Overview
The DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) established the Water Damage Remediation Restoration Grant Coupon Program (“Program”) in 2024 to assist income-eligible homeowners and renters. DISB administers the program in partnership with the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
The Program provides services to eligible low‐income DC residents who have experienced flood events and flood losses due to storm surges, flash floods, city capacity related events or other qualifying events that are not covered by a standard homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. The program helps residents address and reduce flood damage losses quickly, maintain and prevent threats to structural integrity and address safety and sanitary concerns to support a healthy environment and sustainable community.
The program provides immediate water remediation services to cover losses from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the size of the dwelling.
Resources
The Program supports participants on a first come, first served basis. If you do not meet the qualification for this Program or if the services you need are severe, you may be directed to alternate programs through the DC Mayor’s Citywide Call Center (311).
Additional information regarding flooding may be found at disb.dc.gov/page/disb-storm-recovery-center. If you are involved in a severe flooding event, please contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Helpline at (800) 621-3362. If you are interested in obtaining a flood insurance policy, contact your insurance agent or the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at (877) 336-2627 to locate an agent who sells flood coverage.
Qualifications
You must satisfy one of the categories below to be eligible for the Program.
| Category | Please Mark an “X” in the Category Most Closely Related to Your Status | X |
| 1 | I am retired, 65 years or older, and on a limited or fixed yearly (gross) household income of less than $60,000. | |
| 2 | I am a veteran and/or have a disability with a yearly (gross) household income of less than $65,000. | |
| 3 |
I am employed, and my yearly (gross) household income is: |
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| 4 | I participate in at least one of the following programs: SSI, WIC, SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare, SSDI or a similar income restricted program. | |
| 5 | None of the eligibility criteria apply. |
If category 5 above is checked: Based on your responses, it appears that you may not qualify for this program. Please visit flood Ready DC at ready.dc.gov/page/flood-2 or the DISB Storm Recovery Center at disb.dc.gov/page/disb-storm-recovery-center for addition information and other options or call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center by dialing 311.
If category 1-4 is checked: You have conditionally qualified for the program. Please proceed. If you need assistance completing the application or have questions, contact the DISB Water Damage Grant Coupon Assistance Center at (877) 336-2627.
How to Apply and Receive the Grant Coupon (4 Steps)
- Complete the (3) Reading Points (below)
- Complete the Application Form
- Process the Affidavit
- Email the completed claim application form, and processed affidavit to: [email protected]
- Once the documents and claim application are approved, you will receive a coupon entitling you to remediation services. Contact the Water Remediation Partner(s) appearing on the coupon to schedule a remediation appointment.
Reading Points
Services Covered
The following services are covered under the program: dewatering and pump‐out/dry‐out efforts, cleaning, removal or disposal of damaged personal property, treatment to prevent mold formation and remediation and the identification and address of immediate safety concerns.
Understanding the Role of Insurance and Flood Coverage
Flood insurance is different from the basic hazard insurance in a homeowners’ insurance policy. Standard homeowners’ insurance covers interior water damage, but it generally doesn’t cover damage caused by floodwater. A sewer backup overflow endorsement can provide coverage for some internal flooding caused by a tub or sink that accidentally overflows, for example.
Flood insurance must be purchased separately. A flood policy provides coverage for buildings, the contents in a building or both. It is important to protect your most important financial assets—your home and your possessions.
What is a Flood?
A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common natural disaster and can occur within minutes or over a long period of time. They can be caused by:
- Heavy rainfall
- Rapid snowmelt
- Storm surge from a tropical cyclone or tsunami
- Rising water in an existing waterway, such as a river, stream or drainage ditch
- Ponding of water at or near the point where the rain fell
- When ocean waves come on shore
- When dams or levees break
Begin the Application Claim Form Here!