The fact that natural disasters are relatively rare is little solace when you’re a victim of one.  Earthquakes, tornados, and floods and the like can and do happen, so it’s best to be prepared. If you’re in need of help now, consider the following a resource guide.

Either way, here’s what you should know about financial assistance within designated natural disaster areas, including how to pay your bills. 

What is a Natural Disaster?

A natural disaster can be described as an often unexpected meteorological or geological event that could potentially cause loss of life and destruction of property.

After such an event occurs, the president might declare a natural disaster, triggering the availability of relief for those in the area who are affected.

Disaster Relief Assistance 

If you have sustained damage to your home or business, you may be able to get help with unemployment, bills , food, and more, plus possible tax relief or loans.

Apply for Help with Disaster Recovery

• Use the “address find” function on DisasterAssistance.gov or use the FEMA Mobile App.
• Fill out and submit the online questionnaire and disaster assistance application.
• Go to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Disaster Assistance webpage.
• Phone FEMA at 800-621-3362.
• For in-person assistance, check out the Disaster Recovery Center locator.

Apply for a Disaster Recovery Loan

• Homeowners and small businesses may be eligible for low-interest Small Business Administration loans.
• Talk to your tax advisor about possibly getting disaster relief from the IRS. 

Help with Food

The Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) provides a month of benefits on a plastic debit-like card that most grocery stores accept. Even if you would be ineligible for regular food stamps, you may qualify for D-SNAP if you’re out of work or your income has been diminished or delayed due to the disaster.

You also may be eligible if your home requires expensive repairs or if you have incurred temporary shelter expenses. In addition, you may qualify for free meals for your children or your whole family.

Disaster Unemployment Help

If you’re ineligible for regular unemployment assistance but you’ve lost your job due to a natural disaster, you might be able to get federal unemployment help.

Emergency Help with Utility and Other Bills

If heating or cooling your house following a disaster is impossible or a hardship following a disaster, you may be able to get emergency help through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. 

As for your other bills, such as for credit cards, the government does not have an emergency debt relief plan for those. However, Freedom Debt Relief does have a debt relief program that can help you.

Mortgages for Homeowners Who are Rebuilding After a Disaster

If a natural disaster destroys your home, you may be eligible for an insured mortgage, which you could use to rebuild your house or to purchase another one. A proviso is that the property must be a single-family home and your chief dwelling.

The mortgage insurance for disaster victims program, which is offered by the Federal Housing Administration, makes it easier to get a mortgage. Note that there’s a limit on the amount that can be insured and on the mortgage’s value. Also, a premium must be paid up front in addition to the regular monthly premiums that accompany your mortgage payment. 

While you must shell out for closing costs and prepaid expenses, no down payment is necessary.

Hopefully, you’ll never have to use the financial assistance that becomes available within designated natural disaster areas. But it’s always good to know such help is available if you need it. Keep this resource handy.