# What Does FEMA Individual Assistance Cover? | Who Pays the Repair?

> FEMA IHP gives eligible homeowners and renters funds for temporary housing, repairs and other uninsured needs; it is not a substitute for insurance.

**Who pays:** depends

FEMA can help homeowners and renters with uninsured storm losses, but it is not a substitute for insurance.

**Boundary:** FEMA's Individuals and Households Program provides financial and direct services to eligible households with uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. It is not a substitute for insurance, and it is available to renters as well as homeowners.

**Exceptions:** For Home Repair or Replacement Assistance, FEMA also needs to confirm you owned the residence at the time of the disaster.

## Sources
- [Individuals and Households Program](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program) — "Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster, who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs." (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Individuals and Households Program](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program) — "IHP assistance is not a substitute for insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a disaster." (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Individuals and Households Program](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program) — "Funds for temporary housing while you are unable to live in your home, such as rental assistance or reimbursement for hotel costs" (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Individuals and Households Program](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program) — "Funds to support the repair or replacement of owner-occupied homes that serve as the household’s primary residence" (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Eligibility Criteria for FEMA Assistance](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility) — "You must tell FEMA about any insurance coverage you have that can help you with your disaster-caused needs when you apply for FEMA assistance." (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Eligibility Criteria for FEMA Assistance](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility) — "FEMA cannot provide assistance for disaster needs that have already been met by another source, like insurance or other programs." (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Renters May Be Eligible for Disaster Assistance](https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/renters-may-be-eligible-disaster-assistance) — "FEMA disaster assistance is not just for homeowners. It’s also available to renters, including students" (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Eligibility Criteria for FEMA Assistance](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility) — "you will need to give FEMA proof of the insurance settlement or a letter explaining you were denied coverage before FEMA can determine what assistance you are eligible for" (accessed 2026-10-01)
- [Eligibility Criteria for FEMA Assistance](https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/eligibility) — "For Home Repair or Replacement Assistance, FEMA also needs to confirm you owned the residence at the time of the disaster." (accessed 2026-10-01)

_Last verified 2026-10-01. Source: Who Pays the Repair? — https://whopaystherepair.com/rules/national-fema-individual-assistance-homeowners-renters/ — every claim checked against a primary source before publication (see /methodology/)._