DENTON, Texas – New Mexico homeowners and renters who sustained damage from the South Fork and Salt Fires that began June 17, 2024, and continuing may be eligible for disaster assistance under FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program.
Currently, affected individuals and households in the Mescalero Apache Tribe and Lincoln County may be eligible for assistance. Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
FEMA’s assistance offers benefits that provide flexible funding directly to survivors when needed the most. In addition, FEMA’s new simplified Individual Assistance process and expanded eligibility allows New Mexicans access to a wider range of assistance including for serious needs.
Assistance Available
Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are both funded after a completed inspection confirms eligibility.
Apply to FEMA
New Mexico residents can apply to FEMA in several ways including online at DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA App for mobile devices or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Calls are accepted every day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mountain time. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service. To view an accessible video about how to apply visit: Three Ways to Register for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
Additional Assistance and Benefits
Rental Assistance for Temporary Housing
If you suffered damage to your primary residence, FEMA may be able to provide rent for a temporary place to live while you are displaced. Rental assistance is intended to cover monthly rent, security deposit and cost of essential utilities such as electricity and water.
Major Repairs and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
FEMA’s Individuals and Household Program assistance is intended to help jumpstart your recovery. Here are some examples of basic needs:
Even if you applied for federal assistance previously for other disasters in New Mexico, you can still apply to FEMA for assistance following the South Fork Fire and Salt Fire. Previous events include the New Mexico Wildfires Flooding, Mudflows and Straight-line Winds disaster declared May 4, 2022, and the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire which continues to accept Notice of Loss forms through its Claims Office.
For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4795. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and facebook.com/femaregion6.