FEMA Individual Assistance Programs: An Overview

When a disaster occurs, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may assist individuals with their recovery if the Individual Assistance (IA) program is authorized by a presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

This report provides brief descriptions of the IA categories authorized by the Stafford Act, including the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP), Disaster Case Management (DCM), Disaster Legal Services (DLS), Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), and assistance for housing and/or other needs through the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). A brief overview of Mass Care and Emergency Assistance (MC/EA) is also provided in this report.