Understanding the USDA FSA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) for 2023-2024

Disasters can have a devastating impact on farms and ranches. To help producers recover from recent natural events, the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has launched the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) for 2023 and 2024. This program is designed to provide targeted financial assistance to those affected by disasters such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, drought, winter storms, and more, helping producers recover and get back on track.

Why are there 2 stages for SDRP?

The SDRP operates in two stages to balance the urgent need for assistance with ongoing evaluations of disaster impacts:

• Stage 1 was implemented to rapidly assist producers who have crop insurance or NAP coverage, using existing claim data from the Risk Management Agency (RMA) and FSA.

• Stage 2 will provide aid to those who weren’t covered, weren’t paid in Stage 1, or experienced losses that didn’t trigger crop insurance payments. It also addresses gaps and additional impacted areas from the disasters in 2023 and 2024.

This approach helps ensure that assistance reaches as many affected producers as possible, while the USDA continues to accurately assess ongoing disaster impacts.

What is SDRP Stage 1?

Stage 1 is the streamlined, quick-response part of the program. It uses pre-filled application forms for producers who experienced crop, tree, or vine losses that are supported by existing crop insurance or NAP payouts for qualifying disasters. Because the data has already been submitted to FSA or RMA, the application process is simplified, allowing for quicker delivery of benefits.

How it works:  

• Producers with indemnified losses in 2023 or 2024 automatically received pre-filled applications mailed out starting July 9, 2025.

• To receive payment, producers must submit these applications to their local FSA office in person, by fax, email, or in person.

Important:  

• All producers who are certifying crop, tree, or vine losses must sign the application.

• Failure to verify and certify that losses were caused by qualifying disasters may delay or disqualify payments.

  
  

What is SDRP Stage 2?

Stage 2 is designed to fill in the gaps — providing aid to producers whose losses were not large enough to trigger crop insurance or NAP payments but still suffered damage. These are often called uncovered or shallow losses and include:

• Losses without crop insurance or NAP coverage

• Losses covered by insurance but insufficient to trigger an indemnity

• Losses in areas or conditions not covered in Stage 1

Additional details are pending for Stage 2, which will help address these unmet needs.

Am I Eligible for Stage 1 or Stage 2?

Producers can apply for both stages, but payments under Stage 2 will take into account any amounts received under Stage 1. Here are key points:

• Stage 1 eligibility is based on crop insurance or NAP claims supporting eligible losses.

• Stage 2 will help those with uncovered losses or losses that didn’t trigger indemnities.

• If you receive a letter or application for Stage 1, it does not guarantee payment — you must certify your losses and submit your application.

  
  

Important FAQ Highlights

• Qualifying disasters include wildfires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, winter storms, polar vortexes, drought, smoke, and related conditions during 2023-2024.

• Drought: Only counties with a D2 (severe drought) for 8 consecutive weeks or D3 (extreme drought) or higher at any point qualify.

• Application process: Pre-filled applications were mailed out to eligible producers beginning July 9, 2025.

• Application submission: Must be filed with your local FSA office in person, by fax, email, or in person.

• Signatures: All certifying producers or legal entity members must sign the application.

• Supporting forms: Ensure your FSA files include the CCC-902, CCC-901 (if applicable), AD-1026, and other required forms.

  
  

Additional Important Details

• Crop insurance / NAP: Recipients are required to buy coverage at 60% or higher for the next two crop years for continued participation.

• Payment limitations: Producers or entities may receive up to $125,000 per year, with higher limits available if more than 75% of income is from farming/ranching.

If you have questions or need help navigating the SDRP please don't hesitate to reach out.