Disaster turned life upside down, we’re here to help

Financial assistance may be available through FEMA's Individual Assistance program, SBA disaster loans, insurance payments, state and local relief programs, and grants from nonprofit organizations. Credit.org provides free financial and housing counseling to help you identify resources and understand your next steps, but we do not issue benefits, grants, loans, or insurance payments, and we don't determine your eligibility for any third-party program, that's always up to the agency running it.

As soon as you are safe and able. Early financial counseling helps you prioritize expenses, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your recovery resources before deadlines pass.

Credit.org does not file or manage insurance claims. However, our counselors can provide education, helpful resources, and guidance on the next steps you may need to take when working with your insurance company.

Yes. Credit.org is a nonprofit organization and our disaster recovery counseling is provided at no cost to help those affected by natural disasters.

Requirements vary by program. You may be asked for identification, proof that the damaged home was your primary residence, insurance information, documentation of damage or loss, income information, and current housing or mortgage documents. Always follow the instructions provided by the specific program.

Yes. Many disaster survivors face mortgage payment challenges, and disaster-related hardship isexactly the kind of situation our foreclosure assistance counseling covers too: your counselor can help with mortgage forbearance, loan modification, and communicating with your lender before amissed payment turns into something more serious. Our foreclosure assistance page covers this in more depth if you want to readahead of your session.

FEMA's Individual Assistance program is part of the federal disaster response that activates once the President declares a major disaster, and it covers uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses, like temporary housing, home repairs, and other serious disaster-related needs. You'll typically get anotification letter by mail or email after you apply, and FEMA may schedule a home inspection toverify damage. For disasters declared after March 2024, FEMA simplified the application process andmade funding more flexible for survivors. Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.