Verifying Home Ownership or Occupancy Information

To be eligible for disaster assistance, FEMA will ask for proof your home was your primary residence at the time of the federally declared disaster. We understand that providing documents after experiencing a disaster can be challenging. FEMA accepts multiple types of documents to verify ownership and occupancy.

Official documents for proof of ownership

• The original deed or deed of trust
  to the property
• A mortgage statement or escrow analysis
• Property tax receipt or property tax bill
• Homeowners insurance documentation

*Most documents can be dated within 1 year prior to the disaster and/or within the18-month period of assistance.

Documents for proof of occupancy

• Utility bill (electric, water/sewer, etc.)
• Driver's license, state issued identification card, or voter registration card
• Bank or credit card statements
• Written lease agreement
• Rent receipts

*Most documents can be dated within 1 year prior to the disaster and/or within the 18-month period of assistance. However, your driver's license, state-issued identification card, or voter registration card must have been dated before the disaster happened and not have expired when you send a copy to FEMA.

The fastest and easiest way to send FEMA your documentation to prove occupancy or ownership is by uploading them online to DisasterAssistance.gov.

Scan for a detailed list of acceptable ownership or occupancy documents or visit: Verifying Home Ownership Occupancy