FEMA Assistance for Accessibility Items for Homeowners and Renters

If you or a member of your household use adaptive or accessibility items that were damaged by a disaster, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance.

FEMA recognizes adaptive or accessibility items are an important part of your disaster recovery process and will enable you to maintain and/or re-establish your independence and quality of life after disaster.

FEMA assistance for specific accessibility items does not count toward your Housing Assistance or Personal Property maximum awards, and is limited to the following:

For homeowners:

• Exterior ramp,

• Grab bars, and

• Paved pathway to the home’s entrance from a vehicle.

For homeowners and renters:

• Accessible beds,

• Raised toilet seats and shower chairs,

• Accessible refrigerators and washers,

• Computers or adaptive technology, such as screen readers or adapted keyboards

• Motorized or manual wheelchairs, or walkers

• Visual and/or vibrating fire signals

Assistance for other damaged accessibility items or medical equipment such as CPAP, oxygen supplies, and catheters may be covered by FEMA's Medical and Dental Assistance.

FEMA's 2021 Changes to Assist Underserved Communities

In August 2021, FEMA amended the Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide (IAPPG), Version 1.1, to create additional flexibilities that ensure access to assistance is equitably provided to all survivors.

In addition to the expansion of this Financial assistance for disability caused by disasters (detailed above), other updates in the amended policy include (1) Expanding the documentation requirements for ownership and occupancy, and (2) Offering more types of housing assistance and other needs assistance.

For more information on all three amendments, visit www.fema.gov/expanded-assistance or call FEMA's Helpline at 800-621-3362.