- If your original registration said your home was inaccessible, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to update your status or visit DisasterAssistance.gov to update its status.
- On-hold wait times of 2.5 to 4 hours have been reported, so please be patient as no inspection is scheduled until the applicant informs FEMA the home is accessible.
- FEMA is taking calls daily from 5 am – 2 am, so you may call during late hours to eliminate some of the wait time.
- It may take up to 30 days for a FEMA-contracted inspector to contact an applicant.
- If you are unable to meet the inspector, you can request an “authorized agent” – such as a trusted neighbor or relative – be at the inspection. If you do not have someone who can serve as your agent, and the home can be accessed for inspection, the inspector can arrange for a FEMA employee to act as your agent and represent your interests.
Be aware of scams. Disasters often bring out criminals who prey on the needs of survivors. Call law enforcement immediately if someone claiming to be an inspector does not show you a badge with a photo or asks for money. Guard your personal information.
- When the inspector arrives, ask for official ID. A FEMA shirt or jacket is not proof.
- The badge should include the inspector’s name, company and photo.
- The inspector will assess and verify damage caused by the disaster.
- There is no inspection fee.
- Generally, the inspection lasts about 30 minutes or less.
- If you are a homeowner, the inspector will verify identification, proof of ownership and occupancy. If you are a renter, the inspector will verify identification and occupancy via a rental agreement, recent utility bill, etc.
Reporting Fraud and Scams. For more information on Reporting Fraud and Scams click here.
Check out more of FEMA’s fact sheets here.