Disaster Assistance
Disaster Assistance supports Washington residents, governments and eligible organizations through disaster recovery programs and loans that help restore housing, public services and damaged property.
Funder: Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division
Due Dates: April 27, 2026 (State assistance) | April 27, 2026 (SBA physical damage) | June 10, 2026 (Disaster Unemployment Assistance) | November 24, 2026 (SBA economic injury)
Funding Amounts: Individual and household assistance has separate $42,500 housing and other-needs limits; SBA disaster loans can reach $2 million for businesses and eligible nonprofits
Summary: Disaster assistance helps Washington residents, governments and eligible organizations recover from major disasters through distinct federal, state and loan programs.
Key Information: Assistance depends on the disaster declaration, designated area and type of loss; applying for state assistance does not apply you for federal assistance.
Description
The Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division connects people and public agencies with assistance after disasters. Following a presidential major disaster declaration, individuals and households may receive help through programs jointly administered by the division and FEMA. State and local governments, special purpose districts, federally recognized tribal governments and certain private nonprofits may qualify for assistance to restore damaged public facilities, infrastructure or services. Separate Small Business Administration (SBA) loans support qualifying disaster survivors, businesses and private nonprofits.
A major disaster declaration begins with a governor’s request to the President through FEMA. State and federal officials generally assess damage to establish whether its severity exceeds state and local response capacity and warrants federal assistance. Available programs and designated areas depend on the disaster.
