Disaster Assistance and Recovery
Advocates for Disaster Justice
The Advocates for Disaster Justice website focuses on helping disaster survivors, especially vulnerable groups, by promoting fair recovery policies and providing legal support to ensure everyone gets the help they need after a disaster.
Ask for a Fee Waiver if you can't afford filing fees
In most cases, you have to pay a fee to file papers with the court. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you can ask the court for a “fee waiver” in order to file for free. With a fee waiver, you also may not have to pay for certified copies, sheriff's service of process fees, or other costs related to starting a case, such as the cost for a court reporter to be at your trial.
California Disability Disaster Access & Resource Center Directory
A listing of Disability Disaster Access & Resource Centers (DDARCs) by county.
Check If You Can Get Public Benefits in California
Interactive tool to help connect individuals to information about different state benefits available including disaster relief.
Community Resource Center - Emergency Assistance
CRC serves more than 7,200 people each year with emergency assistance, domestic violence emergency shelter, counseling, housing stability and access to food.
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud
Department of Justice Reminds the Public to be Aware of Fraud When Disaster Strikes and Report it to the National Center for Disaster Fraud.
Disability Disaster Access & Resource Center Resource Checklist
Use this handy checklist to prepare for the next PSPS or any other emergency.
Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief for Individuals and Businesses
Special tax law provisions may help taxpayers and businesses recover financially from the impact of a disaster, especially when the federal government declares their location to be a major disaster area.
Disaster Information for Landlords and Tenants
The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs page provides information for landlords and tenants after a disaster. It offers guidance on rights and responsibilities, including issues related to rent, repairs, eviction, and maintaining safe living conditions during the recovery process.
Disaster Landlord and Tenant Laws
The Disaster Legal Services California page provides information on landlord-tenant issues after a disaster. It offers guidance on tenants' rights, including eviction protections, rent concerns, and how to address housing problems caused by disasters.
Disaster Legal Services - Young Lawyers Division of the ABA
The DisasterAssistance.gov page provides information on the "Other Needs Assistance" program, which offers financial help to individuals and families affected by disasters for personal needs such as medical expenses, personal property loss, and other disaster-related costs.
Disaster Recovery: A Resource for Homeowners
Provides information for homeowners, renters, and lenders on financial relief options and recovery steps after a natural disaster.
Disaster Recovery Centers
A Disaster Recovery Center is a readily accessible facility or mobile office where survivors may go for information about our programs or other disaster assistance programs, and to ask questions related to your case.
Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI)
Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI)
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Unemployment Insurance (UI) claims, including claims for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), can be filed online, by phone, by mail, or by fax. The fastest and easiest option for individuals to file claims for UI benefits is online using eApply4UI.
Documenting Problems and Requesting Repairs
This page has instructions on how to document housing problems and request repairs as a tenant.
Emergency Preparedness: Childcare Safety Plan
The CSP is a free, bilingual (English/Spanish), user-friendly and self-help template for a parent to designate another adult as a caregiver for their minor child and give that caregiver the authority and information necessary to care for the child. In addition, the CSP educates parents about the difference between caregivers and guardians and attaches the Caregiver Authorization Affidavit and the Nomination of (Joint) Guardian legal forms and a POA for travel of minor child abroad.
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities
Emergency Preparedness for People with Disabilities.
Employment & Wages Under Federal Law During Natural Disasters & Recovery
Fact sheet regarding worker protections during natural disasters and recovery under federal law. You may have additional rights under California law.
FAQs on Price Gouging During Disasters or Emergencies
Price gouging refers to sellers trying to take unfair advantage of consumers during an emergency or disaster by greatly increasing prices for essential consumer goods and services. This page has more information for those impacted by disasters or emergencies.
Federally Assisted Tenants’ Rights After a Disaster: Repairs, Relocation, and Right to Remain or Return
The guide from the National Housing Law Project is called Federally Assisted Tenants’ Rights After a Disaster: Repairs, Relocation, and Right to Remain or Return. It helps people who live in government-supported housing understand their rights after a disaster, like a fire, flood, or storm. The guide explains what renters can do if their homes are damaged, how they can get repairs or temporary housing, and how they can make sure they are allowed to come back. It also helps lawyers and housing advocates protect renters from being unfairly pushed out after a disaster.
Fema Fact Sheets - multiple resources
The FEMA Fact Sheets page offers clear, short information about emergency preparedness, response, and recovery to help people and communities during disasters.
"Find help: Disasters and Emergencies "
The First 5 California page provides resources and support for families with young children during disasters and emergencies. It offers information on how to keep children safe, prepare for emergencies, and access services during and after a crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions About FEMA Disaster Assistance
Here are answers to frequently asked FEMA questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Home Insurance Claims
What should my first steps be? What does the Additional Living Expense (ALE) part of my policy cover? Will my insurer cover the cost if I live in a trailer during reconstruction? Who is responsible for clearing the debris from my lot and is that covered under my policy? How can I get a fair claim settlement? What are my legal rights in California? The insurance company will only pay according to its "pricing guidelines"?
Getting Your Mortgage Company To Release Insurance Proceeds
Why can't I just deposit and use my insurance checks? Will the mortgage company pay me interest on the insurance proceeds they are holding?
Guide to Disaster Assistance Services for Immigrant Californians
The Disaster Assistance Guide for Immigrants provides important information about disaster relief programs in California, explaining eligibility criteria for immigrants and outlining available resources and assistance options for those who may not qualify for federal aid.
Healthcare During a Disaster
The "Accessing Health Care During a Disaster" page by the Western Center on Law & Poverty offers guidance on how to access health care services during emergencies or disasters, including information on insurance, protections, and resources available to individuals in crisis situations.
Hiring Contractors After Disasters
Rebuilding after a natural disaster. How to check a contractor's license status and history.
Hiring Professional Help for an Insurance Claim
Information and tips on finding professional help for an insurance claim due to natural disaster.
Housing Counseling Agencies
HUD-Certified Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. Housing counselors throughout the country can provide advice on buying a home, renting, defaults, forbearances, foreclosures, and credit issues. This list will show you several approved agencies in your area. The counseling agencies on this list are approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and they can offer independent advice, often at little or no cost to you. There is also a list of nationwide HUD-approved counseling agencies .
How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision
Every applicant who disagrees with FEMA’s decision has the right to appeal. Read the letter carefully because it will explain the reason for a denial and what may be needed to submit with your appeal letter. If you feel the amount or type of assistance you were approved for is incorrect, you may submit an appeal letter and any documents needed to support your claim.
Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances
Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances
Immigration Relief in Emergencies or Unforeseen Circumstances
The USCIS page explains immigration help available during emergencies, including extensions, waivers, and other support for people affected by disasters or unexpected situations.
Individualized Assistance Center
Information about receiving assistance as a disaster survivor. Link provided to apply for assistance and a what's next after applying link.
Insurance Companies are not allowed to cancel or not renew policies for some properties near a fire after a state of emergency
The California Department of Insurance page provides information about a mandatory one-year moratorium on non-renewals of home insurance policies for properties in areas affected by disasters, including wildfires. It explains how this moratorium helps homeowners maintain coverage after a disaster.
Lawyer Referral Service - Fresno County Bar Association
2444 Main Street, Suite 125 Fresno, CA 93721
(559) 264-2619
www.fresnocountybar.org/?pg=clientreferrals
This group does not provide legal representation in court.
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power - Assistance Programs
Need help paying your bill? This page has information on residential assistance programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Level Pay, EZ-Save, Physician Certified Allowance Discounts, Life-support equipment discounts, senior citizen/disability Lifeline rates, and applying for financial assistance.
Medical and Accessibility Support
Medical and accessibility support for those who rely on power for medical, health or safety needs.
National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)
The National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Department of Justice and law enforcement and regulatory agencies to form a national coordinating agency within the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice to improve and further the detection, prevention, investigation, and prosecution of fraud related to natural and man-made disasters, and to advocate for the victims of such fraud.
Natural Disasters and Your Federal Student Loans and Grants
Questions and Answers for borrowers and students impacted by federally declared natural disasters.
NCDF Disaster Complaint Form
Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Complaint Form.
Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP)
NAP provides financial assistance to producers of noninsurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters.
Power Outage Fact Sheet
There are several types of power outages. This fact sheet explains the differences.
Power Safety Shutoff Backup Battery Options for Consumers
A tipsheet showing various PSPS backup battery options.
Property Relief for Properties Impacted by a Disaster - Los Angeles
The document explains how property owners in Los Angeles County can get tax relief if their property is damaged or destroyed by a disaster. It describes how to apply for a reassessment to lower the property value and reduce taxes.
Property Taxes for victims of a Wildfire or other Natural Disaster - Proposition 19
The page provides information about Proposition 19, which allows California homeowners, including seniors, disabled individuals, and disaster victims, to transfer their property tax assessments to a new home anywhere in the state. It also updates the rules for transferring property tax benefits between parents/children or grandparents/grandchildren. The page outlines eligibility, application processes, and deadlines.
Proposition 19 - Information for County Assessors on Tax Implications of Disasters
The California State Board of Equalization (BOE) provides guidance on Proposition 19, specifically addressing how it affects property tax rules for properties damaged by disaster. It clarifies the process for reassessing property values and the eligibility for tax relief when a property is impacted by a disaster.
Protecting and Rebuilding Your Finances After a Disaster
Information about responding financially to a disaster and tips for avoiding fraud throughout the process.
Protecting Workers from the Dangers of Wildfire Smoke
The page from the California Department of Industrial Relations provides guidance on protecting workers from the health risks associated with wildfire smoke. It outlines safety regulations, recommended practices for employers, and resources for understanding the effects of smoke exposure. The goal is to ensure worker safety during wildfire events by promoting awareness and preventive measures.
Qualifying for FEMA Disaster Assistance: Citizenship and Immigration Status Requirements
FEMA and the state, territory or tribal government may provide direct and financial disaster assistance to U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals and qualified non-citizens. Disaster assistance may include money for temporary rental assistance, home repairs, personal property loss, medical losses, funeral expenses, and other serious disaster-related needs or expenses not covered by insurance or other means. When available, life-sustaining resources such as shelter, food and water, crisis counseling, disaster case management, disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program and disaster legal services are available to disaster survivors regardless of citizenship and immigration status.
Questions and Answers for Undocumented Immigrants Regarding FEMA Assistance
Questions and Answers for Undocumented Immigrants Regarding FEMA Assistance.
Replace Driver's License
The California DMV page provides information on how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged driver’s license or identification card. It includes instructions for requesting a replacement online, by mail, or in person.
Replace Social Security Card
The Social Security Administration page explains how to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Social Security card. It provides details on how to request a replacement online, by mail, or in person, and the required documents.
Resources For People Who Need Help
The resources listed here are meant to provide legal resources to those who have been directly affected by a disaster.
Resources to Help Recent Wildfire Victims
Resources to Help Recent Wildfire Victims - Property guides, avoiding scams, evacuation checklists, and More
Sample Documents for Damage and Proof of Loss Documentation
Sample letters for claim and proof of loss forms, example claim documents, and sample damage reports and documentation.
Social Security - Direct Deposit, Emergency Advanced Payments, and Expedited Payments
Social Security - Set up direct deposit, apply for emergency advanced payments and expedited payments
Top 10 Tips for Wildfire Insurance Claimants
The California Department of Insurance page offers 10 key tips for wildfire claimants, including how to document damages, work with your insurer, and protect your rights during the claims process.
Undocumented and Seeking Safety During a Natural Disaster
Undocumented and Seeking Safety During a Natural Disaster
What Homeowners Should Know About Filing Insurance Claims for Damages
The CBS News article covers issues Californians face with home insurance, particularly after wildfires, including higher premiums, policy cancellations, and difficulties in filing claims.
Wildfire Recovery and Readiness
The California Department of Insurance page provides information and resources for consumers about insurance-related topics, including tips, consumer protection, and how to file complaints or access assistance.