SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced April 19, that disaster assistance grants are available under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). FEMA is providing grants up to $36,000, to households affected by California’s severe storms that began February 21, 2023.

According to Policygenius, FEMA offers up to $36,000 for each eligible household, with the average grant payment around $5,000 for disaster assistance.

Approved applicants in San Bernardino County as well as Kern, Mariposa, Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties may receive a limited amount of FEMA disaster assistance.

Approved applicants can use the grant for:

• Home repairs: FEMA funds can be used to help cover the cost of home repairs not covered by insurance.
• Temporary housing: FEMA can pay for temporary rentals or hotel stays until the home is repaired. These funds are typically available in one- to three-month increments for up to 18 months after a federally declared disaster.
• Other needs: Financial assistance is also provided for necessary expenses directly caused by the disaster. This includes medical expenses, meals, childcare costs, damage to essential vehicles, and moving and storage expenses. 

FEMA says homeowners and renters are required to submit copies of insurance settlements. By law, FEMA cannot pay for expenses already covered by insurance or other sources such as crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary agencies.

RELATED: San Bernardino County providing up to $15,000 grant to businesses impacted by winter storms

As each individual situation is different, assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis. FEMA considers any expenses for repairs that exceed the conditions to make a home safe, ineligible for funding.

To apply for a FEMA IHP grant visit https://www.disasterassistance.gov/