Key Deadlines and Resources for Eaton Fire Survivors
Seven weeks after the catastrophic Eaton Fire, Los Angeles County residents remain steadfast in their recovery efforts, aided by federal and local relief programs. Representative Judy Chu has highlighted key deadlines and resources to help affected individuals, businesses, and nonprofits access critical support.
To further assist the community, she recently hosted an informational event at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena, where federal disaster response experts and local leaders discussed debris cleanup and long-term recovery efforts. Watch the full event here.
Upcoming Disaster Relief Deadlines
Financial Assistance for Small Businesses & Workers – Apply by March 2, 2025
The LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds provide direct financial aid to businesses, nonprofits, and workers impacted by the January 2025 wildfires and windstorm.
- Small businesses & nonprofits: Grants between $2,000–$25,000
- Workers who lost income: Up to $2,000 in direct relief
Apply now through this link.
FEMA Public Assistance – Apply by March 9, 2025
Local governments, private nonprofits, and faith-based organizations affected by the wildfires may apply for FEMA assistance.
Submit a request at the FEMA Grants Portal and click on “Register your Organization and Request Public Assistance” (at the bottom of the opening page). Fill in the requested information.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance – Apply by March 10, 2025
Residents unable to work due to wildfire-related disruptions can apply online for unemployment benefits here.
FEMA Individual Assistance – Apply by March 10, 2025
Homeowners and renters impacted by the Los Angeles County wildfires can apply for housing aid and recovery assistance through here or by calling FEMA’s helpline: 800-621-3362.
SBA Disaster Loans – Apply by March 10, 2025
An SBA Disaster Loan is a low-interest loan designed to help individuals and businesses in federally declared disaster areas recover financially. These loans can be used to repair or replace homes, personal belongings, and business assets when insurance coverage falls short.
Eligible applicants can apply online or call the SBA at 800-659-2955. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may seek assistance via TTY at 800-877-8339.
LA County Household Relief Grant – Apply by March 12, 2025
The Household Relief Grant provides immediate financial aid to LA County residents directly affected by the 2025 Eaton and Palisades fires. Designed to bridge financial gaps, the program offers support for essential expenses until insurance payouts or government recovery funds become available. Eligible households can receive grants ranging from $6,000 to $18,000, depending on household size and composition.
For more details and application guidelines, visit the LA County Relief Fund.
Government Debris Removal Program – Apply by March 31, 2025
Residents seeking assistance can apply through the following methods:
- Online: Complete the opt-in form via Smartsheet.
- Download & Submit: Access the form here, fill it out, and follow the submission instructions.
- In Person: Pick up and submit a form at a Disaster Recovery Center. Use the DRC Locator to find the nearest location.
Disaster Recovery Centers – Updated Hours of Operation
Beginning February 24, 2025, FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Altadena and UCLA Research Park West will be closed on Sundays but remain open Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Altadena Disaster Recovery Center – 540 West Woodbury Road, Altadena, CA 91001
UCLA Research Park West – 10850 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Tow Truck Scams Targeting Fire Victims
Between January 7–10, 2025, fraudulent tow truck operators illegally towed vehicles belonging to Eaton Fire victims, later demanding excessive fees for retrieval. Some vehicles were stored in Riverside and San Bernardino County.
Victims should contact:
Sgt. Regina Garay, Inland Empire Auto Insurance Fraud Task Force – (909) 919-2242
FEMA & SBA Assistance: Financial Impact Breakdown
FEMA Assistance
FEMA has approved $77 million in relief funds for eligible Los Angeles County residents affected by the wildfires, allocated as follows:
- Housing Assistance: $15 million
- Other Needs Assistance: $62 million
Additional FEMA support includes:
- 139,927 residents have applied for assistance.
- 903 households have checked into 141 Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) hotels.
- Two shelters currently house 37 occupants.
- 70 Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) staff have engaged with 22,032 survivors, registering 4,273 for aid.
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved over $1.1 billion in disaster loans for homes and businesses, with 4,401 loans granted. Key benefits include:
- Low-interest, fixed rates with repayment terms up to 30 years.
- No payments or interest for the first 12 months.
- Loans up to $500,000 for primary residence repairs.
- Up to $100,000 to replace personal property, including vehicles.
- No need to wait for insurance settlements before applying.
For more information or to apply, visit the SBA Disaster Loan Portal.
How to Apply or Donate
Wildfire survivors can apply for assistance through here for FEMA aid, SBA Disaster Assistance for low-interest loans, and the LA County Relief Fund for direct financial support. Contact the Los Angeles County Coordinated Joint Information Center at [email protected] for further assistance.
