Los Angeles County wildfire victims now have until March 31 to apply for assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday.
Monday was the previous deadline.
“Thank you to FEMA and the Trump Administration for granting California’s request to extend the individual assistance program as our communities in Los Angeles continue to rebuild and recover,” Newsom said in a statement. “I urge Angelenos impacted by the Eaton and Palisades to apply for federal assistance to help get back on their feet.”
FEMA aid can go toward rent, temporary housing, home repairs, replacing lost personal property and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance, according to the governor’s office. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, are nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
To apply, go to disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-3362 or visit a Disaster Recovery Center in Altadena at 540 W. Woodbury Road or in West LA at UCLA Research Park West, 10850 West Pico Blvd.
“Survivors who have insurance are encouraged to file a claim for disaster-caused damage with your insurance company before they apply for FEMA assistance,” according to the governor’s office. “Survivors do not need to wait for an insurance settlement to apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who are uninsured or underinsured.”
A new March 31 application deadline is also now in place for disaster unemployment assistance, which assists workers ineligible for regular unemployment benefits who lost jobs or had hours cut as a result of the wildfires. The California Employment Development Department is accepting applications.
