What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance

SANTA FE, New Mexico - If you live in Lincoln County and were affected by the severe storms, flooding and landslides that began June 23, 2025, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance for losses not covered by insurance.

If you have already applied, here's what to expect next.

Home Inspections

Within 10 days after applying, a FEMA inspector may contact you to schedule an appointment. To be prepared for the visit, please have the following available:

• Photo identification
• Proof that you owned or occupied the house at the time of the disaster
• Receipts for home repairs or replacement of damaged items
• Pictures of any damage that may now be repaired

For an accessible video on FEMA home inspections, go to FEMA Accessible: Home Inspections.

Your FEMA Letter

Within 10 days after the inspector's visit, you will receive a letter in the mail or via email explaining your application status and how to respond. The letter will explain whether FEMA has approved you for assistance, how much, and how the assistance must be used.

If you are not approved for FEMA assistance, your letter will explain what to do if you disagree with FEMA's decision.

You may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation. The letter will explain how to appeal the decision if you do not agree with it. For an overview of the appeal process, visit How Do I Appeal the Final Decision? | FEMA.gov

Digital Payment

FEMA is partnering with the U.S. Treasury to provide new options for New Mexicans to receive their disaster assistance money more quickly through digital payments. When applying for FEMA assistance New Mexicans can select which method they prefer to receive their funds.

Payment can be issued through:

• A direct deposit into your bank account
• A credit to your Visa or Mastercard debit card
• Your U.S. debit card used to receive other federal benefits
• An electronic check sent to a pre-paid debit card sent by FEMA
• PayPal account

Digital payments can provide money to eligible New Mexicans on the same day in most cases.

How To Apply for FEMA Assistance

• There are several ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• In-person assistance is available at the State Disaster Resource Center located at Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345. The center is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• You can also use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline specialists speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4886. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6 and on X at x.com/FEMARegion6