Before FEMA can provide any assistance through the Public Assistance Program, the declared State, Territorial, and/or Tribal Government must submit form SF 424, which is an Application for Federal Assistance, and form SF 424 - D, which includes assurances.

FEMA provides Public Assistance funds via the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Payment Management System.

• If the President issues a declaration for a Tribal Government for the first time, the Tribal Government must also submit form SF-1199A (a Payment Management System Access Form) and a Direct Deposit Form to obtain a FEMA-specific Payment Management System account before FEMA can provide funding.