WHAT IS DRF?
The Disaster Recovery Fund (DRF) is to provide assistance for individual Alabama residents who suffer loss as a result of a disaster and are seeking reimbursement from eligible household repairs or replacements.
WHEN WILL THE FUNDS BE AVAILABLE?
DRF funds are available for eligible disasters that occur on or after April 1, 2025.
WHO QUALIFIES FOR DRF?
Alabama residents may seek reimbursement from the DRF for damage that is a result of a natural hazard such as a tornado, flood, severe weather, or hurricane.
Primary Residential Repair (Citizens/Residents): Individual Residents who suffer a loss due to a disaster are eligible for reimbursement purposes. DRF funding amounts per household/address are a minimum of $250.00 and a maximum of $10,000.00.
WHAT ITEMS CAN I SUBMIT FOR REIMBURSEMENT?
- Generic list of items not covered by insurance eligible for repair (limited to portions of the permanent residence damaged by the event) or replacement (replacement cost must not exceed repair cost to a damaged portion of the home: such as a roof) to make the permanent residence habitable as a result of damages caused by the event:
- Roof and necessary materials for the repair or replacement for total loss.
- Damages to windows, exterior doors, or foundation of the home.
- Structural damage to essential rooms (occupied bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room). Which includes repairs or replacements to/of walls, floors, and interior doors necessary for safety, accessibility, and habitability of the home.
- Damages to septic/sewer, HVAC/gas or electrical service that’s been disrupted and needs to be repaired to be functional/ and safe that is not the responsibility of a utility provider.
Cleaning, sanitizing, and mold removal supplies.
CAN I SUBMIT MY HOMEOWNER’S DEDUCTIBLE AS A REIMBURSABLE COST?
No, deductibles are not an eligible cost for reimbursement. This program is designed to make your home habitable which insurance assists with.
CAN VEHICLES OR OUTBUILDING BE SUBMITTED FOR REIMBURSEMENT?
No, only the primary residence is eligible for repair or replacement reimbursements. Sheds, fences, garages, carports, porches, decks, vehicles, lawn equipment, etc. are not eligible.
IF A FEDERALLY DECLARED DISASTER EXISTS, CAN I APPLY FOR DRF AND FEMA FUNDS?
The residents cannot reside in a jurisdiction that has been designated within a federally declared disaster area for the incident they are seeking reimbursement.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR THE DRF?
If you have encountered a natural disaster at home or residence after April 1, 2025, please visit ema.alabama.gov to complete the application.