What is the Public Assistance program and who is eligible for it?

The Public Assistance program, administered by FEMA, provides financial assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, as well as certain non-profit organizations, following a major disaster declaration. The program aims to help these entities recover from the impacts of disasters and restore essential services and facilities. Eligibility for the Public Assistance program is determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the severity and extent of damage caused by the disaster, the availability of alternative funding sources, and the entity's ability to rebuild without federal assistance. In general, governmental organizations such as schools, hospitals, emergency services, and infrastructure providers are eligible. Non-profit organizations that perform critical services, such as those involved in educational, utility, or medical sectors, can also qualify.