California Grant Assistance for Individuals and Families

The California Department of Social Services, Disaster Services Branch, can provide grant assistance through two programs. They are the Individuals and Households Program (IHP) and the State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP).

Note: Not all programs may be implemented in a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Individuals should check with their local Office of Emergency Services to see which programs apply when a disaster is declared.

Individuals and Households Program (IHP)

The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is a joint Federal and State program. The program can provide assistance following a Presidentially-declared disaster when the federal assistance to IHP is implemented. Under IHP, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide awards in the form of rent, home repair or replacement, transportation repair or replacement, funeral expenses, personal property, medical, dental or other miscellaneous expenses. FEMA disaster assistance covers basic needs, but does not normally compensate disaster victims for their entire loss. Each situation is unique and is handled on a case-by-case basis. Anyone who suffers damage in a Presidentially-declared disaster can register for assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA registration line, 1-800-621-3362. For the speech- or hearing-impaired, the number is 1-800-462-7585.

For general information or to make changes to an existing application, the FEMA disaster information Helpline number is 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP)

California's State Supplemental Grant Program (SSGP), administered by California's Department of Social Services, Disaster Services Branch, may provide grant funds to assist people who have suffered damage in a disaster area declared by the President when the federal assistance to IHP is implemented. The SSGP is 100 percent State funded. The grant may assist with any eligible items not already addressed by the IHP. However, individuals must have applied to FEMA and maximized the IHP award in order to be eligible for SSGP. State grants cover disaster-relief needs in the same categories as the IHP.

If you have reached the maximum IHP assistance, FEMA will automatically transmit your application to SSGP. There is no separate application process for SSGP. If you have questions about the State Supplemental Grant Program, you may contact SSGP at 1-800-759-6807, or for the speech- or hearing-impaired, the TTY number is 1-800-952-8349.

Click on the following links for more detailed information about the SSGP.