Major LA County wildfire relief programs close Wednesday. What you should know

If you’ve been affected by the wildfires, several deadlines are coming up to get financial help from Los Angeles County.

The programs offer money for displaced residents, small businesses and workers who lost income. Applications will be open for these funds and grants through 5 p.m. Wednesday (March 12).

The forms are offered in multiple languages and are primarily online. If you don’t have the necessary documents, you can get in-person help at the links below.

Household relief grant

This grant is for residents whose homes are uninhabitable (either partially or completely), or for those who lost a loved one in the fires. The fund prioritizes giving money to those who have been heavily affected. If multiple applicants have the same level of impact, a lottery system could be used.

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Only one grant can be awarded per address. The amounts can range depending on the size of your household:

• Household of two or less: $6,000
• Household of three or more: $12,000
• Multigenerational household: $18,000

You can use the funds to help with “unmet recovery needs” that haven’t been covered by other forms of assistance, including FEMA aid and insurance.

The application form is online only. You’ll be required to do the following:

• Self-certify that your application is accurate.
• Provide proof of residence (such as recent tax returns, utility bills or rental agreements).
• Provide proof of your identity (accepted forms include a valid driver’s license, permanent resident cards, visa work permits).
• Provide proof of your household size (for example, by submitting a rental agreement that lists everyone, SNAP documents, or other forms like school records).

If the number of people in your household has changed and is not reflected on the main paperwork, there are options for special circumstances.

For in-person help, visit these locations.
To apply online: lacountyrelieffund.com.

Small business relief fund

Another fund is for small businesses and nonprofits with fewer than 100 employees that generate up to $6 million in revenue. They can get between $2,000 and $25,000.

The fund offers money for two types of businesses:

• Brick-and-mortar businesses/nonprofits: This is for any licensed and permitted business operating from a commercial space — not including temporary coworking spaces.
• Home-based businesses/independent contractors/nonprofits: This is for any licensed and permitted business/nonprofit operating from a home and any licensed and permitted contractor who operates in the affected areas.

Brick-and-mortar businesses can get $25,000 if their location was destroyed. They’re also given first priority for available funds. Partially destroyed businesses receive $20,000, while those who lost revenue receive $15,000.

Home-based businesses and independent contractors who lost both revenue and inventory receive first priority for this category and $5,000. For others who lost revenue only, the fund gives out $2,000.

To apply, your business must be in L.A. County or operate in one of the areas hit by the wildfires. Required documents include recent tax forms or bank statements, IRS forms that verify employee counts, and other forms that vary depending on your type of business.

For in-person help, visit these locations.
To apply online: opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-fund.

Worker relief fund

This fund is for workers, including self-employed people, who lost income either temporarily or permanently because their work was located in the wildfires areas. It’s also open to workers who lost their homes.

You must be a resident of L.A. County and 18 or older to qualify for the $2,000 grants. You’ll be required to provide:

• Proof of identification.
• Proof of residency.
• Proof of income that’s from a location in the wildfire areas (such as a paystub or invoice).
• Proof of disruption to that income or your residence (such as FEMA letters, evacuation orders or photos of damage).

As with the other programs, heavily impacted residents are prioritized to receive funds. The selection process may also use a lottery system.

For in-person help, visit these locations.
To apply online: opportunity.lacounty.gov/worker-relief-fund.