Money, food and documents after a disaster

Watch for your state's D-SNAP announcement, apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance through your state if a declared disaster cost you work, replace IDs agency by agency, and never pay anyone to apply for FEMA.

Updated Oct. 10, 2026 · Sources linked throughout

Food: D-SNAP and SNAP

If grocery stores are open in the disaster area, a state or territory can ask USDA to run Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP). Your state announces dates, places and income limits.
If you already get SNAP, your state may be able to replace benefits for food lost in the disaster. After some declarations, SNAP may also be allowed to buy hot, ready-to-eat food for a time. (USDA: Disaster Assistance)
For food, water and ice today, dial 211 or see free food and water.

Lost work: Disaster Unemployment Assistance

After a presidentially declared major disaster, DUA can help if you lived, worked or were scheduled to work in the disaster area and, because of the disaster, you no longer have a job or place to work, can't reach work, can't work because the workplace was damaged, or were injured. Self-employed people can qualify.
It's for people who don't qualify for regular unemployment. Benefits can last up to 26 weeks after the declaration.
Apply through your state unemployment agency. If you were evacuated to another state, contact the affected state for instructions. (U.S. Department of Labor: DUA)

Replacing IDs and documents

Driver's license or state ID: your state motor vehicle agency.
Social Security card: the Social Security Administration, online, by mail or in person.
Birth certificate: the vital records office in the state or territory where you were born.
Medicare card: your Medicare account online or 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). Medicaid card: your state Medicaid office.
Passport: report it lost to the State Department, then request a replacement. Green card: USCIS. (USA.gov: Replace lost or stolen ID cards)
Tax records: get past returns as transcripts from the IRS, and check whether your area has disaster tax relief, such as extended deadlines. (IRS: Tax relief in disaster situations)

Avoiding disaster scams

The FTC lists these signs of a scam after a disaster: (FTC: Avoiding scams after weather emergencies)

Someone says they can help you qualify for FEMA money for a fee. FEMA doesn't charge application fees.
They want you to pay everything up front, sign over your insurance check, or sign a blank contract.
They insist on cash, wire transfer, gift cards, a payment app or cryptocurrency. Pay by credit card or check, and make the final payment only when the work is done.
They say they don't need a license. Check licenses with your state or county, ask for proof of insurance, get more than one written estimate, and read the contract.

Report scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to your state attorney general. Our contractor scam red flags guide has more.

Every program and phone number on this page was checked against the official agency page linked next to it on Oct. 10, 2026. Programs depend on disaster declarations and can change; confirm on the official page before you act.

Common questions

What is D-SNAP?

Disaster SNAP is food assistance that a state or territory can ask USDA to run after a disaster when grocery stores are open. Your state announces when and where to apply. Current SNAP households may also get lost benefits replaced.

Can I get unemployment if a disaster cost me my job?

Disaster Unemployment Assistance helps workers and self-employed people who lost work because of a presidentially declared major disaster and don't qualify for regular unemployment. Apply through your state unemployment agency.

How do I replace my driver's license or Social Security card?

Contact your state motor vehicle agency for a license or state ID, and the Social Security Administration for a Social Security card. USA.gov lists who to contact for each type of ID.

Does FEMA charge a fee to apply?

No. The FTC says FEMA doesn't charge application fees. Anyone who wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds is running a scam. Report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.