Emergency Assistance (EA) provides short term, limited financial assistance to families with children when a fire or other natural disaster has destroyed those things necessary for taking care of your family. Emergency Assistance is also available if your family lost all income between December 1 and March 15 and the loss is due to severe weather or energy shortage layoffs. Emergency Assistance payments can be made for food, clothing, shelter, or the repair or replacement of essential household items. The amount of assistance cannot be more than $500 and is limited to 30 consecutive days in any 12 month.