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FEMA offers helpful programs for residents who are recovering from hurricane events.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been instrumental in responding to the aftermath of Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
The agency's diverse programs have provided residents with numerous options, most notably, the Individuals and Households Program (IHP).
Individuals and Households Program
FEMA's Individuals and Households Program provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible applicants who have disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs that are not covered by insurance or provided by any other source.
The registration period lasts for 60-days and IHP assistance is limited to 18 months, both of which begin on the date of the Presidential disaster declaration. IHP is the most significant FEMA Individual Assistance Program and is made up of two provisions, Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs Assistance (ONA).
Amount of Assistance
Each type of IHP assistance has specific eligibility conditions that applicants must satisfy prior to being awarded.
IHP maximum awards are updated annually in accordance with the Federal fiscal year, based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). For FY 24-25, award maximums are:
- HA Maximum Award = $43,600
- ONA Maximum Award = $43,600
Housing Assistance (HA)
Housing Assistance may be provided in the form of financial assistance (funds provided to an applicant) or direct assistance (housing provided to the applicant by FEMA). Most Housing Assistance will be financial.
Other Needs Assistance (ONA)
Other Needs Assistance is provided in the form of financial assistance (funds provided to the applicant).
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts.
To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert.
For the latest emergency-related information visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe. Residents without digital access are encouraged to call (833) HC STORM or (833) 427-8676, the County's storm information and helpline.