FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program provides temporary housing and financial assistance to Maui wildfire survivors; currently, the program is set to conclude on February 10, 2026. The program was initially approved for 18 months post-wildfire and was then extended at the request of the State of Hawaiʻi through February 10, 2026. The State of Hawaiʻi submitted a request for an additional year of assistance, which would extend the program through February 10, 2027, if approved. The Maui Long-Term Recovery Office is awaiting an extension determination as it is currently under review.
Q&A: Preparing for the Potential Conclusion of FEMA Assistance on February 10, 2026
Q. Has the State of Hawaiʻi requested an extension of FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program beyond February 10, 2026, and is a decision pending?
A. FEMA’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance and financial assistance is currently approved until February 10, 2026. The State of Hawaiʻi requested an extension for the Individuals and Households Program for an additional 12 months. The request is currently under review.
Q. What happens if FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is not extended beyond February 10, 2026?
A. If the Individuals and Households Program extension is not approved, all assistance under the program will end on February 10, 2026.
At that time:
- All financial assistance will cease.
- FEMA Direct Housing units must be vacated without exception, including:
- Direct Lease units
- The Kilohana temporary group housing site
- Private site units
- Secondary site units
Q. When will households be notified by FEMA if the program is not extended beyond February 10, 2026?
A. FEMA is required to provide at least 30 days’ notice of the program's end date.
Q. If FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is not extended can households in FEMA Direct Housing remain in their FEMA units?
A. No. If FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is not extended after
February 10, 2026, all FEMA Direct Housing units must be vacated without exception.
This includes:
- Direct Lease units
- The Kilohana temporary group housing site
- Private site units
- Secondary site units
Q. If FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program is not extended, how much time will households have to vacate their FEMA temporary housing units?
A. All wildfire survivors still residing in FEMA temporary housing units will receive a notice, issued at least 30 days prior to February 10, 2026, informing them that they must vacate their FEMA temporary housing unit by or before February 10, 2026.
Q. Will households in FEMA temporary housing units be responsible for paying rent until FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program ends?
A. Yes. All wildfire survivors still residing in FEMA temporary housing units are responsible for paying monthly rent through February 10, 2026. Late payments will incur a fee equal to the unit's Fair Market Rent (FMR) plus penalties for property management, maintenance inspections, furnishings, and utilities. February’s rent will not be pro-rated and occupants are required to vacate the unit by or before February 10, 2026.
Q. Where can survivors receiving FEMA temporary Direct Housing or financial assistance direct further questions?
A. Survivors can contact the following resources for assistance:
- Direct Housing Occupants: Contact your FEMA Recertification Advisor.
- Financial Assistance Recipients: Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.