Public Assistance (PA)

What is Public Assistance?

When an area has received a Presidential declaration of an emergency or major disaster, then its state, tribal, territorial and local governments — and certain types of private non-profits — may be eligible to apply for Public Assistance (PA). PA provides grant funding to reimburse awardees for emergency work completed within six months of a disaster and permanent work completed within 18 months.

Who is eligible? 

• State, Territorial, or Tribal governments
• Certain private nonprofit organizations
  • Utility co-ops
  • Acequias
  • Private Nonprofit Organizations with a 501(c), (d) or (e) that provides a critical service or non-critical service, but essential government service that is open to the general public.

Eligible types of work include: 

Emergency Work:

• Debris Removal
• Emergency Protective Measures such as overtime, staff meals, emergency purchases, etc.

Permanent Work:

• Roads and bridges
• water control facilities
• Public buildings & equipment
• Public Utilities
• Parks, recreational, and other facilities