Disaster Recovery Aid: Insurance, FEMA Grants, SBA Loans & Tax Relief

Insurance can be a huge help after a disaster. If you have homeowners, renters, or manufactured home insurance, it can help with: 

• Rebuilding or repairs (if you own your home).
• Temporary housing.
• Replacing lost items.

For more help, refer to our guide to navigating insurance claims after a disaster.

If the president declares a federal disaster, FEMA may help people affected by the disaster. FEMA may be able to help with: 

• Renting a temporary place to live.
• Replacing important items.
• Rebuilding your home. 

You must apply by the deadline, which is usually 60 days (about two months) after the disaster is declared. 

1. Learn more about this program on FEMA's Individual Assistance page or on the Legal Aid Disaster Resource Center website.
2. Use FEMA's Find Assistance screening tool to see what aid you qualify for.
3. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362. 

The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest loans to: 

• Homeowners.
• Renters.
• Businesses.
• Nonprofits. 

You don’t need to own a business to apply, but you must live in a declared disaster area. SBA loans can help with repairs, replacing lost or damaged property, and other losses.  

Learn more and apply on the SBA's Disaster Assistance page.

If you lost work or income because of a disaster and can’t get regular unemployment assistance, you may qualify for DUA. This program is for: 

• Self-employed people.
• Gig workers and freelancers.
• People who couldn’t work or reach their jobs because of the disaster. 

Learn more at DisasterAssistance.gov. File a claim with the Oregon Employment Department using Frances Online.

If a federal disaster is declared, you may be able to: 

• Get more time to file or pay your taxes.
• Deduct property losses.
• Get a refund based on past tax returns. 

Learn more at the IRS disaster relief page. 

If you lost food purchased with SNAP benefits in a disaster, you can get replacement benefits. Learn more about SNAP replacement benefits on the ODHS site. 

Contact your local Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) office within 10 days to apply for replacement benefits.

Many Oregonians, including disaster survivors and immigrants, may qualify for help with food, housing, bills, childcare, or medical needs. 

For help understanding government assistance programs and eligibility: 

• Refer to our Guide to Government Assistance Programs in Oregon.
• Talk to your local Community Action Agency.
• Call 211info. 

Disasters can be traumatic. It's common to feel scared, tired, or overwhelmed. There is help:  

• 211info: Oregon's statewide referral service. You can call 211 to access local help, such as food pantries, shelters, legal services, counseling, and other support.
• Local emergency management office: These programs act as a central hub for planning, training, and coordinating resources during emergencies. Find your county or tribal emergency management office.
• David Romprey Oregon Warmline: This 24-hour peer hotline provides support in English and Spanish. Call 1-800-698-2392 or visit ccswebsite.org/warmline for more details.
• Disaster-related legal help: Contact Oregon's Lawyer Referral Service or your local legal aid office. You may qualify for free help.  

Don't wait to ask for support. You're not alone. There are people and organizations in Oregon who can help. Start with the steps above, ask for support when needed, and take things one day at a time.