Dispel the Myths and Get the Facts—FEMA Is Here to Help After Hurricane Milton

In the wake of Hurricane Milton, countless families are struggling to get the help they need. During times like these, misinformation and disinformation can spread quickly, leading people to believe rumors that may prevent them from receiving vital aid. It’s important to get the facts straight, especially when it comes to disaster assistance. Let’s break down some of the common rumors surrounding FEMA’s aid and recovery efforts, and give you the tools you need to get the right help for yourself and your loved ones.

Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.

This is false.

The $750 is a type of assistance called Serious Needs Assistance, which you may be approved for soon after you apply. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication, and other emergency supplies. This is only the initial payment while FEMA continues to assess your eligibility for additional funds.

As your application is reviewed, you may qualify for further assistance covering temporary housing, personal property, and home repair costs. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you may qualify for, you can contact FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a representative in your preferred language.

Rumor: FEMA is blockading people in Florida and preventing evacuations.

This is false.

FEMA is not blockading people in Florida or preventing evacuations. FEMA does not control traffic flow or conduct traffic stops—these responsibilities are handled by local authorities. Misinformation like this can put lives in danger.

If you live on the west coast of Florida or in the Florida peninsula, take immediate action to protect yourself and your loved ones. Follow the guidance of local authorities, and if you are ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Delaying your evacuation can put your life and the lives of others at risk.

Local officials are the best source of information about evacuations and the resources available to help you. For more information, visit: Hurricane Milton | Florida Disaster.

Rumor: FEMA only provides loans to disaster survivors.

This is false. In most cases, FEMA grants do not have to be paid back.

FEMA provides grants to survivors of disasters, which typically do not need to be paid back. There are some less common situations where repayment is required, such as if you receive duplicate benefits from insurance or other sources.

In addition to grants, low-interest disaster loans are available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for homeowners and small business owners in declared major disaster areas. These loans help cover home repairs, personal property replacement, vehicle damage, mitigation, and working capital for businesses.

For more information about SBA disaster loans, visit SBA Disaster Loan Assistance.

Rumor: Applying multiple times for disaster assistance will speed up the process of being approved.

This is false.

You only need to apply for FEMA assistance once per household. Submitting more than one application will cause delays in processing your request. If you need to check the status of your application or read any FEMA correspondence, you can do so by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

How You Can Help Survivors of Hurricane Milton

In addition to dispelling rumors, it’s important to focus on how we can help. Here are four ways to make a real difference for those affected by Hurricane Milton:

Volunteer to Help
You can sign up to volunteer with a reputable organization through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) website. These organizations coordinate volunteer efforts to ensure that help is given where it’s needed most.
Volunteer opportunities: NVOAD Volunteer
Donate Cash to Recognized Disaster Relief Organizations
Cash donations are the most flexible and effective way to help. They allow organizations to quickly address urgent needs by purchasing supplies from local businesses, which also helps the economy recover. Avoid donating unsolicited goods, which may complicate recovery efforts.
Identify What Is Needed Before Sending Supplies
Always check with relief organizations before sending supplies. Unsolicited goods can create logistical issues, and it’s best to donate items that are specifically needed by disaster survivors.
Avoid Traveling to Affected Areas
Traveling to disaster-affected areas can strain local resources and responders. Recovery will take time, and there will be opportunities to volunteer or donate in the months to come. Stay safe and wait for instructions from officials before visiting impacted regions.

Call FEMA for Help

If you or a loved one has been impacted by Hurricane Milton, call FEMA directly to get the most accurate information and assistance:

FEMA Helpline: 1-800-621-3362
Disaster Assistance: https://www.disasterassistance.gov

Remember, in times of disaster, misinformation can cause unnecessary confusion and delay access to help. Let’s stay informed and ensure that we support each other in the face of these challenges. There is help available, and together, we can recover and rebuild stronger than ever.