Individual Assistance (IA)

IA Registration Process There are several ways to register with FEMA: Go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Or, if you have a smartphone, download the FEMA app at https://www.fema.gov/mobile-app. Online registration is the quickest way to register for assistance. Phone registration 800-621-3362. For TTY call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call 800-621-3362. Survivors also can register with FEMA at a Disaster Recovery Center. Locations are listed at www.fema.gov/DRC 2

Inspection Process After registration for home damage, the applicant will receive a call from FEMA to schedule an appointment for a home inspection. As part of the inspection process, survivors must provide proof of ownership or occupancy. Homeowners may show a tax bill, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address. Renters may show a lease, rent receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster. Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID. 3

Types of Individual Assistance and Eligibility

Types of Individual Assistance Individuals and Households Program (IHP), 42 U.S.C. 5174 Community Services Programs: Disaster Case Management, 42 U.S.C. 5189d Crisis Counseling, 42 U.S.C. 5183 Disaster Unemployment, 42 U.S.C. 5177 Disaster Legal Services, 42 U.S.C. 5182 Other Programs: Transportation Assistance, 42 U.S.C. 5189c Cora Brown Fund, 42 U.S.C. 5201(b) 5

IHP: General Eligibility Criteria Damage caused by the disaster The disaster-caused need cannot be met through other forms of assistance or insurance Primary residence for housing assistance Residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible Applicant satisfies citizenship eligibility criteria U.S. Citizen Non-Citizen National Qualified Aliens References: 42 U.S.C. 5174 Stafford Act Section 408 8 U.S.C. 1611 44 C.F.R. 206.110 - 206.120 Only applicants who fall under the following categories are eligible to receive Federal public benefits: U.S. Citizens Non-Citizen Nationals; and Qualified Aliens The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (commonly known as the Welfare Reform Act), restricts the provision of Federal Public Benefits. One eligible household member can qualify the entire household for IHP. Citizenship/Immigration status on other household members is not collected. Information FEMA collects is protected under the Privacy Act. 6

Temporary Housing Assistance IHP Provides Assistance For: Temporary Housing – Financial Assistance Initial Rental Assistance Continued Rental Assistance Direct Housing Manufactured Housing Units and Recreational Vehicles Multi-family Lease and Repair Program Direct Lease References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(A) and 5174 (c)(1)(B) Stafford Act Section 408 44 C.F.R. 206.110 - 206.120 7

Additional IHP Financial Assistance Home Repair Assistance Home Replacement Assistance Semi-permanent/Permanent Housing Construction (if authorized), and Other Necessary Expenses or Serious Needs (Other Needs Assistance (ONA)) References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(2), 5174(c)(3), 5174(c)(4), 5174(e) Stafford Act Section 408 44 C.F.R. 206.110 - 206.120 8

Temporary Housing Assistance Financial Assistance Cap Program Maximum for financial assistance: $33,300 FY2017 (adjusted annually by CPI). Direct Assistance No financial cap Duration of Temporary Housing – Not to exceed 18 months from date of declaration, unless extended. References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(b),(c), & (d) Stafford Act Section 408(b),(c), & (d) 44 CFR 206.110 - 206.118 9

Repair and Replacement Assistance Owner-occupied primary residences at the time of disaster Return home to safe, sanitary, living, or functioning condition Not intended to restore to pre-disaster condition Amount of loss is determined by inspection and is known as the FEMA Verified Loss Up to IHP maximum Replacement is intended for destroyed homes References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(b) & (c) Stafford Act Section 408(b) & (c) 44 C.F.R. 206.110 - 206.117 10

ONA Types of Assistance: Medical, Dental, Funeral, and Childcare (Non SBA Dependent) Personal Property, Transportation, Moving and Storage, and other necessary expenses. (SBA Dependent) Counts against financial assistance cap References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(e) Stafford Act Section 408(e) 44 C.F.R. 206.119 11

Applicant Appeals 12

Applicant Appeals IA applicants may appeal any agency determination regarding eligibility. Grounds for appeals: Eligibility for assistance, including recoupment decisions Amount or type of assistance Denial of Continued Rental Assistance Termination of Direct Housing Assistance Reference: 42 U.S.C. 5189a Stafford Act Section 423 44 C.F.R. 206.115 13

Appeals (Continued) Required Format for the Applicant’s Appeal: The appeal must be: Filed within 60 days after the date the agency notifies the applicant of the award or denial, In writing, Explain the reason(s) for the appeal, and Signed. Third party appeals must include a signed statement from the applicant authorizing the third party to represent him or her. Reference: 42 U.S.C. 5189a Stafford Act Section 423 44 C.F.R. 206.115 DOLR 6-97 to 6-100 14

Appeals Continued How FEMA Handles the Appeals: Appeals are handled by the Specialized Processing Unit that is a part of the Applicants Services Section under the IHP Service Delivery Branch. FEMA must acknowledge receipt of the appeal in writing and provide written notice of the appeal decision within 90 days of receiving the appeal. Per 44 C.F.R. 206.115, this appeal decision is final. Reference: 42 U.S.C. 5189a Stafford Act Section 423 44 C.F.R. 206.115 15

Applicant File Request Applicant Making a Request Full Name Date of Birth Damaged Dwelling Address FEMA application number or SS# Notarized OR 2. Include a copy of a Gov/state issued ID card OR 3. Include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” Request must be signed/hand written name Privacy Act 5 U.S.C. 552 DHS regulations 6 C.F.R. 5.21 16

File request from 3rd Party 3rd Party includes request from counsel representing the Applicant Written Consent from the Applicant Full Name Date of Birth Damaged Dwelling Address FEMA application number or SS# Notarized OR 2. Include a copy of a Gov/state issued ID card OR 3. Include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” Must include the 3rd party designation Examples Letter of Representation, POA (not required), or on written consent 17

File Request and Appeals Online: Create Account on DisasterAssistance.gov and upload documents directly into their file Fax: 1-800-827-8112 Mail: FEMA Mailroom PO Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20783 18

Resources 408 of the Stafford Act – Individuals and Households Program, 42 U.S.C. 5174 44 CFR Part 206.110 – 206.120 Individuals and Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 19

QUESTIONS? 20