If you were impacted by the March 2026 Kona Low storms in Hawaii and applied for federal disaster assistance, staying in touch with FEMA is critical to your recovery. This guide tells you who to contact, how to appeal, how to request continued housing assistance, and how to keep your application on track.
How to Contact the FEMA Helpline
The FEMA Helpline is your primary point of contact for all questions about your disaster assistance application, appeals, rental assistance, and housing needs.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1-800-621-3362 |
| Video Relay / Captioned Phone Users | Provide FEMA your relay service number when you call |
| Online Account | DisasterAssistance.gov |
| FEMA App | Download from your device’s app store (iOS or Android) |
| Fax | 1-800-827-8112 |
| FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 |
What the FEMA Helpline Can Help With
- Status of your disaster assistance application
- Questions about approval or denial letters
- How to appeal a decision
- Requesting Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA)
- Updating your contact information
- Submitting additional documentation
- Understanding what assistance you may still qualify for
How to Request FEMA Rental Assistance
FEMA’s Rental Assistance program helps eligible homeowners and renters pay for temporary housing if their primary residence was damaged by the Kona Low flooding.
What Initial Rental Assistance Covers
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Typically a two-month grant |
| Covers | Deposit, rent, and basic eligible utilities |
| Eligible Applicants | Homeowners and renters displaced by the Kona Low storms |
If you have not yet found permanent housing or have exhausted your initial Rental Assistance or rental coverage through insurance, you may be eligible for additional housing assistance. Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for more information.
How to Request Initial Rental Assistance
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | Call 1-800-621-3362 |
| Online | DisasterAssistance.gov |
| FEMA App | Download from your app store and access your account |
How to Apply for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA)
If you’re still displaced after using your initial Rental Assistance grant, you may qualify for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA) — additional financial help so you can remain in temporary housing while working toward a permanent solution.
Who Qualifies for CTHA
To be eligible, you must meet all four of the following requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Received Initial Rental Assistance | You were awarded initial Rental Assistance and can show the money was used for temporary housing |
| 2. Unable to Return Home | Your pre-disaster residence is not safe, sanitary, or functional — or is no longer available due to the disaster |
| 3. Continued Financial Need | You can demonstrate ongoing financial need caused by the disaster |
| 4. Permanent Housing Plan | You have a plan and are actively working toward rebuilding, repairing, or securing long-term housing |
How to Apply for CTHA
| Step | What Happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Wait for FEMA to Contact You | FEMA will mail or email a CTHA application about 15 days after your initial Rental Assistance grant is approved |
| 2. Complete the Application | Fill out the CTHA form and gather supporting documents |
| 3. Submit Your Application | Return the completed form and documents using one of the methods below |
How to Submit Your CTHA Application
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Upload to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov |
| By Mail | FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 |
| FEMA App | Download the app and upload documents through your account |
Keep All Receipts
If you receive Rental Assistance, keep all receipts for rent and eligible utilities each month. These documents help FEMA confirm that assistance is being used for housing and support your eligibility for recertification.
How to Appeal a FEMA Decision
If FEMA notifies you that you are not currently approved for certain assistance, it does not mean the case is definitively closed. You have the right to appeal.
How to Prepare Your Appeal
Your appeal should include:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Written Explanation | Explain why you believe you should be approved |
| Supporting Documents | Updated contractor estimates, photos of damage, insurance letters, proof of occupancy or ownership |
Common Reasons Applications Are Not Approved (and How to Fix Them)
| Reason | What FEMA May Request |
|---|---|
| Missing proof of occupancy | Lease, utility bill, or motor vehicle registration |
| Missing proof of ownership | Deed, mortgage statement, or property tax bill |
| Missing proof of identity | Government-issued photo ID |
| Missing insurance information | Insurance settlement or denial letters |
A common reason an application is not approved is missing documentation. FEMA may ask for additional information — respond promptly.
How to Submit Your Appeal
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Upload to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov |
| By Mail | FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 |
| By Fax | 1-800-827-8112 |
| By Phone | Call 1-800-621-3362 to discuss your situation |
| FEMA App | Upload documents through your account in the FEMA App |
How to Read and Respond to FEMA Letters
After you apply, FEMA may send letters or online notifications. These letters explain:
| Letter Type | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Approval Letter | What assistance has been approved and how much you’ll receive |
| Request for Information | Additional documentation is needed to process your application |
| Denial / Not Currently Approved Letter | Why you are not currently approved — and your right to appeal |
What You Should Do
- Read all FEMA letters carefully
- Follow the instructions provided in each letter
- Contact FEMA if you have questions about the meaning of a letter or next steps
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
How to Keep Your Contact Information Current with FEMA
FEMA needs to be able to reach you throughout the recovery process. If your information changes, update it immediately.
What to Update
| Information | When to Update |
|---|---|
| Phone number | Anytime it changes |
| Mailing address | If you move or change temporary housing |
| Email address | Anytime it changes |
| Insurance information | When you receive settlements, denials, or policy changes |
| Relay service number | If you use video relay or captioned telephone service |
How to Update Your Information
| Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online | Log in at DisasterAssistance.gov |
| Phone | Call 1-800-621-3362 |
| FEMA App | Update through your account in the app |
How to Submit Documents to FEMA: All Methods
Whether you’re submitting an appeal, CTHA application, or requested documentation, you have multiple options:
| Method | Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Online | DisasterAssistance.gov | Fastest method; upload directly to your account |
| FEMA App | Download from app store | Convenient mobile access |
| FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 | Sending original documents or large packages | |
| Fax | 1-800-827-8112 | Quick submission of documents (appeals and responses) |
| Phone | 1-800-621-3362 | Discussing your situation and getting guidance on submission |
Quick Reference: All Contact Methods
| Purpose | How to Contact |
|---|---|
| General Questions / Status Updates | 1-800-621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov |
| Appeal a Decision | Online, mail, fax (1-800-827-8112), phone, or FEMA App |
| Request CTHA | Wait for FEMA to send application (~15 days after initial grant), then submit online, by mail, or via app |
| Submit Documents | Online, mail, fax, phone, or FEMA App |
| Update Contact Info | Online, phone (1-800-621-3362), or FEMA App |
| Mailing Address | FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 |
| Fax | 1-800-827-8112 |
| FEMA App | Available in iOS and Android app stores |
Key Documents to Keep on Hand
Having these documents ready will speed up your application, appeal, or CTHA request:
| Document | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Proof of occupancy | Lease, utility bill, motor vehicle registration |
| Proof of ownership | Deed, mortgage statement, property tax bill |
| Government-issued photo ID | Proof of identity |
| Insurance letters | Settlement or denial letters from your insurance company |
| Rental receipts | Monthly rent and utility receipts (required for CTHA recertification) |
| Contractor estimates | Updated repair/rebuilding estimates |
| Photos of damage | Before and after photos of disaster damage |
| Permanent housing plan | Written plan showing steps toward long-term housing |
Important Reminders
- Stay in touch with FEMA — don’t assume your case is closed. FEMA is still reviewing cases, conducting inspections, and processing appeals.
- “Not currently approved” ≠ final denial — you have the right to appeal, and many applicants are approved after providing additional documentation.
- Keep all receipts — rent and utility receipts are required for CTHA recertification.
- Update your contact info immediately when anything changes — FEMA can’t help you if they can’t reach you.
- Respond promptly to any FEMA request for information — missing documents are the #1 reason for delays and denials.
- CTHA applications arrive ~15 days after your initial Rental Assistance is approved — watch your mail and email.
- You can submit documents 5 ways — online, by mail, fax, phone, or the FEMA App.
- Read every FEMA letter carefully — instructions and deadlines are included in each one.
- FEMA is working with the State of Hawaii and local partners to support your recovery — help is available.
- Call 1-800-621-3362 anytime you have questions — that’s what the helpline is for.
This guide is based on the FEMA press release dated July 9, 2026, regarding the March 2026 Kona Low storms in Hawaii. For the most current information, visit DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.
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