Disclaimer
This page is a free community service to help individuals and families affected by fires, floods, or emergencies restart and rebuild. We are not affiliated with any government agency or charity, nor do we charge any fees or ask for anything in return for this information. All external links direct directly to official state, city, and federal government portals.
Step 1: Immediate Emergency Housing & Fire / Disaster Assistance
If you or your family have lost your home due to a fire, flood, or local disaster and need immediate temporary shelter, emergency financial aid, or basic survival support, start with the resources below.
American Red Cross — New York & New Jersey
- 24/7 Emergency Hotline: 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)
- Services Provided: Temporary emergency sheltering/housing, immediate financial aid, mental health support, and medical replacement assistance.
- Find Open Shelters: Red Cross Disaster Shelters Tool
- NYC Emergency Management & Housing: Call 311 (or 212-639-9675) for emergency housing placement through NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD).
- New Jersey Emergency Housing Resources: Visit the NJ.gov Disaster Recovery Resources page.
Step 2: Recover Your Birth Certificate
Your birth certificate is the core foundation needed to replace other identity documents. If your birth certificate was lost or destroyed during a fire, flood, or other disaster, start here.
New York City — Five Boroughs
- Official Ordering Portal: NYC Health Department — Birth Certificates
- Authorized Online Portal: VitalChek NYC — the NYC Health Department’s official online vendor.
- In-Person Emergency Appointments: Request assistance through the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene portal if you need urgent processing due to a disaster.
New Jersey
Step 3: Replace Your Social Security Card
Once you have proof of identity and birth, you can begin the process of replacing your Social Security card.
How to Apply
- Create or log in to a free my Social Security account at SSA.gov.
- Complete the online request form or download Form SS-5.
- Cost: Free. Never pay a third-party website to replace your Social Security card.
Step 4: Replace Your Driver’s License or Non-Driver Photo ID
If your driver’s license or state-issued identification was lost or destroyed, use the appropriate official state agency below.
New York State — NY DMV
- Official Portal: NY DMV — Replace a License or Permit
- How to Replace Online: Process your replacement directly through the NY DMV / MyDMV Portal.
- Fee Waiver Note: If your identification was lost due to a crime or disaster, obtain police agency report form MV-78B to request a fee waiver.
New Jersey — NJ MVC
