Managed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Disaster for Individuals and Families program provides disaster aid to people, families, and businesses that have been affected by disasters. Covered by this disaster relief fund are houses and properties that were destroyed and losses not covered by insurance.

The disaster aid that comes from the Disaster for Individuals and Families comes in the form of money or immediate assistance directly given to the beneficiaries. There are different types of immediate assistance from the disaster relief fund. Depending on the current need of the affected, FEMA can provide the following during any disaster:

• Temporary Housing – qualified individuals are given financial assistance to find a place to stay for a limited period. In case of unavailability of rental units, FEMA houses the disaster victims in government housing units;

• Repair – homeowners whose houses were damaged can avail of a substantial amount of money to help cover repair and reconstruction costs;

• Replacement – for homes that are totally destroyed, the Disaster for Individuals and Families provides money to families to help cover the construction of a new home.

Requirement for eligibility to receive disaster aid may vary from state to state. But generally, an individual must live in an area whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not included in their insurance coverage.