Wildfire Victims Assistance By The Wagner Law Group

Financial Assistance After a California Wildfire

Recovery is expensive, and help is spread across many programs. Here's a plain-language guide to the financial assistance available to California wildfire survivors — federal, state, local, and beyond.

After a wildfire, the cost of recovery can feel impossible — temporary housing, replacing essentials, repairs, lost income. Several programs exist to help, but they're scattered across federal, state, and local agencies and can be hard to navigate when you're already overwhelmed. This guide explains the main sources of financial assistance and how they fit together.

Federal assistance through FEMA

When the President declares a major disaster for your area, FEMA assistance becomes available. It can help with temporary housing, essential home repairs, and certain other disaster-related needs that aren't covered by insurance. FEMA aid is not meant to make you whole — it covers basic, urgent needs — but it's an important first source of help.

  • How to apply: register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
  • What to have ready: your address, insurance information, and a record of your losses.
  • Important: apply even if you have insurance — FEMA may help with gaps your policy doesn't cover.

SBA disaster loans

Despite the name, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not just businesses. These loans can help repair or replace disaster-damaged property and personal belongings, often on more favorable terms than standard financing. Applying for FEMA assistance frequently refers you to the SBA as part of the process.

State and local help

California's emergency services agency, Cal OES, coordinates state recovery programs, and after major fires, counties and community foundations often open dedicated relief funds. These local funds are frequently the fastest path to aid specific to your community.

A practical tip: searching your county name plus "wildfire relief fund," or simply calling 211, is often the quickest way to find local financial help that national programs won't list.

Food assistance

If the fire has affected your ability to buy or prepare food, Disaster CalFresh provides short-term food benefits to households affected by a disaster — including some who wouldn't normally qualify for regular CalFresh.

How insurance fits in

Your homeowner's or renter's insurance is usually the largest source of recovery funds, but it rarely covers everything. Policies often fall short on full replacement value, and they may exclude or undervalue certain losses. The financial-assistance programs above are designed to help with what insurance doesn't reach. For help understanding and maximizing your insurance claim, see our insurance resources.

When a utility caused the fire

There's one more avenue many survivors don't realize they have. When a wildfire is caused by a utility company's equipment, the people harmed may be able to recover for losses that insurance and aid programs don't fully cover — including property, displacement, and other damages — through a claim against that company. This is separate from insurance and FEMA, and it doesn't depend on having had a policy. If your fire has been linked to a utility, it's worth understanding this option; a conversation with a wildfire attorney is free.

Have questions about your rights?

If your fire may have been caused by a utility company's equipment, you can speak with a wildfire attorney at no cost. There's no obligation — it's simply information if you want it.

Free consultation: (833) 200-7111

This page provides general information for California wildfire survivors and is not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Program details and eligibility change over time; please confirm directly with each organization. This site is offered as a free resource by The Wagner Law Group; using it does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Common questions

Questions survivors ask

Can I get financial help even if I have insurance?+
Yes. You should apply for assistance even if you're insured. FEMA and other programs are designed to help with needs your insurance doesn't fully cover, and a claim against a responsible utility is separate from insurance entirely.
How do I apply for FEMA assistance?+
Register at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362 once a federal disaster is declared for your area. Have your address, insurance information, and a record of your losses ready.
Are SBA disaster loans only for businesses?+
No. Despite the name, the SBA offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters as well, to help repair or replace disaster-damaged homes and personal property.
What if I didn't have insurance?+
Many programs, including FEMA and state and local relief, are available regardless of insurance status. And if a utility's equipment caused the fire, your right to pursue compensation from that company does not depend on having had a policy.
How do I find local relief funds for my area?+
After major fires, counties and community foundations often open dedicated relief funds. Searching your county name plus 'wildfire relief fund,' or calling 211, is usually the fastest way to find aid specific to your community.