Updated October 2026

FEMA’s registration deadline for the January 2025 LA fires was March 31, 2025, and it has passed. If you registered, you can still update your file, send insurance results and appeal a decision.

The short version

• The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) pays grants for needs insurance does not cover. Grants do not need to be repaid.
• It covers rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property and other disaster needs.
• Early on, many applicants got a one-time $770 Serious Needs Assistance payment.
• Payments are not taxable and do not affect Social Security or Medicaid eligibility.

Who qualified

At least one household member had to be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen with a Social Security number. A household could apply through that member, such as a child.

What to do now

• Update your file and upload documents at DisasterAssistance.gov, in the FEMA app, or at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).
• Send your insurance settlement or denial. FEMA cannot pay for anything insurance already covered, but it can review gaps.
• If you disagree with a decision, read your letter for the appeal deadline and file in writing.

Source: Cal OES on the March 31, 2025 deadline.

How we use it

IHP grants are capped and are not meant to fund a full rebuild. For that, start with what your lot can hold. Mariposa Complex in Altadena, a post-fire SB 1123 project, put three homes, each with an attached ground-floor ADU, on one post-fire lot. Our rebuild guide covers the permit side.