All Resources Legal Advocate Network

Resources For
Disaster Survivors

Find helpful resources on issues you may experience before, during and after a disaster.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal step people can take to get out of debt when they owe a lot of money. Learn what bankruptcy is, how it can help or harm you, and when it might be your best option.

Common Legal Issues After a Disaster

Learn about the laws that can help you with housing-related problems, financial issues, and other challenges you may face following a disaster.

Disability Rights

Individuals with disabilities face greater issues in a disaster. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides many services.

Disaster-Related Hotlines, Shelters, and Resources

Help is available to you after a disaster, often immediately. Always check for resources specific to your state, territory, or area in addition to checking the options provided on this page.

Disaster Benefits and Assistance

If your house was damaged or you were injured in a disaster, you can apply for different types of assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance

You may be able to get Disaster Unemployment Assistance payments if you lose your job or can’t work because of a major disaster. Find out when and how you can get this aid.

Family Law

Learn how the law can help you with post-disaster issues such as child support and alimony, child custody and visitation, school enrollment, and protection from domestic violence.

FEMA Assistance for Disaster Survivors

Learn how you can get money from FEMA to help you recover after a disaster.

Housing Issues After a Disaster

A disaster can have a big impact on your ability to stay in your home and repair the damage. Here are some tips on how to avoid or solve some of these challenges.

How to Replace Lost Documents

It’s common for documents to be lost or damaged in a disaster — and very important to replace them. Find out how to get the ones you need for disaster aid applications, insurance claims, housing issues, health care, and more.

Inheritance and Property Ownership

Learn how decisions are made about who gets a person’s home, land, belongings, money, investments, and other assets when they pass away. Guardianship of young children could become an issue too.

Insurance for Disasters

Having insurance makes it much easier for you to recover from a disaster. You can get insurance for your home, belongings, and vehicle. Find out what type of insurance you need.

Preparing for Disasters

Protect yourself and everyone in your home from floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, and more.

Small Business Administration Loans

Many homeowners and renters who want federal aid for damage to personal property are required to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan. Find out why. Learn how to apply. And see how SBA disaster loans also support businesses and nonprofits.

Tax Relief After a Disaster

Learn about the different types of tax relief after a disaster and if you qualify for disaster tax benefits.

Did you know?

FEMA is now offering 2 programs to provide immediate resources to wildfire survivors in Maui.

FEMA Resources for Maui Residents