The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Los Angeles fire survivors to apply for federal assistance, following a request from Governor Gavin Newsom. Homeowners and renters affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County now have until March 31, 2025, to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance and Small Business Administration (SBA) aid.
Governor Newsom expressed gratitude to FEMA and the Trump Administration for accommodating California’s request to extend the program. “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. I urge Angelenos impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires to apply for federal assistance to help get back on their feet,” he stated.
FEMA assistance can cover rental support, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses, and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. These grants do not need repayment and are nontaxable. They also do not affect eligibility for other federal benefits such as Social Security or Medicaid.
The original deadline was March 10; however, an extension was sought by Governor Newsom along with California’s bipartisan congressional delegation to provide more time for survivors to register.
Survivors can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App available on Apple App Store or Google Play, by phone via the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362, or in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). Those with insurance are advised to file claims with their insurers before applying but do not need to wait for settlements before seeking FEMA assistance.
Additionally, the deadline for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) applications has been extended until March 31. This program supports workers who lost jobs or had hours reduced due to the wildfires but are ineligible for regular unemployment benefits.
Further information on recovery efforts is available at https://www.ca.gov/LAfires/.
