Individual Assistance Program - Individual & Household Initial Damage Assessment for Primary Residences

Individual Assistance program or the Individuals and Households Program provides financial and direct assistance to eligible applicants and households affected by disasters. The assistance is intended to meet the basic needs of disaster survivors and is not intended to compensate for all losses. It's important to note that the Individuals and Households Initial Damage Assessment is not an application for assistance, only an assessment. The individual submitting the form must show major damage to their primary residence; FEMA defines major damage as a loss of a roof, a flood that lasts several days or flood water 18 inches high on the first floor, for example. FEMA can use the information provided in the Individual & Households Initial Damage Assessment to direct the applicant to other assistance programs. The State of Maine rarely has applied for Individual Assistance due to the difficulty of demonstrating significant damage to meet the guidelines for eligibility. 

Guidelines for federal assistance are as follows: 

damage to primary residence ( this does not include fencing, outbuildings, pole barns, garages, etc.)

primary residence is underinsured or uninsured (if you are insured you will be required to file a claim)

You must be a US Citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien

damage level is major or destroyed-defined above. 

Citizens can report damages through the state reporting tool, see links embedded below. 

MEMA Individual Assistance Program

Maine Individual Damage Assessment form

211maine Homeowners can also call 211 or visit 211Maine for assistance to complete the form https://211maine.org/