Getting Help at the Disaster Application Center

The Disaster Application Center (DAC) has representatives from federal, state, local, and volunteer agencies who are there to explain what’s available and help you get what you need. You won’t walk out of the DAC with a check, but you can find out what help is available and apply for assistance. FEMA works with state and local emergency management offices to set up the center.

Your first stop will be at a registrar, who will talk with you and assess your needs. Together, you will fill out an application for assistance. Be prepared to provide information about yourself, your damaged property, and your financial situation. You can also register for assistance over the phone by calling 1-800-462-9029 (TDD: 1-800-462-7585)

After discussing your needs, the registrar will send you to representatives from agencies that may be able to help you. Representatives there will answer your questions and make arrangements for assistance. You will be assigned a FEMA number, which will be required for most assistance in the future.

When leaving the DAC, an exit interviewer will make sure that you have spoken to everyone who can help you. FEMA will then verify the information you provided at the DAC. If you applied for financial assistance and you qualify, FEMA will send a check to the address you put on your application.

Be prepared to provide as much of the following as you can:
• Name and social security number.
• Telephone numbers where you can be reached.
• Names and ages of those living in the home during the disaster.
• Insurance papers including proof of loss forms provided by your insurance administrator. (You may have to ask for this form.)
• A summary of damage and a rough idea of costs for repairs and replacement.
• Income information.
• List of people you owe money to (mortgage, car loan).
• Total amount of living expenses.

If you do not have all of the above information when you apply, you may supply it later. However, it will delay the application process and possible available assistance.

The process may require additional follow-up to achieve results. Be persistent.

Adapted by Jan Lloyd, Extension Family Resource Management Specialist, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, NC State University, from University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences’ Disaster Handbook
8/00—JMG