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 Vermont
Vermont programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Department for Children and Families
3SquaresVT
In Vermont, SNAP is called 3SquaresVT.
3SquaresVT helps eligible households pay for food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department for Children and Families and Department of Housing and Community Development
Emergency Housing
Also: Homelessness and Housing Stability
Emergency Housing can provide temporary lodging to eligible households in an emergency.
Ways to apply:PhonePaperIn person
Department of Housing and Community Development
Housing Opportunity Program
The Housing Opportunity Program funds local partners that provide homelessness prevention and rental assistance.
Vermont Department of Labor
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance replaces some wages for eligible people who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Department for Children and Families
Fuel Assistance
In Vermont, LIHEAP is called Fuel Assistance.
Fuel Assistance helps eligible households pay part of their home heating costs.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Department of Vermont Health Access
Green Mountain Care Medicaid
In Vermont, Medicaid is called Green Mountain Care.
Green Mountain Care provides Medicaid health coverage to eligible Vermonters.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaper
Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living
Behavioral Health Services
The Department of Mental Health oversees community mental health services through local designated agencies.
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
- Vermont 2-1-1
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