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Find help with food, unemployment, and energy bills after a natural disaster. Apply for SNAP, unemployment insurance, and LIHEAP.
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:
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.
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 UnemploymentIf 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 SNAPIf 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 LIHEAPFor 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.
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.
Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.
ClearLine Wireless
4.3out of 5 stars,(5,310 reviews)Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.
On ClearLine Wireless's secure site
Pros
Good to know
Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.
Harbor Prepaid Card
4.2out of 5 stars,(3,470 reviews)A prepaid debit card for SSI, unemployment and tax refunds, with no overdraft fees.
On Harbor Prepaid Card's secure site
Pros
Good to know
A $5 monthly fee applies without direct deposit. SNAP benefits can't be loaded.