learn more.

  • 5 Things Most Americans Don’t Know About Social Security
  • 21 Items That Are Always Cheaper at Costco
  • Earn Up To $1,500 in Bonuses With This Checking Account
  • Should You Refinance Now With the Low Mortgage Rates?