Post-Hurricane Irma
Assistance Resources

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Disaster Assistance Program

Florida residents and business owners impacted by Hurricane Irma may register for FEMA assistance online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, through the FEMA App, or by calling 1‑800‑621‑FEMA (3362) (TTY: 1‑800‑462‑7585), between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

If you use 711 relay or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1‑800‑621‑3362 directly. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low‑cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Operation Blue Roof Program

Operation Blue Roof provides a temporary covering of blue plastic sheeting to help reduce further damage to property until permanent repairs can be made. The blue plastic sheeting is installed using strips of wood that are secured to the roof with nails or screws. This program is available at no cost to eligible primary homeowners in Miami‑Dade and other affected counties. Only primary residences with standard shingled roofs are eligible to receive a temporary blue roof. Metal roofs and mobile homes may be repaired on a case by case basis. Roofs with more than 50 percent structural damage are not eligible for this program. For rental property, legal permission for a blue roof to be installed must be obtained from the property owner. Renters must also obtain legal permission from their landlord to continue occupying the residence until more permanent repairs are made. Information also available by calling 1‑888‑ROOF‑BLU (1‑888‑766‑3258).

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA)

FEMA is making Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) available to eligible storm survivors in Florida who are unable to return to their pre‑disaster primary residence because their home is either uninhabitable or inaccessible. TSA provides disaster survivors with a short‑term stay in a hotel or motel. Through direct payments to lodging providers, TSA is intended to reduce the number of people in shelters by transitioning them into short‑term accommodations. A list of TSA approved hotels can be found by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov and clicking on the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) Program. Those with no internet access can call the FEMA Helpline 1‑800‑621‑FEMA (3362).

Important Information about Disaster SNAP
(also known as Food for Florida)

The most up‑to‑date and accurate information on SNAP benefits and changes will be posted on the ACCESS Florida webpage. There is misinformation currently circulating on social media that indicates that Disaster SNAP is available to any individual who lost power for more than two hours—this is FALSE. Additional scams and rumors may arise. Again, check the ACCESS Florida webpage for accurate information.

State of Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Disaster Unemployment Assistance

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for Florida residents whose jobs were affected by Hurricane Irma, specifically those who live or work in the counties included in the major disaster declaration. This may include people not normally eligible for unemployment benefits, such as self-employed persons and farmworkers. Eligible individuals have 30 days from the announcement date to file a claim for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. An individual must exhaust all entitlement (Reemployment Assistance, Emergency Unemployment Compensation) prior to being eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Disaster Assistance Loans

The SBA provides low-interest disaster loans to help small businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters. To apply and get more information, visit www.sba.gov/disaster‑assistance or call 1‑800‑659‑2955 (TTY: 1‑800‑877‑8339).

Assistance for Veterans

Veterans impacted by Irma may be eligible for federal relief including rental and relocation assistance and food vouchers. For more information, contact the Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) providers listed below.

The Advocate Program: 786‑227‑5842 (Miami‑Dade and Monroe)

Carrfour's Operation Sacred Trust: 855‑778‑3411 (Miami‑Dade and Broward)

Florida Free Legal Answers

This service gives low‑income Floridians a way to get their legal questions answered by a licensed attorney free of charge. In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the qualifying cap has been raised temporarily so that Floridians affected by the storm can post questions and receive answers from attorney volunteers through this Florida Bar/ABA program.