FEMA aid available for disaster victims, not those who click social media link | Fact check

The claim: FEMA is giving out $1,000 to people who apply for aid through a social media post

A March 19 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) includes a link where it claims people can request money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

“FEMA GIVING OUT $1k!!” the post reads. “Make sure you guys fill out the application for FEMA assistance so you can get that $1000 check next week. THANK ME LATER!!”

It received more than 100 shares in less than a week.

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Our rating: False

The link included in the post directs users to a meme, not an application for federal assistance. A FEMA spokesperson told USA TODAY the claim of a $1,000 benefit is false. People may qualify for aid from the agency only if they’ve been affected by a disaster and meet other criteria. 

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There is no FEMA program that will give $1,000 to anyone who clicks on a certain link. Any such claims are false, said Jaclyn Rothenberg, the agency’s director of public affairs. 

Users who click on the link in the Facebook post are taken to a Reddit page with an image of a gorilla making an obscene gesture, which indicates the post was a joke.  

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The agency has previously warned Americans about the potential for fraud and scams following a disaster, when many people may be legitimately seeking aid. 

FEMA's website includes a list of recent disasters for which eligible Americans can request assistance. Applicants have to prove they meet the eligibility requirements, including citizenship status and having an unmet financial need after insurance. 

USA TODAY reached out to the user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

PolitiFact and Lead Stories also debunked the claim. 

Our fact-check sources:

• Jaclyn Rothenberg, March 22, Email exchange with USA TODAY 
• Federal Emergency Management Agency, Oct. 3, 2023, Eligibility Criteria for FEMA Assistance 

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