A fire, flood or storm
What to do first
- If you are in danger, call 911 and follow what local officials tell you.
- Call 211 for shelter, food and supplies near you.
- Take photos of the damage and keep every receipt.
- Call your insurance company to start a claim.
- If the President declared a disaster in your area, apply with FEMA.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
FEMA disaster help
You usually have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to apply with FEMA. FEMA sometimes gives more time, and you can ask to apply late if you have a reason.
Source: FEMA.gov
Help from Massachusetts
Massachusetts programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department of Transitional Assistance
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Emergency Assistance Family Shelter
Also: HomeBASE
Emergency Assistance provides eligible families with shelter and related support when they have no safe place to stay.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
RAFT
Also: State Public Housing and Rental Vouchers
RAFT provides short-term financial help to eligible households facing housing instability.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Department of Unemployment Assistance
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary payments to eligible workers who lose their jobs through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Home Energy Assistance Program
In Massachusetts, LIHEAP is called HEAP.
HEAP helps eligible households pay heating bills and manage energy costs.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
MassHealth
MassHealth
In Massachusetts, Medicaid is called MassHealth.
MassHealth provides health coverage to eligible Massachusetts residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
MassHealth Behavioral Health
Behavioral Health Services
MassHealth behavioral health services connect members to mental health and substance use care.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SBA.gov
Disaster loans for homes
The Small Business Administration makes low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not only businesses, to repair or replace what was lost.
USDA.gov
Food help after a disaster
After some disasters, the state may offer Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) for a short time. Your state's food benefits office will say if it is open.
SAMHSA.gov
Someone to talk to
The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and open all day, every day, for anyone upset by a disaster.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA disaster assistance
Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Social Security Administration
Replace a Social Security card
Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Request it online with a my Social Security account, or visit or call Social Security. It is always free.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- Mass 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988