Fact Sheets
Program & Policy Guide
Document Library
This resource library provides information on policies, guidance, and other materials intended to help you understand FEMA's Individual Assistance programs.
Get the Facts
FEMA's most-requested fact sheets about getting help after a disaster.
![Family and FEMA staff standing in front of a house](/https/www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/graphics/fema_family-staff-home.png)
Understand How Disaster Assistance Works
Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide
Since publishing the Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide (IAPPG) version 1.1 in May 2021, we've made several changes.
- In April 2024, FEMA disaster assistance was made available to the citizens of Micronesia, Marshall Islands and Palau.
- In March 2024, we updated regulations to streamline disaster assistance programs.
- In October 2023, we expanded the Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program to be available for people affected by emergencies as well as major disaster declarations.
- In July 2022, we released guidance on the importance of formal agreements as tools for developing effective and actionable agreements prior to an incident.
- In April 2022, we began allowing for timeline extensions to Disaster Case Management Programs for survivors who need more help on their road to recovery.
- In September 2021, we began efforts to ensure fairness and support for all communities in our programs.
- In July 2021, we updated our policy on temporary housing for people affected by disasters.
View older versions of the IAPPG.
Document Library
You can keyword search for a document by its title, or use the filters to browse by topic or document type.