When disaster strikes, navigating recovery resources can feel overwhelming. That’s why SOAR has created a Flood Resource Page to help those impacted by the February 2025 flooding find critical information from state and federal resources, all in one place.
One of the most important resources available to individuals and families affected by disaster is FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program. The program provides financial help and direct services for individuals and households, often referred to as the FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP). It provides aid to eligible survivors with uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. While it doesn’t replace insurance, IHP can be the first step toward recovery.
View FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program Fact Sheet HERE.
How to Apply for FEMA Assistance
If you were impacted by the February 2025 flooding, you can apply for FEMA assistance through several convenient methods:
- Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply.
- Mobile App: Download and apply through the FEMA App on your smartphone.
- Phone: Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for those with hearing impairments).
- In Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for one-on-one assistance from FEMA representatives. Find your closest DRC HERE.
Choose the option that works best for you and apply as soon as possible to begin your recovery process.
Who Is Eligible?
To receive assistance through IHP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified non-citizen
- FEMA must be able to verify the applicant’s identity
- Disaster-related losses must not be fully covered by insurance or other aid
- The applicant’s primary residence must have been directly impacted by the disaster
Information Needed to Apply for FEMA Assistance
Applying for FEMA disaster assistance requires specific documents to verify your identity, property, and losses. Be prepared to provide:
- Your phone number and the address of the damaged property
- Current contact information (alternate address, phone number, or email)
- Your Social Security number
- Insurance details, including settlement letters if applicable
- A description of your home damage and personal property losses
- Annual household income (for potential referrals)
- Bank account information for direct deposit payments
FEMA may also request proof of identity, ownership, and occupancy, such as a state ID, lease agreement, utility bills, or property records. If documentation has been lost, alternative verification methods may be available. For a full list of required documents and assistance options, visit the FEMA Disaster Assistance Fact Sheet.
What Does FEMA Cover?
FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program is divided into two main categories:
1. Housing Assistance
If your home was damaged or destroyed, you may be eligible for:
- Home Repair or Replacement – Financial assistance to repair disaster-caused damage to owner-occupied homes. This may include:
- Fixing structural damage
- Replacing or repairing private roads, bridges, or wells
- Addressing mold caused by the disaster
- Installing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities
- Temporary Housing – If you can’t return home, FEMA may help with:
- Rental Assistance – Money to cover the cost of a temporary rental
- Lodging Expense Reimbursement – Reimbursement for short-term hotel stays
- Direct Housing Assistance – In cases where rentals aren’t available, FEMA may provide a manufactured housing unit or leased multi-family property for temporary housing
- Mitigation Measures – Funds to help rebuild stronger, such as using wind-resistant materials or elevating utilities to prevent future flood damage.
2. Other Needs Assistance
Beyond housing, FEMA can help cover other essential disaster-related expenses, including:
- Personal Property – Replacing damaged appliances, furniture, or work-related tools
- Transportation – Repairing or replacing a disaster-damaged vehicle
- Child Care – Assistance for new or increased childcare costs due to the disaster
- Medical and Dental – Coverage for injury-related medical or dental expenses, including replacement of lost prescriptions or medical equipment
- Funeral Costs – Financial support for burial expenses related to the disaster
- Moving and Storage – Costs associated with storing property during home repairs
- Cleaning and Sanitation – Funds to help with cleanup and minor repairs to prevent further damage
Important Things to Know
- How Funds Are Distributed – Money is typically sent via direct deposit or U.S. Treasury check.
- Time Limit for Assistance – IHP assistance lasts up to 18 months after the disaster, but extensions may be granted in special cases.
- Appealing a FEMA Decision – If you are denied or receive less aid than expected, you have 60 days to appeal the decision.
FEMA assistance is not taxable and does not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, or other government benefits.
FEMA’s Transitional Shelter Assistance Program
FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program provides eligible disaster survivors with short-term shelter in participating hotels or motels when they cannot return to their homes. This program is designed to offer a safe, temporary housing option while individuals and families work toward a more stable housing solution. Survivors do not need to submit a separate application for TSA. FEMA automatically determines eligibility when reviewing applications for disaster assistance.
TSA is not a permanent housing solution, and eligibility is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Survivors are notified at least seven days before their eligibility ends. For full details, visit the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance Fact Sheet.
Privately-Owned Roads and Bridges
FEMA may provide financial assistance to repair a privately owned road or bridge damaged by a Presidentially declared disaster if it is the only way to access your home. Eligible applicants must own and live in the home most of the year, be financially responsible for maintaining the road or bridge, and lack insurance coverage for the damage. If multiple homeowners share responsibility, each may apply for assistance.
Homeowners who have already made repairs should keep their receipts, as FEMA may reimburse eligible costs. For more details, visit the FEMA Privately Owned Roads and Bridges Fact Sheet.
Kentucky SNAP Benefits
If you were affected by the storms on February 15 and lost food purchased with your SNAP benefits due to flooding or a power outage lasting at least four hours, you can request replacement benefits through Monday, March 17.
Please note that this is not a benefit of FEMA assistance but is available to support you during this challenging time.
To request replacement benefits, contact the Kentucky Department for Community-Based Services at 855-306-8959. If possible, have your case number ready to expedite the process.
Business Support
Businesses affected by the February 2025 flooding have access to critical recovery resources through SOAR’s Business Recovery Hub. This resource hub provides information on Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans, as well as emergency loan programs offered by the Mountain Association and Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKED) to help businesses rebuild and recover.
To ensure local, state, and federal agencies understand the full scope of the disaster’s economic impact, we encourage all affected businesses to complete a Business Impact Survey through Invest 606 and the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky. Your responses will help shape ongoing recovery efforts and advocacy for additional support.
We’re in this together
Recovery after a disaster is never easy, but you are not alone. Eastern Kentucky is built on resilience, and together, we will rebuild stronger than before. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or business owner, there are resources available to help you navigate this challenging time.
SOAR remains committed to providing up-to-date information and support to ensure our communities have the tools they need to recover.