Now that it’s March, residents and businesses in the burn areas of the Palisades and Eaton fires have an array of deadlines to consider to receive funding support through various agencies.
The deadlines had been set early on in the aftermath of the catastrophes, which broke out on Jan. 7. But amid recent busy recent weeks for residents and business owners who have lost homes and structures, it was worth a reminder.
Here’s a list of disaster assistance programs to apply to if you’ve been affected, with deadlines approaching in March. Whether you’re a homeowner, small business, or private nonprofit organization, several disaster recovery options are available.
FEMA Individual Assistance
FEMA Individual Assistance helps with home repairs, temporary housing, and property damage. Qualifying applicants, based on need, may also receive assistance with child care, medical, moving, lodging, and funeral expenses. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, using the FEMA mobile app, or applying in-person by visiting a nearby Disaster Recover Center. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2025.
SBA Disaster Loan
Homeowners, businesses, renters and private nonprofit organizations can apply for low-interest Small Business Adminisrtation (SBA) Disaster Loan, which cover losses not covered by insurace or funding from FEMA and business operating expenses that could have been met had the ed. To apply online, head to https://lending.sba.gov or call SBA at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can call at 800-877-8339. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2025.
FEMA Public Assistance
Private nonprofit organizations, such as houses of worship and faith-based organizations, and local governments can apply for FEMA Public Assistance through filing a Request for Public Assistance (RPA). FEMA Public Assistance provides supplemental grants to private nonprofits and local governments to help recover from major disasters or emergencies.
Apply online at the FEMA Grants Portal at grantee.fema.gov and click on “Register your Organization and Request Public Assistance” at the bottom of the opening page. The deadline to apply is March 9, 2025.
Government-run Debris Removal Program Right of Entry (ROE)
The Los Angeles County Debris Removal Right of Entry form enables wildfire-affected residents to opt-in their private property in the 2025 Los Angeles Wildfires Debris Removal Program.
This permits government officials the right to enter the property for the purposes of conducting several activities, including the removal of asbestos, hazardous fire/wind damaged trees, and burned debris. For more information on the ROE form and to apply, complete the op-in form online at https://app.smartsheet.com, through downloading and completing the form https://file.lacounty.gov, or picking up a form at a Disaster Recovery Center. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2025.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA)
If you lost your job or are unable to work because of a disaster, you can apply for unemployment, disability, or Paid Family Leave benefits online through DUA.gov. Workers and self-employed people who don’t qualify for regular unemployment benefits may also be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance if the president of the United States declares a disaster. The deadline to apply is March 10, 2025.