Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades fires will continue receiving government subsidies to pay for housing as they rebuild after the Federal Emergency Management Agency approved an extension of disaster aid, Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday.
Responding to a request from state officials, FEMA extended the housing aid via the Individuals and Households Program housing for eligible homeowners through July 9, 2027, as well as a three-month extension for eligible renters through Oct. 9, according to Newsom’s office.
FEMA’s extension came after months of advocacy by Newsom, members of California’s congressional delegation, local elected officials and community organizations, state officials said.
FEMA reported that over 35,000 households had received funds totaling $177 million for housing through the Individuals and Households Program as of June 12. More than 1,200 households have received Continued Temporary Housing Assistance since the January 2025 disaster.
Federal officials also reported ongoing challenges that survivors are facing, such as unresolved insurance claims, “underinsurance” problems, housing shortages, a shortage of contractors and delays in rebuilding projects.
“Recovery doesn’t end when the headlines fade,” Newsom said in a statement. “Thousands of Los Angeles families are still working to rebuild their homes and their lives, and this extension will help ensure survivors continue receiving the support they need during this critical phase of recovery. We’re grateful FEMA listened to the concerns raised by survivors, local communities, and advocates across California and approved this extension.” “
California officials had requested a 12 more months for homeowners and renters, but FEMA approved the full extension only for homeowners and granted three additional months for tenants.
Newsom’s office noted that he has decreed more than two dozen executive orders to help accelerate recovery work following the fires, and the state has made more than $100 million available through the CalAssist Mortgage Fund to assist homeowners who survived the two wildfires.
Combined, the Eaton and Palisades fires took the lives of 31 Los Angeles County residents, displaced tens of thousands and destroyed or damaged tens of thousands of properties.
“We are grateful to FEMA for approving this critical extension of housing assistance for wildfire survivors,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement. “Palisadians continue to face significant financial hardship, and this support will help ease the burden.”
The Eaton Fire Collaborative, a coalition of community groups that support fire survivors, welcomed the extended aid and said recovery work remains ongoing.
“We are encouraged to share that FEMA has approved an extension of critical housing assistance for survivors of the Los Angeles fires following months of advocacy by survivors, community organizations, local leaders, state officials, and our federal partners,” said a statement from the coalition.
“While this is an important step forward, we know recovery is far from over,” coalition members added. “Many survivors continue to face significant barriers, and the Eaton Fire Collaborative remains committed to advocating for the resources and support our community needs throughout the long-term recovery process.”
Rep. Judy Chu, D-Pasadena, also issued a statement that said, “The continued need for today’s extension underscores the importance of delivering on Governor Newsom’s disaster supplemental funding request that will finally support our long-term recovery and provide the assistance necessary for survivors to rebuild and return home.”
State officials will continue working with FEMA, local governments and community organizations toward long-term recovery efforts in communities affected by the fires, according to the governor’s office.
The deadline to apply for assistance was March 10, 2025, according to LA County’s fire recovery website.
