- Apply online at disasterassistance.gov once a declaration is in place. - Have your address, photos, damage list, insurance information and bank details ready. - Keep receipts for cleanup, repairs and temporary housing.

Will FEMA Help If I Don't Have Flood Insurance in NYC?

Q: What Can I Do Before a Declaration?

- Submit a City damage report at reportdamage.nyc.gov. Reports help the City measure the damage and can help it qualify for federal funding. - Call 311 to report sewer backups, street flooding or building problems. - Start cleanup and document everything.

Q: What Other Help Is There?

- U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, which can be open to homeowners and renters as well as businesses after a declaration - The NYS Department of Financial Services Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759 for insurance questions - Your homeowners or renters policy, if the damage was from a burst pipe or another covered cause

Vanesa Levine

22 hours ago

2 min read

Maybe. FEMA assistance for households is only available after a federal major disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance for your area. On November 5, 2026, Governor Hochul announced that New York State is requesting federal assistance for coastal storm damage on Long Island and in New York City. Check disasterassistance.gov to see whether help has been approved.

Can I Apply If I Have No Insurance?

Yes. If a declaration is issued, you can apply for FEMA disaster assistance whether or not you have insurance. FEMA help is meant to cover basic needs and is not a replacement for flood insurance. If you do have insurance, file your claim too, since FEMA will not pay for things your insurance covers.

How Do I Apply?

Apply online at disasterassistance.gov once a declaration is in place.
Have your address, photos, damage list, insurance information and bank details ready.
Keep receipts for cleanup, repairs and temporary housing.

What Can I Do Before a Declaration?

Submit a City damage report at reportdamage.nyc.gov. Reports help the City measure the damage and can help it qualify for federal funding.
Call 311 to report sewer backups, street flooding or building problems.
Start cleanup and document everything.

What Other Help Is There?

U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans, which can be open to homeowners and renters as well as businesses after a declaration
The NYS Department of Financial Services Disaster Hotline at (800) 339-1759 for insurance questions
Your homeowners or renters policy, if the damage was from a burst pipe or another covered cause

Watch Out for Scams

FEMA does not charge to apply. Be careful with anyone who asks for payment to get you FEMA money or pressures you to sign right away.

Need Help With Cleanup?

Call Flood Cleanup NYC at 212-600-9290.