What help can I get after a disaster in New York?

Did a disaster hit your home or community in New York? You may be able to get help with:

• Housing
• Food
• Money
• ID cards
• Mental health support
• Other recovery services

Some help is available even if the federal government has not made a major disaster declaration (an official statement that a disaster was serious enough for federal help). You do not have to wait for that to happen to ask for help.

New York State Assistance

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services helps people recover after a disaster. They may:

• Check how much damage happened in your area
• Run state-funded recovery programs, when they are available. 

Learn more online.

New York State DMV

Did you lose your driver's license, learner permit, non-driver ID card, or vehicle papers in the disaster? The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can help you get new ones.

Local Assistance

Your city, county, town, or village may also offer help after a disaster. Programs are different depending on where you live. They may include:

• Temporary housing help
• Debris removal (cleanup of storm damage, like broken branches or wrecked materials)
• Local emergency funds

Contact your local government or emergency management office to find out what help is available near you.

Your local 211 agency has the newest information about help in your area. You can call 211 from any cell phone or landline. A trained person will answer and help you for free. You can also text, chat online, or search your local 211 database. Find your local 211's other contact information online.

Nonprofit Organizations

Many non-profit, charity, community, and volunteer groups help disaster survivors too. You can contact:

• National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (New York)
• American Red Cross 
• The Salvation Army 
• Catholic Charities USA 
• Team Rubicon 
• Habitat for Humanity 

NYC Residents

If you have been affected by a disaster in New York City, the NYC Emergency Management website can help you with:

• Getting ready for emergencies
• Recovery resources
• Housing help
• Mental health support
• Other services before, during, and after an emergency

Visit the Resources for Individuals page to learn more.