Disaster Assistance
Disaster Assistance supports Washington households, businesses, governments, tribes, and nonprofits with grants, services, and loans to meet essential needs, restore damaged facilities, and reduce hazards.
Funder: Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division
Due Dates: Within 30 days of determination (State wildfire IA first appeal) | Within 30 days of first appeal denial (second appeal)
Funding Amounts: State wildfire household grants: $750–$2,250; federal housing and other-needs grants: up to $42,500 each; SBA loans: up to $2 million
Summary: Disaster recovery assistance supports Washington households, businesses, governments, tribes, and eligible nonprofits through grants, services, and low-interest loans.
Key Information: Assistance depends on the disaster and programs activated; State Individual Assistance and FEMA assistance have separate eligibility requirements.
Description
Washington’s Emergency Management Division (EMD) coordinates disaster assistance for individuals, households, businesses, public agencies, tribes, and eligible private nonprofits. Following a presidential major disaster declaration, EMD and FEMA administer assistance addressing essential household needs and recovery of damaged public facilities, infrastructure, and services. Related programs support hazard mitigation and reimburse eligible government costs for managing federally declared fires.
This assistance framework includes grants and loans rather than a single funding competition. SBA disaster loans can be available without a presidential declaration. Separately, Washington has activated State Individual Assistance for qualifying Central and Eastern Washington wildfires occurring on or after June 14, 2026, supporting immediate needs such as temporary housing, food, and minor repairs. Federal Individual Assistance applications are not currently available for those wildfires.
