Disaster Victims Get $790 Serious Needs Boost from FEMA
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the Serious Needs Assistance award to $790 for people affected by emergencies or major disasters. This change helps cover more costs due to rising prices and applies to disasters declared on or after that date. If you qualify, expect a bit more help when disaster strikes!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Serious Needs Assistance raised to $790
If you qualify for FEMA Serious Needs Assistance after a disaster, the award amount for any single emergency or major disaster is $790. This change applies to disasters declared on or after October 1, 2025, and FEMA based the increase on a 2.9% rise in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (12 months ending August 2025).
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Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19854, Notice of Maximum Amount of Assistance Under the Individuals and Households Program
Starting October 1, 2025, FEMA is raising the maximum help you can get after a disaster to $44,800 for housing and $44,800 for other needs. This boost helps folks affected by emergencies or major disasters get more support, thanks to a 2.9% cost increase. If you’re dealing with disaster recovery, this means more money to rebuild and recover!
2026-19858, Notice of Adjustment of Countywide Per Capita Impact Indicator
FEMA is raising the countywide per person damage indicator to $4.86 for disasters starting on or after October 1, 2025. This change helps decide how much aid counties get after big disasters, reflecting a 2.9% rise in living costs. If your county faces a major disaster after that date, expect updated funding calculations based on this new number.
2026-19857, Notices of Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations and Related Amendments
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2026-19855, Notice of Adjustment of Statewide per Capita Impact Indicator
FEMA just raised the statewide per person impact amount to $1.94 for disasters starting on or after October 1, 2025. This change helps make sure disaster aid keeps up with rising costs, thanks to a 2.9% bump in the Consumer Price Index. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means more accurate funding for your community’s needs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19855, Notice of Adjustment of Statewide per Capita Impact Indicator
FEMA just raised the statewide per person impact amount to $1.94 for disasters starting on or after October 1, 2025. This change helps make sure disaster aid keeps up with rising costs, thanks to a 2.9% bump in the Consumer Price Index. If you’re involved in disaster recovery, this means more accurate funding for your community’s needs.
Next: 2026-19857, Notices of Emergency and Major Disaster Declarations and Related Amendments
From March to August 2026, the President declared emergencies and major disasters affecting various states and tribes, unlocking federal help and funding. These updates also include changes to past disaster declarations dating back to 2018, ensuring communities get the support they need. If you live in an affected area, expect new assistance programs and important deadlines to help recovery efforts.