​Resources are available to Californians impacted by the series of winter storms that brought high levels of rain and snow across the state. The State of California is working closely with the federal government to coordinate assistance for individuals and businesses affected by the storms. Following a request from Governor Newsom, President Biden has declared a Major Disaster for Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Santa Cruz counties. Other counties may be added. A Major Disaster Declaration activates a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure. 

For information about the types of state and federal assistance that are available and how to get help, visit the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services webs​ite​.

Individuals in Merced, Monterey, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz counties who sustained losses in designated Major Disaster areas can apply for disaster assistance from FEMA:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov;
  
• By calling 800-621-3362; or
  
• By using the FEMA smartphone application.​​
  

Californians should be aware of fraudulent activity by individuals seeking to take advantage of heightened economic insecurity. Individuals claiming to represent the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), or posing as representatives from utility companies are contacting people by telephone, email, social media, and text message to defraud people out of their money and personal information. The fraudulent activity involves offering CSBG funding or services in exchange for a fee, or ​by convincing constituents that their utilities will be shut off if they don't pay. Neither the State of California nor the federal government provides direct grants to individuals and will not initiate contact by phone, email, text messages, or social media channels to request personal or financial information.​

​ ​Learn more about CSD Consumer Alerts​

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