What to Expect After You Apply for FEMA Assistance

HONOLULU - If you live in the City and County of Honolulu, Hawai'i County or Maui County and were impacted by the March 10-24, 2026 Kona Low flooding, you may have questions about what happens after you apply for FEMA assistance. Here is what to expect after you apply.

Application and Next Steps:

The fastest way to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 1-800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA mobile app. If you have trouble applying using one of these methods visit an in-person recovery center which can be found by going to ready.hawaii.gov.

After you apply:

• You will receive a nine-digit FEMA application number. Keep this number in a safe place and refer to it whenever you contact FEMA.
• Your application will be reviewed. FEMA may contact you by phone, text, email, mail, or through your online account if more information is needed.

You can check the status of your application, upload documents, or update your contact information by:

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov,
• Visiting a local recovery center listed on ready.hawaii.gov,
• Calling the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or,
• Using the FEMA mobile app
• If you use a relay service, such as video relay or captioned telephone, please provide FEMA the number for that service.

Home Inspections

If you requested help with damage to your home or reported serious losses, FEMA may schedule a home inspection to verify disaster-caused damage. Here's what to expect:

• A FEMA inspector will contact you using the phone number you provided. The call may come from an unfamiliar or restricted number.
• Inspectors will show official FEMA photo identification. You should always ask to see identification.
• There is no cost for a FEMA inspection. Inspectors will never ask for money, banking information, or payment of any kind.
• During the inspection, you or an adult representative should be present to:
  • Confirm your identity,
  • Walk the inspector through the damaged areas, and
  • Describe your losses.

If you have already started repairs, photos and receipts can help show the damage that occurred.

Decision Letters and What They May Mean

After your information is reviewed, FEMA will send you a letter or online notification explaining:

• What types of assistance, if any, have been approved, and
• What types of assistance you are not currently eligible for, the reason, and what you can do next to become eligible.

A letter saying you are not currently approved does not mean the case is closed. Common reasons include:

• FEMA needs more documents, such as proof of occupancy, ownership, or identity.
• Your insurance claim is still pending.
• FEMA could not reach you or you missed an inspection appointment.

In many cases, you can resolve these issues by submitting additional information or contacting FEMA.

Your Right to Update Your Application and Appeal

If you disagree with FEMA's decision or believe your situation has changed, you have the right to appeal or update your application.

• You must submit your appeal within 60 days from the date on your decision letter.
• Your appeal should:
  • Be in writing,
  • Explain why you think the decision is incorrect, and
  • Include any supporting documents (for example, contractor estimates, insurance settlement letters, proof of occupancy or ownership).

Stay in Touch with FEMA

If your situation changes and to avoid delays:

• Keep your contact information up to date with FEMA.
• Notify FEMA if your phone number, mailing address, email, or insurance information changes.
• Answer calls from unknown numbers in case an inspector or FEMA representative is trying to reach you.
• Contact FEMA with any additional information about your damage or if you incur additional disaster-related expenses.

For questions about your application, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or go to ready.hawaii.gov to find the location of a recovery center where you can meet with a FEMA specialist.

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.

Follow FEMA Region 9 on X @FEMARegion9. You can also follow FEMA online, on X @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol, on FEMA's Facebook page or Espanol page, on Truth Social and FEMA's YouTube account.

For preparedness information, follow the Ready Campaign on X at @Readygov, on Instagram @Readygov or on the Ready Facebook page.