Those who reside in the Los Angeles area and were affected by wildfire are eligible for $770 FEMA checks

Scripps News

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has activated the Critical Needs Assistance Program, allowing victims of the Los Angeles-area wildfires to receive a one-time payment of $770 from the federal government.
“There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify to receive once you apply for disaster assistance,” FEMA said.
Those who are unable to access their homes for a minimum of seven days are generally eligible for the funds.
FEMA says that the Critical Needs Assistance Program, which provided $750 payments in 2024, is generally available right away to provide immediate assistance, with additional assistance requiring an application.
FEMA swatted rumors that it provided more relief for migrants entering the U.S. illegally than survivors of Hurricane Helene.

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The federal government is providing a one-time payment of $770 to victims of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area through the Critical Needs Assistance Program, which has been activated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The program’s goal is to give survivors enough money to pay for necessities like food, gas, prescription drugs, and other important costs. 6,000 people had applied for money as of Monday.

President Joe Biden announced on Monday that “those affected by these fires will receive a one-time payment of $770, so they can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, and prescriptions.”.

RELATED STORY: House Speaker Mike Johnson recommends imposing restrictions on federal funding for California’s wildfires.

Making someone whole after a disaster is not the goal of the fund. It isn’t regarded as a loan either.

FEMA stated that “once you apply for disaster assistance, you may qualify for other forms of assistance.”. “You might still be eligible for additional forms of aid for other needs, like help with short-term housing and home repair expenses, while your application is still being reviewed. “.

FEMA urged anyone with inquiries to contact a FEMA representative by calling 1-800-621-3362.

How can I apply?

Through an online application process, candidates can provide their ZIP code and the kinds of assistance they require. FEMA will only cover non-insured losses, according to the form.

Most often, the funds are available to people who have been without access to their homes for at least seven days. After a major disaster is declared by the president, applicants have up to 60 days to submit their applications.

The source of false information about FEMA funds.

FEMA has stated that the claim that Hurricane Helene survivors were only eligible for $750 is not totally true, despite the devastating flooding that followed the storm in North Carolina. The Critical Needs Assistance Program, which paid out $750 in 2024, is typically available immediately to offer immediate assistance, according to FEMA; further assistance requires an application.

Rumors that FEMA gave more aid to migrants coming to the United States were squelched. S. . unlawfully as opposed to Hurricane Helene survivors.

LINKED STORY | California Governor. To see the fires in Los Angeles, Gavin Newsom extends an invitation to Donald Trump.

According to FEMA, $640.9 million in funds were available through the Shelter and Services Program to help non-federal organizations deduct allowable expenses for services related to the arrival of noncitizen migrants in their communities. These grants support organizations in the United States that feed, house, and offer social services to migrants. A. In contrast, FEMA allocated $20 billion for its Disaster Relief Fund in 2024.

In 2025, Congress increased the Disaster Relief Fund’s funding to $29 billion.

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