FEMA Individual Assistance Program Fact Sheet
When a state, territorial, or tribal government (STTL) determines an incident exceeds their capability to respond, the Governor or Tribal Chief Executive may request a declaration from the President through FEMA. The President may provide federal assistance when the magnitude or threat of an incident exceeds the affected state, territorial, tribal, or local government’s capability to respond or recover. For FEMA to provide supplemental federal assistance, the President must declare that an emergency or major disaster exists. The Individual Assistance mission ensures disaster survivors have timely access to a full range of authorized programs and services to maximize recovery through partnered coordination of STTL governments, as well as other federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector.