2025 Los Angeles Fires Resources and Support

If you’ve been impacted by the fires in Los Angeles, we’re here to help. Get started on recovery by using these resources.

FOR MORE: Visit ca.gov/lafires for comprehensive resources and information for individuals affected by wildfires in the Los Angeles area. It includes details on emergency assistance programs, financial support, and the latest updates on fire incidents.

Beware of scams, as scammers often prey on the vulnerable in the wake of tragedies. Always verify sources of any information you receive. Trusted government websites with .gov domains are reliable and good starting points.

Help with your Mortgage or Residence

Direct Financial Assistance

If you live in a declared disaster area and have experienced damage to your home or business, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

• Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
• Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property — such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances — damaged or destroyed in a disaster. Apply here.

Mortgage Relief

Homeowners

If you are having trouble making mortgage payments, please consider reaching out to your mortgage servicer to request relief. What relief you can receive depends in part on who owns or insures your mortgage. For example, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac own many loans in California. Each of these lenders has specific policies for disaster relief. Loans insured or guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are also subject to policies related to disaster relief.

Not sure who owns your loan? You can use these website tools to find out if your loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac: Freddie Mac Look Up | Fannie Mae Look Up. You likely know if you have an FHA or VA loan, but if not, you can contact your mortgage servicer to ask.

Fannie Mae Disaster Relief. Homeowners may be eligible for reduced or suspended mortgage payments for up to 12 months if they are impacted by a disaster, (according to Fannie Mae). During the temporary reduction or pause in payments, homeowners will not incur late fees, foreclosures or other legal proceedings.

Homeowners and renters may call 855-HERE2HELP (855-437-3243) to access Fannie Mae’s disaster recovery counseling or visit the Fannie Mae website for more information.

Under Fannie Mae’s guidelines for single-family mortgages impacted by a disaster:

• If a mortgage servicer cannot contact the homeowner, they are authorized to offer a forbearance plan for up to 90 days, provided they believe a disaster has impacted the home.
• Following a forbearance plan, there are several options available to potentially help homeowners resolve the delinquency without paying a lump sum, including Disaster Payment Deferral and Fannie Mae Flex Modification.

Freddie Mac Disaster Relief. If your home loan is owned by Freddie Mac, you may be eligible for relief for up to 12 months without incurring late fees or penalties. You can find more information on Freddie Mac relief programs here.

Help for Anyone with Mortgage Issues. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-certified housing counselors can discuss options on difficulty paying your mortgage. Find a housing counselor.

Renters

According to the L.A. County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), if a rental unit has been completely destroyed in a disaster, the rental agreement is void under California law. This means you are no longer obligated to pay rent and the landlord is no longer required to provide you housing. Renters may have ongoing obligations if their unit is partially destroyed or suffers only minor damage, in which case it is important to seek legal advice from an attorney before stopping rent payments. You may wish to consult with the DCBA, a legal aid, or a tenant’s attorney for more information about your rights and remedies.

Emergency Housing

Locate the nearest open Red Cross shelter. Or, go to the Emergency Shelter page to find other shelters in your area.

Staying Safe from Fraud and Scams

Be Extremely Skeptical of:

• Imposters: Scammers may pose as your insurance agent, bank, government officials, utility company, relief agencies, or even relatives to gain your trust. When engaging in calls, emails, and other means of communication, always go directly to the source to verify credibility before sharing your personal information.
• Charities: Before donating, thoroughly investigate the charity’s legitimacy through organizations like Charity Navigator and the California Office of the Attorney General.
• Contractors: Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance from contractors. Check to make sure the contractor is licensed by the Contractors State License Board and in good standing. Get all contracts in writing and never provide a deposit or downpayment of 10% or $1,000 (whichever is lower) for the work, regardless of the total estimated project cost.
• Overpriced rent, groceries, products, or services: Businesses might try to dramatically increase prices of essential goods and services during a state of emergency (like a wildfire) when supplies may be limited. Examples may include increased rent (for displaced residents or hoteling) and the cost of food, water, and gasoline. Consumers are protected from a price increase of 10% or more for 30 days on goods and services and for 180 days on contractor-related services. If you believe you’ve been a victim of price gouging, report it by calling 800-593-8222 or visit the Los Angeles County Consumer & Business Affairs website.

Do Your Research:

• Always verify information, offers, and credentials. DO NOT click on links or call phone numbers that are emailed, texted, or messaged to you.
• Research, verify, and get information directly from the official source. If possible, talk directly to official representatives. Secondhand information from people, social media, and calls from unknown contacts can be unreliable.
• Know your rights. Don’t get bullied into action if you feel uncomfortable or are uncertain. Get help from professionals or contact officials for more information.

Take Your Time:

Scammers will take advantage of your need for urgency, enable you to overcome your better judgment and ability to identify red flags.

• Ignore anyone who is anonymously threatening you with a limited-time offer, fines, arrest, or losing assistance. Legitimate offers of assistance will always be transparent and will often come at no cost.
• Review contracts, documents, instructions, and offers very carefully before signing or agreeing to them.
• Consider taking at least 24 hours to review, research, and consult with others.

Do Not Share your Personal or Financial Information:

Share the minimum information required and only with official representatives. Limit what you share on social media, emails, forums, crowdfunding sites, etc., as this information can be used by scammers to contact or manipulate you and others. Do not share personal or financial information over text messages or email – as this is an unsecure connection.

Talk with Someone you Trust:

Oftentimes, when people are under stress, they can make rash and irrational decisions. Get a different perspective by talking to trusted family, friends, advisors, financial professionals, or counselors.Consider using a passphrase for friends and family when discussing or sharing personal or financial information over the phone.

Report the Incident to:

• Local authorities including law enforcement, state legislators, or the District Attorney’s office.
• State authorities:
  • Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI)
  • Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA)
  • California Department of Insurance (CDI)
  • Contractor State License Board (CSLB)
  • California Attorney General’s Office
• Federal agencies:
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crimes Complaint Center
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Help with your Student Loans

If you’re a student or a student loan borrower, you may be eligible for student loan relief.

• Federal Direct Loans – If your address is in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster ZIP code, your student loan servicer will automatically put your loans in a natural disaster forbearance for up to 90 days if you miss a student loan payment. You can also contact your student loan servicer to request the 90-day forbearance. Servicers check the FEMA website at least once each business day to identify all impacted areas connected to a disaster declaration.

Please note that interest will accrue during the forbearance period, but the time will count toward forgiveness. Once the initial forbearance period related to the disaster is over, you may request additional forbearance time.

If you are not in the impacted zone but are still affected by the wildfires, you can contact your servicer to request a different type of forbearance or discuss payment options.

• Private Loans – Private lenders differ in the type of relief they offer. Contact your lender to discuss your situation and forbearance options.

Whether you have federal or private student loans, ensure your contact information is up to date and monitor your inbox for communications from StudentAid.gov and your servicer or lender. Under the California Student Borrower Bill of Rights (SBOR), federal and private lenders must provide borrowers with accurate information about repayment options and benefits and must post information on their websites regarding options. Do not communicate with any entity that charges money to assist you.

Where do I go for free help?

• DFPI Student Loan Servicing Ombudsperson
• Student Loan Empowerment Network or (888) 774-2227.

File a Complaint

Loan servicers are legally required to be prompt and transparent in providing information to you. If you are having issues with your student loan servicer, submit a complaint or contact us at (866) 275-2677 or dfpi.ca.gov/submit-a-complaint/.