Washington Disaster Relief Program: Disaster Cash Assistance, FEMA, Food Help, and Recovery

Washington Disaster Cash Assistance Program, a disaster relief program

DCAP is a state program, administered by the Department of Social and Health Services, that provides cash to households affected by a disaster the governor has declared. DSHS’s August 2026 DCAP FAQ says DSHS began offering DCAP on August 12, 2026, after Governor Bob Ferguson declared Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens, and Yakima counties, plus several tribal nations, disaster areas. The monthly benefit amount depends on household size, income, and need; news coverage of the activation cited maximums ranging from $450 for one person to $1,662 for a household of ten or more. DCAP is not permanent: after the December 2025 floods, DSHS announced that DCAP funds were depleted as of December 23, 2025 and stopped accepting applications, per its food benefits and flooding alert.

Who qualifies for DCAP?

Apply through DSHS online, by phone, or at a Community Services Office during the activation period, and ask about Basic Food and Apple Health in the same application.

When FEMA helps in Washington

FEMA Individual Assistance is available only when the President issues a major disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance for your county. It can pay for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-caused needs not covered by insurance, as FEMA explains on its Individuals and Households Program page. Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or 1-800-621-3362. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters in declared areas. A governor’s proclamation alone does not open FEMA aid.

Replacing food and getting other benefits after a disaster

• Food replacement: Basic Food households can request replacement of food destroyed in a disaster or power outage by contacting DSHS within the reporting window; federal rules allow replacement of food lost in a household misfortune if reported within 10 days.
• D-SNAP: after some federal declarations, USDA approves Disaster SNAP for people not already on Basic Food; DSHS announces it.
• New applications: losing income or housing in a disaster can make you newly eligible for Basic Food (up to $1,023 a month for four from Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027), Apple Health, and emergency cash; estimate SNAP with our SNAP calculator.
• Disaster Unemployment Assistance: in federal declarations, for workers and self-employed people who lost work because of the disaster.

Other disaster help

• American Red Cross: shelter, meals, and help with immediate needs after fires and floods; 1-800-733-2767.
• Washington Emergency Management Division and county emergency management post shelters, evacuation updates, and recovery centers.
• Long-term recovery groups and disaster case management help with rebuilding and unmet needs after the emergency phase.
• Insurance: file claims right away and ask about additional living expenses.
• Legal help: disaster legal services and Washington legal aid help with insurance, FEMA appeals, and landlord issues; see our house fire assistance guide for document replacement.

Preparing before the next disaster

• Keep copies of key documents (ID, Social Security cards, insurance policies, lease or deed) in a waterproof bag and as photos stored online.
• Sign up for alerts from your county emergency management and Washington’s wildfire and flood warnings.
• Review insurance: standard homeowners and renters policies do not cover flood damage; flood insurance has a waiting period before it takes effect.
• Make an evacuation plan for family members, pets, and medications.
• Keep a small emergency fund or cash on hand, since ATMs and card readers may be down.

Renters are eligible for disaster help too. In a federal declaration, FEMA can help renters with temporary housing and with personal property losses that insurance does not cover, and renters insurance covers belongings and living expenses after fires.

What to do after a disaster, step by step

1. Get safe and follow evacuation and shelter information from local emergency management.
2. Call the Red Cross for shelter and immediate needs.
3. Check whether DCAP is active for your county on the DSHS website and apply quickly; funds are limited.
4. Apply to FEMA if a federal declaration covers your county.
5. Request food replacement if you receive Basic Food, and file insurance claims.

For more specifics, see our guides on Washington assistance programs and disasters and emergencies.

Related guides

• Washington hardship relief
• Washington rent relief
• Emergency moving assistance
• Hardship grants for individuals

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information, not an application. Disaster programs open and close with each emergency; confirm with DSHS or FEMA. National Relief Program is an independent website, not a government agency. If you are in danger, call 911.