California wildfire victims can claim a one-time $770 FEMA payment: How to apply

LOS ANGELES - California wildfire victims are eligible to receive one-time payments of $770 from the federal government.

It's part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Critical Needs Assistance program, which helps individuals and households who have critical needs after a disaster. This includes funds to cover food, gas, prescriptions, and other critical expenses.

"People impacted by these fires are going to receive a one-time payment of $770 one-time payment, so they can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, and prescriptions," President Joe Biden said on Monday. 

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Biden said $5.1 million has already been delivered to nearly 6,000 impacted residents who registered for the program.

"There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify to receive once you apply for disaster assistance," FEMA said. "As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing and home repair costs."

Here's what you need to know about applying for FEMA benefits.

What is provided?

FEMA may provide financial assistance to applicants who have immediate or critical needs because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are life-saving and life-sustaining items including, but not limited to: water, food, first aid, prescriptions, infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.

Who is eligible?

Those who are unable to access their homes for a minimum of seven days are generally eligible for the funds. Applicants have up to 60 days following a presidential major disaster declaration to apply.

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To be eligible, the following must be met:

• A registration is completed with FEMA;
• The applicant passes identity verification;
• At registration, the applicant asserts that they have critical needs and requests financial assistance for those needs and expenses;
• Their pre-disaster primary residence is located in a county that is designated for CNA; an
• The applicant is displaced from their pre-disaster primary residence as a result of the disaster.

Can I get more assistance? 

In addition to the one-time payment, households and businesses that have suffered disaster-related losses or damages are also eligible for other assistance programs through FEMA.

How do I apply?

You can apply through an online portal that will ask for your ZIP code and what types of assistance are needed. The form stipulates that FEMA will only cover non-insured losses.

There are several other ways to apply:

• FEMA app: Applications may also be submitted via the FEMA app, which you can download to your smartphone.
• By phone: You can also apply for assistance or check the status of your application by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
• In person: If you live near a Disaster Recovery Center, you can also apply for aid in person. You can find the nearest center through FEMA.gov/DRC or DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also find centers via the FEMA app or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

Spanish speakers can apply for FEMA assistance here.

What do I need?

• A description of the damages along with any photos for documentation.
• Your address at the time of the disaster.
• Your Social Security number.
• Contact information.
• If you have insurance, your policy number, agent or company.
• Annual household income.
• Your bank account information for direct deposit.

Have questions?

You can call 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative.