Immediate Needs Funding (INF) is intended to meet an applicant’s urgent needs in the initial aftermath of a disaster. Upon request by the State, FEMA can provide these funds for work an applicant must perform immediately and pay for within the first 60 days after the disaster declaration. The funding is available for emergency work only; it cannot be used to complete permanent repairs.  Eligible activities typically include debris  removal  and  emergency protective measures. The funding may be used to cover such costs as overtime payroll, equipment costs, materials purchases, and contracts when these costs are incurred for emergency work.

FEMA identifies  potential immediate needs  during the  Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA). (See Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA)). INF may total  up to 50 percent of PDA estimates  for eligible  emergency work. Upon  approval,  FEMA will fund  the  Federal  share  of the  total INF and funds are placed  in the State’s account within days of the disaster. If an applicant receives INF, the INF amount is later deducted from the grants for the applicant’s Category A and B projects. The grantee is responsible for disbursing INF to eligible applicants.

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