Spend FEMA Funds for Disaster-Related Expenses

As eligible community members affected by severe weather and flooding begin receiving funds from FEMA, a decision letter will spell out proper use of the money. FEMA requires survivors to use the funds only for approved disaster-related expenses.

Disaster-related expenses can range from hotel stays and other temporary housing to basic repairs for flood and storm damage to your home. FEMA funds can also help you repair or replace personal property.

Helpful Tips

• If you live in the affected areas and were approved for FEMA assistance, you will receive a letter from FEMA. It will explain the amount of FEMA assistance you are receiving and how you can spend it.
• Remember to document how you used the disaster funds and keep all receipts for at least three years to verify how you used the money. If you receive a flood insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you must reimburse FEMA.
• You do not have to pay taxes on federal disaster assistance funds.

Disaster-Related Expenses

• Homeowners may be eligible for different types of housing assistance:
  • A community member whose home was destroyed may receive money to help cover part of the uninsured cost of rebuilding. In this case, the homeowner could make the repairs, hire someone to make the repairs, or use the money to buy building materials and have a volunteer group provide the labor to rebuild.
  • Some community members may be eligible to use FEMA funds to find permanent housing in a different location.
  • If the storm damaged your home, you may be eligible for money for home repairs.
• Other types of assistance available to homeowners and community members, including students, may include:
  • Hotel stays or money you can use to rent a different place to live temporarily.
  • You may receive funds for accessibility items to make your home safe and functional.
  • Repair or replacement of a damaged primary vehicle.
  • Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the storm.
  • Reimbursement for increased childcare expenses.
  • Repair or replacement of specialized tools for work and essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies).
  • Moving and storage expenses related to the storm and other essential disaster-related expenses.
  • Cultural items.

How to Apply

• Apply in person at the Disaster Assistance Center located at the Zuni Tribal Building:

  1203B State Hwy 53 Zuni, NM 87327

  Monday- Friday 8am-6pm

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4954. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.