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 Oklahoma
Oklahoma programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Oklahoma Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP provides monthly food benefits on an EBT card to eligible households.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Homeless Services
ODMHSAS funds housing and support services for people experiencing homelessness, including people with mental illness or addiction disorders.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency
Housing Choice Voucher Program
OHFA provides monthly rental assistance to eligible low-income families through the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
Ways to apply:Online
Oklahoma Employment Security Commission
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance provides temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Oklahoma Human Services
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
LIHEAP helps eligible households pay heating, cooling, or crisis energy costs during application periods.
Ways to apply:OnlineIn person
Oklahoma Human Services and Oklahoma Health Care Authority
SoonerCare
In Oklahoma, Medicaid is called SoonerCare.
SoonerCare helps pay for health care for eligible Oklahoma residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaperIn person
Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
Behavioral Health Services
ODMHSAS funds and provides mental health and substance use treatment and recovery services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn 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
- HeartLine 211 Oklahoma
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