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I was hit by a natural disaster

Find help with food, unemployment, and energy bills after a natural disaster. Apply for SNAP, unemployment insurance, and LIHEAP.

5 steps, in order3 programs that can helpFree to apply

Where to start

A natural disaster can disrupt your income, damage your home, and make it hard to pay for food and utilities. The good news is that you may qualify for government help right away.

This guide walks you through the main programs that can help after a disaster:

  • SNAP (Food Stamps) helps you buy food when money is tight.
  • Unemployment Insurance replaces lost wages if you lost your job.
  • LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills if you're struggling with energy costs.

Applying for these programs is free, and you don't have to wait for disaster aid to process first. Start with whichever program matches your biggest need right now. Only the agency decides whether you qualify, but it's worth applying. The sooner you file, the sooner you may get help.

Do these first

  1. 1

    Step 1

    Check if you lost your job or income

    Did the disaster cause you to lose work or income? If yes, apply for Unemployment Insurance as soon as possible. Each state runs its own program. Contact your state's workforce agency right away—it usually takes two to three weeks to get your first check.

    About Unemployment
  2. 2

    Step 2

    See if you need help buying food

    If your household income dropped or you can't afford groceries, apply for SNAP. You may qualify even if you still have some income. SNAP gives you monthly benefits on a card to buy food. Applying is free, and the process usually takes about 30 days.

    About SNAP
  3. 3

    Step 3

    Apply for help with energy bills

    If you're worried about paying heating or cooling bills, or you got a shut-off notice, apply for LIHEAP. Each state sets its own rules and deadlines. Funding is limited, so apply as soon as your state's application period opens. Households getting SNAP may qualify automatically.

    About LIHEAP
  4. 4

    Step 4

    Gather proof of income and residency

    For any application, have ready: recent pay stubs or proof of lost income, proof of address, and your Social Security number. If you lost documents in the disaster, explain that on your application. The agency can often help you without original paperwork.

  5. 5

    Step 5

    Keep applying even if you're denied

    If an agency says no, ask why and request a hearing if you disagree. After a disaster, your situation may change quickly—lower income can mean you qualify later even if you didn't before. You can reapply.

Programs that can help

SNAPState-run · USDA Food and Nutrition ServiceSNAP gives monthly benefits on an EBT card to help households with low income buy food.LIHEAPState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.UnemploymentState-run · US Department of Labor / state workforce agenciesUnemployment insurance pays temporary cash benefits to workers who lose their jobs and meet their state's rules.