SAN DIEGO — If you were impacted by flooding in San Diego County between January 21 and January 23, the deadline to apply for FEMA aid is April 19.
There are different ways to apply.
Online
- Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
- From there, there are step by step instructions to follow, including entering your zip code and the damage you suffered.
- You'll then be prompted to create an account.
- It's important to have your social security number and bank information available.
- Make sure you fill out everything as completely and accurately as you can, including the best phone number to reach you.
- You can also apply using the FEMA mobile app.
Phone
- Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT daily.
- Multilingual operators are available when registering for assistance by phone.
- Disaster survivors who are deaf, have a hearing loss, or have a speech disability and use a Text Telephone (TTY) may call 800-462-7585. Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service), may call 800- 621-3362. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.
- For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to 'Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance' on YouTube.
In person
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center. At a DRC, you can get help applying for federal assistance and SBA disaster assistance loans, updating applications and learning about other available resources including from the state and county.
- There are two centers in San Diego county open through April 19th.
- Both centers operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, Tuesday - Saturday.
Mountain View Community Center
641 South Boundary Street
San Diego, CA 92113
Spring Valley Library
836 Kempton Street
Spring Valley, CA 91977
Small Business Assistance
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
For the latest FEMA information on the Jan. 21-23, 2024, San Diego County severe storms and flooding, visit http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4758.
Keep in touch with FEMA
After you apply for disaster assistance you should stay in touch with FEMA to update application details with changes or missing information. After a disaster, you may have moved, or discovered additional damage. It is critical to keep FEMA advised of any changes to your situation. Missing or outdated materials could delay getting help.
Information that may need to be updated could include:
- Your current housing situation, phone number, or mailing address.
- Adding or removing the name of a person designated to speak for you.
- Adding or changing names of household members and number of people living in the home.
- Changes in your application for FEMA assistance.
- Correcting or verifying home and property damage.
- Updating your payment preference.
The easiest way to provide missing or new information is to create an account at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also download the FEMA Mobile App to your phone and keep track of information there.
If you don’t have Internet access or need services not on the FEMA website, call the Helpline at 800-621-3362. Multilingual FEMA staff can take your call from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PT, daily. You can also get help in person at the Mountain View Community Center and Spring Valley Library Disaster Recovery Centers. Addresses and operating hours are listed below.
When contacting FEMA be sure to refer to the nine-digit application number you were issued when you applied. This number is included in all correspondence FEMA sends to you.
WATCH RELATED: Deadline quickly approaching for flood victims to apply for FEMA aid