(NewsNation) — Once an emergency is declared — like in the case of Hurricane Helene — the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) can unleash various types of aid. Much of what the agency does is give out money in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
That can include assistance to individuals affected by disasters, such as payments of $750 to pay for their immediate needs — like medicine or diapers — after a storm or earthquake hits. It can also mean additional money to rent an apartment because their home is destroyed or to pay for a storage unit. FEMA is working to get specific approval needed for Hurricane Milton survivors to apply for such aid.
That $750, however, has been mischaracterized by several high-profile politicians, including former President Donald Trump.
He, and others, have claimed that the $750 payment is a loan and that is the only form of assistance FEMA is providing. The initial $750 is the first payment FEMA will make to storm survivors, who are also eligible for other forms of assistance.
PUNTA GORDA – OCTOBER 10: In this aerial view, a boat rests in a street after it was washed ashore when Hurricane Milton passed through the area on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) 
PUNTA GORDA – OCTOBER 10: In this aerial view, boats are washed ashore from when Hurricane Milton passed through the area on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) 
PUNTA GORDA – OCTOBER 10: A boat rests in a yard after it was washed ashore when Hurricane Milton passed through the area on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) 
PUNTA GORDA – OCTOBER 10: In this aerial view, Flood waters inundate a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda, Florida. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) 
FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 09: A person walks through surge waters after Hurricane Milton made landfall in the Sarasota area on October 09, 2024, in Fort Myers, Florida. Milton, coming on the heels of the destructive Helene, hit as a category 3 storm with winds of over 100 mph, though veering south of the projected direct hit on Tampa. Instead, the storm, which earlier had reportedly spawned tornadoes, landed about 70 miles south of Tampa near Siesta Key, a strip of white-sand beaches that’s home to 5,500 people, according to published reports.. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Beyond that, those affected by the hurricanes also can apply for several other types of assistance, including money for rent while they’re displaced or money to store their belongings while they repair their homes.
How can I receive FEMA aid?
The “Serious Needs Assistance” is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies, according to the agency.
There are four ways you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance:
- Fill out a DisasterAssistance.gov application online
- Apply using the FEMA app. Download the free app from your smartphone’s app store
- Apply by phone at 1-800-621-3362
- Apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Find a DRC near you
Who is eligible for FEMA aid?
According to the agency, you must live in a presidentially declared disaster area to receive financial assistance from FEMA. You can check your area’s status with FEMA’s address lookup tool here.
Florida is working to gather information to submit a request for a major disaster declaration for Hurricane Milton, FEMA told NewsNation. Once this is approved, disaster survivors can apply for the FEMA disaster assistance in counties specified under the destination. Hurricane Helene already has a major disaster declaration approved.
FEMA encourages survivors of Milton to continue to follow the direction of local officials.
What info do I need to receive FEMA aid?
To receive FEMA aid you will need the following:
- Your Social Security number
- Insurance information
- A description of the damage caused
- Your annual household income
- Contact information
- Bank account information for direct deposit