Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Homeowners, business owners, and farmers in disaster-declared counties/cities. Local governments and nonprofits may also apply for mitigation projects. 

An applicant can receive up to $500,000, depending on the type of damage: 

• Recovery (Part 1):

  • Total Loss – up to 100% of value (max $500K) 

  • Major Damage – up to 50% of value (max $500K)

• Mitigation (Part 2)

  • Bridge repair/slope stabilization – up to $50K (individual) 

  • Large mitigation projects – up to $500K 

No. The Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund (VDAF) is separate. It works alongside FEMA and insurance to fill funding gaps. 

Applicants should contact the division of MRPDC that handles the Program on behalf of the Qualified Communities, partnered with DHCD, by email or phone to determine potential eligibility, ask questions, and schedule an appointment. Please contact us by e-mail at assist@VDAF.mrpdc.org or by telephone at 1-276-200-5110.

Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds from the Program have been distributed. Apply as soon as possible. 

All applicants will be required to provide proof of ownership, proof or residency, photo ID, insurance documents (if applicable), damage photos, and cost estimates in order to be considered for Program eligibility. Applicants determined to be eligible will also have to complete sworn affidavits and submit a W-9.

The Applicant Checklist can be downloaded HERE.

Applications will be processed in the order they are received on a first come, first eligible basis. Payments under Part 1 of the Program are subject to the availability of funds. 

Once an  applicant has  submitted a complete application through the MRPDC, the program staff will send the applicant an email or written confirmation within 30 days with one of the following status updates:

• Ineligible: Applicants that do not meet program eligibility criteria will receive written notification with an explanation of their ineligibility.

• Awaiting Documentation: Applicants that are eligible for assistance but have submitted an application with incomplete supporting documentation or missing information will receive written notification with specific instructions on how to complete the application.

• Determination: Applicants will receive notification of their application approval or denial. If approved, the applicant will be informed of how much money is to be paid and provided the necessary final documentation to sign. Applicants must provide and sign all documentation in order to receive funds. 

Program applicants may contest any application determination or denial based on program  policies or assistance calculations by requesting an appeals form from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and emailing it back to DHCD at disasterassistance@dhcd.virginia.gov.

The appeal process is not an opportunity to submit missing documentation required as part of the initial application. If an applicant fails to file an appeal via email within ten (10) business days from receipt of a denial in writing via email, the determination is final. Applicants who file an appeal are encouraged to provide specific facts or circumstances, as well as supporting documents to justify their petition. DHCD has the discretion to accept or reject new documentation based upon its relevance to the circumstances of the appeal. Appeals may be denied or approved in whole or in part after a thorough review of the circumstances, the information already included in an applicant’s file, and any relevant new documentation submitted.

Part 1 of the Program will provide funding for the cost to replace fencing for livestock that was not otherwise paid for by insurance, federal relief, state relief and other relief (including charities or in-kind services, construction, or reconstruction, etc.) and of the same nature and materials as that which was damaged in the applicable Disaster Event. Final guidance will be published the week of September 1, 2025, with applications being taken on a date and time to be announced thereafter.

Part 1 of the Program will also provide funding to compensate for losses and damages to uninsurable crops caused solely by a Disaster Event and that was not otherwise paid for by insurance, federal relief, state relief and other relief (including charities or in-kind services, construction, or reconstruction, etc.). Applicants for crop loss relief must submit proof of loss and documentation satisfactory to DHCD in its discretion to establish entitlement to relief from Part 1 of the Program. Final guidance will be published the week of September 1, 2025, with applications being taken on a date and time to be announced shortly thereafter.

 If an applicant receives relief under the Program and subsequently receives a buy-out, insurance proceeds, or other benefits from any program or relief benefit source, the applicant shall immediately return all funds received from the Program in an amount equal to the amount of such buy-out and DHCD shall have a claim against the applicant for such amount. By participating in the Program, all applicants agree to these terms and further to indemnify MRPDC, DHCD, and the Commonwealth against all costs, losses, damages, and expenses (including without limitation all litigation costs and reasonable attorney’s fees) incurred by MRPDC, DHCD, or the Commonwealth in connection therewith.