Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG)

Individuals and Households Program 

Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

FP 104-009-3 / September 30, 2016 
Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

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Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Foreword....................................................................................................................1 

Chapter 1: Introduction..............................................................................................3 

I. Presidential Declaration.....................................................................................................................3 

A. Designated Areas ...........................................................................................................................3 

B. Incident Period ..............................................................................................................................3 

C. Type of Incident ............................................................................................................................3 

D. Types of Assistance.......................................................................................................................4 

E. Federal Cost Share.........................................................................................................................4 

F. FEMA-State/Territory/Tribal Government Agreement.................................................................4 

II. Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Overview .....................................................................5 

A. Period of IHP Assistance...............................................................................................................5 

B. Amount of IHP Assistance ............................................................................................................5 

C. Types of IHP Assistance ...............................................................................................................6 

III. Sequence of Delivery ........................................................................................................................8 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility.........................11 

I. General IHP Eligibility....................................................................................................................11 

A. U.S. Citizenship...........................................................................................................................11 

B. Identity Verification ....................................................................................................................13 

C. Insurance .....................................................................................................................................14 

D. Occupancy...................................................................................................................................16 

E. Ownership ...................................................................................................................................17 

II. Additional Eligibility Considerations..............................................................................................19 

A. Condominiums and Cooperatives ................................................................................................19 

B. Separated Households .................................................................................................................20 

C. Roommates..................................................................................................................................20 

D. Boarders.......................................................................................................................................21 

E. Military Personnel .......................................................................................................................22 

F. Students .......................................................................................................................................22 

G. Residents of Assisted Living Facilities .......................................................................................23 

H. Flood Zones and Protected Areas................................................................................................23 

III. Appeal Process ................................................................................................................................26 

A. Timeline for Appeal ....................................................................................................................26 

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Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

B. Determinations that May be Appealed ........................................................................................26 

C. Requests for Copies of IHP Assistance File................................................................................27 

D. Appeal Submission......................................................................................................................27 

E. Appeal Determination .................................................................................................................29 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance .....31 

I. Applying for FEMA IHP Assistance...............................................................................................31 

A. Application Methods ...................................................................................................................31 

B. Registration Period ......................................................................................................................32 

C. Information Needed to Complete Application ............................................................................33 

II. Verifying Losses..............................................................................................................................33 

A. Onsite Inspection.........................................................................................................................34 

B. Geospatial Inspection ..................................................................................................................35 

C. Documentation of Losses ............................................................................................................35 

III. Applicant Communication...............................................................................................................36 

A. Reasonable Accommodations .....................................................................................................36 

B. Privacy Act ..................................................................................................................................36 

C. Written Consent...........................................................................................................................37 

D. Letters..........................................................................................................................................37 

IV. Program Delivery Considerations ...................................................................................................38 

A. Applicants with Disabilities or Other Access and Functional Needs ..........................................38 

B. Applicants with Limited English Proficiency .............................................................................39 

C. Insular and Remote Areas ...........................................................................................................40 

D. Tribal Governments.....................................................................................................................41 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) .............................................................43 

I. Lodging Expense Reimbursement...................................................................................................43 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................43 

B. Required Documentation.............................................................................................................44 

C. Limitations and Exclusions .........................................................................................................44 

II. Rental Assistance.............................................................................................................................45 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................45 

III. Continued Rental Assistance...........................................................................................................46 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................47 

B. Required Documentation.............................................................................................................47 

C. Limitations and Exclusions .........................................................................................................50 

IV. Rental Assistance Rate Increase......................................................................................................50 

V. Home Repair Assistance..................................................................................................................52 

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Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................52 

B. Limitations and Exclusions .........................................................................................................53 

VI. Privately-Owned Access Routes .....................................................................................................53 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................54 

B. Limitations and Exclusions .........................................................................................................54 

VII. Replacement Assistance ..................................................................................................................56 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................56 

B. Limitations and Exclusions .........................................................................................................56 

C. Appeal Considerations.................................................................................................................57 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) ..................................................................59 

I. Direct Housing Assistance Request and Approval..........................................................................59 

A. Direct Housing Assistance Assessment.......................................................................................60 

B. Direct Housing Assistance Approval ..........................................................................................61 

II. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Conditions of Eligibility....................................................62 

A. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................62 

B. Temporary Housing Unit (THU) Selection Considerations ........................................................63 

III. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Terms and Conditions .......................................................64 

A. Occupant Responsibilities ...........................................................................................................64 

B. Recertification Process for Continued Assistance.......................................................................65 

C. Extension of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance...................................................................66 

D. Rent Collection for FEMA Temporary Housing Unit.................................................................67 

E. Reasons for Terminating Direct Temporary Housing Assistance ...............................................69 

F. Process for Terminating Direct Temporary Housing Assistance ................................................70 

G. Penalty Fees.................................................................................................................................71 

IV. Multi-Family Lease and Repair (MLR)...........................................................................................73 

A. Authorizing MLR ........................................................................................................................73 

B. Property Leasing and Repair/Improvement Service Contracting................................................76 

V. Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) and Site Types ...................................................................77 

A. Site Types....................................................................................................................................77 

B. Wrap-Around Services ................................................................................................................79 

C. Floodplain Management and EHP Considerations......................................................................79 

VI. Disposing of MHUs through Sales to Occupants and Donations....................................................81 

A. Authorizing Disposal through Sales and Donations....................................................................81 

B. MHU Sales to Occupants ............................................................................................................81 

C. MHU Donations to Qualified Public Agencies and Private Organizations.................................84 

D. Effect of MHU Donations on FEMA Disaster Assistance ..........................................................85 

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Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

VII. Permanent Housing Construction (PHC) ........................................................................................86 

A. PHC Request and Approval.........................................................................................................86 

B. Conditions of Eligibility..............................................................................................................86 

C. PHC Terms and Conditions.........................................................................................................87 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA).............................................................89 

I. ONA Options & Cost Shares ...........................................................................................................89 

A. Amount of Assistance..................................................................................................................90 

B. ONA Cost Share and Administration ..........................................................................................91 

II. Non-Small Business Administration (SBA)-Dependent .................................................................93 

A. Funeral Assistance.......................................................................................................................93 

B. Medical and Dental Assistance ...................................................................................................97 

C. Child Care Assistance..................................................................................................................99 

D. Assistance for Miscellaneous Items ..........................................................................................102 

E. Critical Needs Assistance ..........................................................................................................104 

III. SBA-Dependent.............................................................................................................................105 

A. Personal Property Assistance ....................................................................................................105 

B. Transportation Assistance .........................................................................................................108 

C. Moving and Storage Assistance ................................................................................................111 

D. Group Flood Insurance Policy...................................................................................................112 

Chapter 7: Recovery of Program Funds ................................................................115 

I. Reasons for Recovery of Funds.....................................................................................................116 

II. Identifying and Verifying Potential Debts.....................................................................................117 

III. Notice of Potential Debt and Appeal Process................................................................................117 

A. Oral Hearings ............................................................................................................................118 

B. FEMA Appeal Determination ...................................................................................................118 

IV. Debt Compromise, Suspension, or Termination ...........................................................................119 

A. Debt Compromise......................................................................................................................119 

B. Debt Suspension........................................................................................................................119 

C. Debt Termination.......................................................................................................................120 

V. Transfer of Debt to Treasury .........................................................................................................120 

VI. Statute of Limitations ....................................................................................................................121 

Appendix A: Transitional Sheltering Assistance...................................................123 

Appendix B: Abbreviations and Acronyms...........................................................127 

Appendix C: List of Policies Superseded ..............................................................129 

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Individuals & Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 

List of Figures 

Figure 1: Housing Assistance........................................................................................................................7 

Figure 2: Disaster Assistance Sequence of Delivery ....................................................................................9 

Figure 3: U.S. Citizenship and Resident Aliens ..........................................................................................12 

Figure 4: Acceptable Documentation to Verify Identity .............................................................................14 

Figure 5: Housing Assistance Documentation to Verify Occupancy..........................................................16 

Figure 6: Documentation to Verify Ownership...........................................................................................17 

Figure 7: Alternate Verification Documents ...............................................................................................18 

Figure 8: Condo and Co-op Assistance .......................................................................................................19 

Figure 9: Assistance for Roommates...........................................................................................................21 

Figure 10: Assistance for Boarders .............................................................................................................21 

Figure 11: Flood Insurance Requirement for Homeowners and Renters ....................................................24 

Figure 12: Relationship between IHP Assistance and Flood Insurance ......................................................25 

Figure 13: Sample Appeal Letter ................................................................................................................28 

Figure 14: Appeal Documentation ..............................................................................................................28 

Figure 15: Registration Period.....................................................................................................................32 

Figure 16: FEMA Rental Assistance Overview ..........................................................................................46 

Figure 17: Excerpt of Form 010-0-12, Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance ..........48 

Figure 18: Continued Rental Assistance Documentation............................................................................49 

Figure 19: FEMA Fair Market Rent Calculator ..........................................................................................50 

Figure 20: FEMA Rental Rate Increase Authorities ...................................................................................51 

Figure 21: General Sequence of FEMA Direct Housing Assistance Options .............................................61 

Figure 22: FEMA Notification of Occupant Violations..............................................................................70 

Figure 23: Example of a Penalty Fee ..........................................................................................................71 

Figure 24: Steps to determine if MLR Property is cost-effective and viable ..............................................75 

Figure 25: Conditions for PHC Repair or New Construction......................................................................87 

Figure 26: SBA Disaster Loan application process.....................................................................................89 

Figure 27: Other Needs Assistance, Non-SBA-Dependent and SBA-Dependent.......................................90 

Figure 28: Excerpt of FEMA Form 010-0-11, ONA Administrative Option Selection..............................90 

Figure 29: ONA Administrative Option Responsibility..............................................................................92 

Figure 30: The ONA Administrative Option Selection Form and Process .................................................93 

Figure 31: Example - Comparison of Pre- and Post-Disaster Child Care Costs .......................................100 

Figure 32: FEMA Deliberative Process for Identifying and Validating Debt Payments ..........................116 

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Foreword 

On behalf of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), I am pleased to issue the 

First Edition of the FEMA Individuals and Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG). 

The IHPUG compiles FEMA policy for each type of assistance under the Individuals and 

Households Program (IHP) into one comprehensive document and is intended to serve as a 

singular policy resource for state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and other entities who 

assist disaster survivors with post-disaster recovery. Resources written specifically for disaster 

survivors can be found at https://www.fema.gov/individual-disaster-assistance. 

The IHPUG will: 

 Replace all stand-alone IHP policies and policy statements currently located in FEMA 

documents and standard operating procedures (SOPs); 

 Catalog lessons learned from disaster operations and the Agency’s decisions as they 

relate to the Individuals and Households Program; and 

 Increase consistency, collaboration, and the sharing of knowledge between FEMA and 

state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and other entities who assist disaster 

survivors. 

The IHPUG will not replace the existing National Emergency Management Information System 

(NEMIS) business rules or internal technical manuals, as these describe FEMA’s internal 

processes and business rules for call center staff. 

FEMA has archived the Individuals and Households Program policy documents listed in 

Appendix C. These policy and guidance documents remain in effect for incidents declared 

prior to September 30, 2016. The language in this guide is in effect for incidents declared on or 

after September 30, 2016. 

This version of the IHPUG will only encompass the Individuals and Households Program. The 

Second Edition will address all Individual Assistance programs. FEMA will update the IHPUG 

on an annual basis, as necessary, and will conduct a comprehensive review no less than every 

three years. If FEMA determines it necessary to publish new or updated policy language before 

the next scheduled update, FEMA will update the electronic version of this document, issue a 

memorandum describing the additions or updates, and post both documents at 

www.fema.gov/IHP-Unified-Guidance. 

Alex Amparo 

Assistant Administrator 

Recovery Directorate 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

Chapter 1: Introduction 

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended (Stafford 

Act), Public Law 93-288, 42 U.S.C. § 5121 et. Seq.,

1

P0 authorizes the President to provide federal 

assistance when the magnitude of an incident or threatened incident exceeds the affected state,2 

local,3 territorial, and tribal government

4 capabilities to respond or recover. 

I. Presidential Declaration 

When a state, territorial, or tribal government determines an incident has exceeded their 

capabilities to respond, the Governor or Tribal Chief Executive may request a declaration from 

the President through FEMA. They must request within 30 days of the incident. 

For FEMA to provide assistance, the 

President must declare that an 

emergency or major disaster exists. The 

declaration establishes the: 

 Designated areas 

 Incident period 

 Type of incident 

 Types of assistance 

 Federal cost share 

A. Designated Areas 

The declaration designates which counties, parishes, or tribal landsP4F 

5 Pare eligible to receive 

federal assistance. FEMA may add additional areas after the initial designation. 

B. Incident Period 

The declaration designates the incident period.6 The incident period is the span of time during 

which the federally-declared incident occurs. This period varies in length, depending on the 

incident. 

C. Type of Incident 

The declaration designates the type of incident (e.g., hurricane, tsunami, or earthquake). For 

Emergency Declarations, an incident is any instance the President determines warrants 

supplemental emergency assistance to the state, territorial, and tribal governments to save lives 

and protect property, public health, and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe. 

For Major Disaster Declarations, an incident is any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic 

eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or 

explosion that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude in the President's 

determination to warrant supplemental assistance to a state, territorial, and tribal government.P6F 

7 P 

Major Disaster Declarations may include a combination of incident types, such as storms and 

landslides. 

D. Types of Assistance 

The declaration designates the types of federal assistance authorized. The President may 

authorize assistance to a state, local, territorial, or tribal government; certain types of private 

nonprofit (PNP) organizations; or individuals and households. FEMA provides assistance to 

state, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and certain types of PNP organizations through its 

Public Assistance Program. For more information, 38TUsee Public Assistance Program and Guide, FP 

104-009-2, January 2016.U38T FEMA provides assistance to individuals and households through the 

Individual Assistance (IA) program, which includes all of the following: 

 Mass Care and Emergency Assistance (MC/EA) 

 Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) 

 Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) 

 Disaster Legal Services (DLS) 

 Disaster Case Management (DCM) 

 Individuals and Households Program (IHP) 

IHP is comprised of two categories of assistance: Housing Assistance (HA) and Other Needs 

Assistance (ONA). 

E. Federal Cost Share 

Some types of assistance that FEMA provides through its IA programs are subject to a cost 

share. FEMA provides 100% of federal Housing Assistance costs.8 However, ONA is subject to 

a cost share between FEMA and the state, territorial, or tribal government. FEMA covers 75% of 

eligible ONA costs, and the state, territorial, or tribal government is responsible for the 

remaining 25%.9 

F. FEMA-State/Territory/Tribal Government Agreement 

After every declaration, FEMA and the state, territorial, or tribal government enter into an 

agreement documenting the understanding, commitments, and conditions under which FEMA 

will provide assistance (FEMA-State/Territory/Tribal Government Agreement).P9F 

10 P FEMA and the 

Governor or Tribal Chief Executive must sign this agreement before FEMA provides assistance. 

If necessary, because of extreme circumstances, FEMA may authorize essential emergency 

services or Housing Assistance under the IHP while the agreement is in process for signature. 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

II. Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Overview 

IHP provides financial assistance and direct services to eligible individuals and households who 

have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs. IHP is not a substitute for 

insurance and cannot compensate for all losses caused by a 

disaster; it is intended to meet basic needs and supplement 

disaster recovery efforts. 

IHP Assistance is not considered income11 or a resource 

when determining eligibility for welfare, income assistance, 

or income-tested benefit programs that the Federal 

Government funds, such as Social Security benefits or 

disability income.12 IHP Assistance is also exempt from 

garnishment or seizure, but this exception does not apply to 

FEMA recovering assistance received in error or potential 

fraud.13 

Lastly, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, applies 

to all FEMA-conducted and assisted activities and requires 

compliance with physical, program, and effective 

communication access throughout all aspects of IHP. 

A. Period of IHP Assistance 

IHP Assistance is limited to 18 months following the date of the disaster declaration.P13F 

14 P The 

period of assistance begins at the date of the Presidential declaration and not the date on which 

the disaster is designated for IA.15 The President 

may, at the State's request, extend the period of 

assistance due to extraordinary circumstances.

16 

B. Amount of IHP Assistance 

The amount of financial assistance an individual 

or household may receive under the IHP is 

limited. Although minimal damage may cause 

some inconvenience, it is expected that 

individuals or households will address those 

losses without federal assistance. Therefore, 

FEMA will only provide assistance when the total 

initial IHP award amount is $50 or more.17 There 

is no minimum amount for subsequent awards. 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

The maximum amount of financial IHP Assistance provided to eligible individuals or households 

under a single disaster is adjusted each fiscal year based on the Department of Labor Consumer 

Price Index.18 Eligible individuals or households receiving IHP Assistance may not necessarily 

be awarded the maximum amount of financial assistance for their disaster-caused losses. 

Other federal programs and voluntary organizations may provide additional financial assistance. 

FEMA informs the public of changes to the maximum amount of IHP Assistance each year by 

publishing a notice in the Federal Register. 

C. Types of IHP Assistance 

There are two categories of IHP Assistance: 

 Housing Assistance 

 Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Housing Assistance 

Individuals and households may receive more than one type of Housing Assistance, including a 

combination of financial assistance and direct services.19 FEMA determines the appropriate types 

of Housing Assistance for which an individual or household may be eligible based on disastercaused loss, access to life-sustaining services, cost-effectiveness, and other factors.P19F 

20 

FEMA provides financial Housing Assistance through funds paid directly to eligible individuals 

and households. Financial Housing Assistance may include the following types of assistance: 

 Lodging Expense Reimbursement 

(LER): Financial assistance to 

reimburse for hotels, motels, or other 

short-term lodging while an applicant is 

displaced from his or her primary 

residence. 

 Rental Assistance: Financial 

assistance to rent alternate housing21 

accommodations while an applicant is 

displaced from his or her primary 

residence.22 

 Repair: Financial assistance to repair 

an owner-occupied primary residence, utilities, and residential infrastructure, including 

privately-owned access routes (i.e., driveways, roads, or bridges) to a safe and sanitary 

living or functioning condition.P2F 

23 

 Replacement: Financial assistance to help replace an owner-occupied primary residence 

when the residence is destroyed.24 

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Figure 1: Housing Assistance

Chapter 1: Introduction 

FEMA may provide Direct Housing Assistance25 when applicants are unable to use Rental 

Assistance due to a lack of available housing resources. Direct Housing Assistance is not 

counted toward the IHP maximum award amount and may include: 

 Multi-Family Lease and Repair (MLR): This program allows FEMA to enter into lease

agreements with owners of multi-family rental property located in disaster areas and

make repairs or improvements to provide temporary housing to disaster survivors.P25F 

26

 Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs): Manufactured homes provided by FEMA and

made available to use as temporary housing.

 Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction (PHC): Home repair and/or

construction services provided in insular areas outside the continental United States

(U.S.) and in other locations where no alternative housing resources are available; and

where types of housing assistance FEMA normally provides, such as Rental Assistance

or other forms of direct assistance, are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective.27

Figure 1: Housing Assistance

Financial Assistance

 Lodging Expense Reimbursement

 Rental Assistance

 Repair Assistance

 Replacement Assistance

Direct Assistance

 Multi-Family Lease and Repair

 Manufactured Housing Units

 Permanent or Semi-Permanent Housing Construction

ONA 

Individuals and households may receive financial assistance for other disaster-caused expenses 

and serious needs.

28 The types of ONA are divided into two categories that are either dependent 

or non-dependent on the individual’s or household’s ability to secure a U.S. Small Business 

Administration (SBA) disaster loan. The SBA provides low-interest, long-term loans to help 

individuals and households with personal property, transportation, and moving and storage 

expenses incurred due to a declared disaster. 

Non-SBA-dependent types of ONA may be awarded regardless of the individual’s or 

household’s SBA status and may include Funeral, Medical, Dental, Childcare, and assistance for 

miscellaneous items such as chainsaws or dehumidifiers purchased or rented after the disaster. 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

Only individuals or households who do not 

qualify for a loan from the SBA may be 

eligible for assistance for the SBA-dependent 

category. SBA-dependent ONA includes 

Personal Property, Moving and Storage, and 

Transportation Assistance. 

III. Sequence of Delivery 

The Stafford Act prohibits the duplication of 

federal benefits.P28F 

29 Therefore, FEMA may not 

provide IHP Assistance when any other source 

has already provided assistance or when 

assistance is available from another program, 

insurance, or any other source. 

The sequence of delivery establishes the 

order in which disaster relief agencies and 

organizations provide assistance to disaster 

survivors.30 This is intended to prevent 

duplication of benefits, maximize available 

resources, and coordinate efforts to help 

disaster survivors navigate the recovery 

process. 38TFigure 238T on the next page shows 

the sequence of delivery of assistance after a 

disaster. 

FEMA is only one part of a nationally 

coordinated effort to address disaster 

response and recovery; a whole community 

approach is needed to prepare for, protect 

against, respond to, recover from, and 

mitigate all hazards. 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

Figure 2: Disaster Assistance Sequence of Delivery 

*Eligibility for federal assistance is based on each applicant’s individual circumstances as they relate to 

each program’s conditions of eligibility. Not all applicants will be eligible for all forms of federal 

assistance. 

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Chapter 1: Introduction 

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Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) 

Eligibility 

While each type of IHP Assistance has specific conditions of eligibility and documentation 

requirements, this chapter describes the basic conditions of eligibility that apply to all FEMA 

IHP Assistance. Specific situations and living arrangements that require clarification are also 

addressed. This chapter also provides information on the appeal process for applicants who 

disagree with FEMA’s eligibility determination.

I. General IHP Eligibility 

These general conditions must be met for an applicant to be eligible to receive IHP Assistance: 

 The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien. 

 FEMA must be able to verify the applicant's identity.P31F 

31 

 The applicant’s insurance, or other forms of disaster assistance received, cannot meet 

their disaster-caused needs.P32F 

32 

 The applicant’s necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused by a declared 

disaster.P3F 

33 

The process FEMA uses to verify that necessary expenses and serious needs are directly caused 

by a declared disaster is described in 38TChapter 3: Delivering IHP Assistance38T. 

In order to receive some forms of Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance (ONA), 

applicants must satisfy the additional conditions of eligibility listed below: 

 Occupancy 

 Ownership 

A. U.S. Citizenship 

Only U.S. citizens, non-citizen nationals, or qualified aliens may be eligible for IHP Assistance. 

Individuals self-certify their citizenship status on a 38TDeclaration and Release form (FEMA Form 

009-0-3)38T that asks applicants to declare, under penalty of perjury, that they are one of the 

following status as indicated in Figure 3. 

11 
Figure 3: U.S. Citizenship and Resident Aliens

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Figure 3: U.S. Citizenship and Resident Aliens

Status Definitions

U.S. Citizen

A person born in one of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto 

Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, or the Northern Mariana Islands; 

a person born outside of the U.S. to at least one U.S. parent; or 

naturalized citizen.

Non-Citizen National

A person born in an outlying possession of the U.S. (e.g., American

Samoa or Swain’s Island) on or after the date the U.S. acquired the 

possession, or a person whose parents are U.S. non-citizen nationals.

All U.S. citizens are U.S. nationals; however, not every U.S. national 

is a U.S. citizen.

Qualified Alien 

 Legal permanent resident (“green card” holder)

 An asylee, refugee, or an alien whose deportation is being 

withheld

 Alien paroled into the U.S. for at least one year

 Alien granted conditional entry (per law in effect prior to April 1, 

1980)

 Cuban/Haitian entrant

 Aliens in the U.S. who have been abused, subject to battery or 

extreme cruelty by a spouse or other family/ household member, 

or have been a victim of a severe form of human trafficking

 Aliens whose children have been abused and alien children whose 

parent has been abused who fit certain criteria

If an applicant does not meet this criteria, the household may still apply for and be considered 

for IHP Assistance if: 

 Another adult household member meets 

the eligibility and signs the Declaration 

and Release form; or 

 The parent or guardian of a minor child 

who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen 

national, or a qualified alien applies for 

assistance on behalf of the child, as long 

as they live in the same household. The 

parent or legal guardian must register as 

the co-applicant. 

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Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

There are several categories of aliens lawfully present in the U.S. who are not eligible for IHP 

Assistance. These include, but are not limited to: 

 Temporary tourist visa holders 

 Foreign students 

 Temporary work visa holders 

 Habitual residents such as citizens of 

the Federated States of Micronesia 

and the Republic of the Marshall 

Islands 

The citizenship, non-citizen national, or 

qualified alien eligibility requirement does 

not apply to the following programs: 

 Emergency Assistance (search and 

rescue, medical care, shelter, food, 

and water, and reducing threats to 

life, property, and public health or 

safety) 

 Disaster Legal Services 

 Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training 

 Disaster Case Management 

 Disaster Food Stamps (Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or DSNAP), which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; the state, 

territorial, or tribal government can request the Federal Government to initiate D-SNAP 

only after a Presidential declaration approving Individual Assistance 

B. Identity Verification 

FEMA must be able to verify an applicant’s identity with a valid Social Security Number (SSN) 

before considering their eligibility for disaster assistance. By verifying identity, FEMA prevents 

fraud and ensures applicants receive the disaster assistance intended for them.34 

FEMA typically verifies an applicant’s identity through an automated public records search at 

the time of registration or through a FEMA inspection. When FEMA is unable to verify an 

applicant’s identity, applicants may be asked to submit a copy of one of the documents described 

in Figure 4: 

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Figure 4: Acceptable Documentation to Verify Identity

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Figure 4: Acceptable Documentation to Verify Identity

Documentation to verify 

name/SSN:

 Documentation from the Social Security Administration (SSA), 

or other federal entity, containing full or last four digits of SSN

 Social Security card if accompanied by federal or state-issued 

identification

 Employer’s payroll document containing full or last four digits of

the SSN

 Military identification

 Marriage license to confirm proof of maiden name

o If the applicant still fails identity verification using 

maiden name, applicant will be required to submit one of 

the other forms of acceptable identity verification

 U.S. passport

 On a case-by-case basis, FEMA may allow applicants residing in 

U.S. territories to submit specific identity verification documents, 

such as voter registration cards, etc.

Documentation - applying for 

assistance on behalf of a minor 

child:

 Any of the documents listed above, if in the child’s name

 Child’s birth certificate and a copy of the child’s Social Security 

card or documentation from the SSA, or other federal entity, 

containing the full or last four digits of the child’s SSN

FEMA does not accept the following documents as proof of an applicant’s identity:

 Internal Revenue Service forms 

 Notarized statements or affidavits from applicants or any third parties 

 Applications for a marriage license or assistance from a federal entity 

C. Insurance 

FEMA provides IHP Assistance to applicants for their uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused 

expenses and serious needs. 

Applicants are required to inform FEMA of all insurance (flood, homeowners, vehicle, mobile 

home, medical, burial, etc.) coverage that may be available to them to meet their disaster-caused 

needs. Insured applicants must provide documentation that identifies their insurance settlements 

or benefits before FEMA will consider their eligibility for categories of assistance that may be 

covered by private insurance. 

14 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

After an applicant submits their insurance settlement information, FEMA compares the net 

settlement amount received for each loss to the maximum amount of assistance available for that 

type of IHP Assistance. 

 When the net settlement amount from insurance is less than the loss amount verified by 

FEMA through physical inspection, documentation of receipts, estimates, or expenses, or 

by using geospatial technology, the applicant may receive the difference up to the 

maximum amount of assistance available for that type of IHP Assistance to meet that 

need.35 

 When the net settlement amount is equal to 

or exceeds the loss amount verified by 

FEMA or the amount of IHP Assistance 

available to meet that need, FEMA 

determines the applicant’s need has been met 

by insurance and will not provide assistance 

for that need.36 

FEMA only considers insurance coverage which 

includes the peril(s) (e.g., flood, wind, wind-driven 

rain, tornado, fire, etc.) listed as a cause of damage 

identified for the disaster when determining 

eligibility for assistance. For example, an applicant is not required to submit flood insurance 

documents for a wind-only disaster. When applicants are impacted by multiple perils, FEMA 

compares insurance benefits and verified loss amount separately for each peril. 

Exceptions: 

Uninsurable Items 

Insured applicants may receive assistance for items not typically covered by homeowners or 

flood insurance, such as wells, septic systems, access roads, etc., regardless of the type of 

disaster-caused damage or the applicant’s insurance coverage.

Delayed Settlement 

While FEMA cannot provide assistance for disaster-caused needs covered by insurance benefits, 

FEMA may provide assistance to help meet an applicant’s immediate needs when their insurance

benefits are delayed.37 Two important conditions for receiving this FEMA assistance are: 

 Applicants who demonstrate their insurance settlement has been significantly delayed (30 

days or more from the date a claim was filed) through no fault of their own, may be 

considered for initial Rental Assistance.38 

 Applicants accepting assistance in advance of receiving their insurance settlement must 

agree to repay FEMA upon receiving their insurance benefit. 

15 
 

 

 

 

Figure 5: Housing Assistance Documentation to Verify Occupancy 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

D. Occupancy 

Applicants (both owners and renters) must be able to prove they occupied the damaged dwelling, 

pre-disaster, as their primary residence before receiving Housing Assistance and some types of 

ONA. Individuals who were homeless pre-disaster may not be considered for Housing 

Assistance and ONA, which both require successful verification of pre-disaster occupancy in a 

primary residence. 

All household members at the time of the disaster are considered occupants. Occupant means a 

resident of the housing unit.39 FEMA verifies occupancy at the time of registration and may also 

complete and update verification at the time of inspection. In locations where automated 

verification of public records is limited, FEMA partners with applicable authorities from the 

state, local, territorial, or tribal government to verify occupancy. 

Documentation: When FEMA is unable to verify an applicant’s occupancy of their primary

residence, the applicant may provide FEMA with any of the documents listed below for 

verification. FEMA can request additional documents to prove occupancy in cases where the 

name reflected on utility bills and the name of the primary occupant conflict. 

Figure 5: Housing Assistance Documentation to Verify Occupancy

Document and Description Acceptable Document Dates

Utility Bills: Electric, gas, oil, trash, water/sewer 

bills that reflect the name of the applicant or coapplicant and the residence address.

Utility bills must be dated within 3 months prior 

to the incident period.

Merchant’s Statement: Bank or credit card 

statement, phone bill, cable/satellite bill, etc.

Merchant statements must be dated within 3 

months prior to the incident period.

Employer’s Statement: Pay stubs and similar 

documents linking the applicant to the damaged 

residence.

Employer’s statements must be dated within 3 

months prior to the incident period.

Driver’s license, state-issued ID card, voter 

registration card.

These documents must be current (not expired) at 

the time of the disaster.

Document Exceptions: 

 Proof of Occupancy: If the listed documentation is unavailable, as a last resort, FEMA 

may accept a written statement from the applicant indicating how long they lived in the 

disaster-damaged residence prior to the Presidential disaster declaration. The statement 

must also include an explanation of the circumstances that prevent standard occupancy 

verification (e.g., insular areas, islands, tribal lands). 

16 
 

 

 

 

 

Figure 6: Documentation to Verify Ownership 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

 Intent to Occupy Statement: Applicants can establish their intent to occupy a residence 

damaged by a disaster with a written statement along with supporting documentation 

such as a utility deposit or a pre-dated lease that contains the applicant/co-applicant’s 

name and the residence address. For example, an applicant who recently purchased a 

home that was destroyed while the applicant was in the process of moving in may be 

eligible based on intent to occupy. Supporting documentation must be dated on or before 

the first day of the incident period. Applicants not occupying the residence at the time of 

the disaster may still be eligible if they submit documentation showing their intent to 

occupy the home as their primary residence. 

 Student Occupancy: Applicants who lived in housing provided by an educational 

facility (e.g., college dormitory) may be eligible for IHP Assistance if the student housing 

was their primary residence. For additional information on student eligibility for disaster 

assistance, see “38TAdditional Eligibility Considerations38T.”

E. Ownership 

FEMA verifies ownership through inspection, automated public records search, or submitted 

documents, including documents from the state, territorial, or tribal government. 

When an applicant’s ownership of their pre-disaster primary residence has been verified, they 

may be considered for Repair, Replacement, or PHC Assistance. 

FEMA defines an owner-occupied residence40 as one where the applicant: 

 Is the legal owner; or 

 Does not hold a formal title to the residence and pays no rent, but is responsible for the 

payment of taxes or maintenance of the residence; or 

 Has lifetime occupancy rights with formal title vested in another (see 38TFigure 38T638T for 

required documentation). 

Figure 6: Documentation to Verify Ownership

Document and Description Acceptable Document Date

Deed or Official Record: Original deed 

or deed of trust to the property listing the 

applicant as the legal owner.

Deed must be current/effective during the disaster incident 

period.

Mortgage documentation: Mortgage 

statement or escrow analysis.

The most recent mortgage statements available should be 

submitted (within 3 months of the disaster incident period) 

and escrow documents should be from the last quarter.

Real property* insurance document, bill 

or payment record, structural insurance 

documentation.

Within 3 months of the disaster incident period.

*Buildings or other structures permanently attached to land as well as the land itself. This includes items that are 

structural components of the buildings or structures.

17 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 7: Alternate Verification Documents

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Ownership Documentation: When FEMA is unable to verify an applicant’s ownership of their

primary residence during inspection or through an automated public records search, the applicant 

may provide FEMA with documentation to prove ownership. There are various documents that 

may be used to prove ownership and are outlined below. 

The document provided must reflect: 

 The name of the applicant or co-applicant registering for assistance; if a minor child is 

registering for assistance, the document must be in the adult co-applicant’s name; 

 The address of the damaged pre-disaster residence; and 

 A date prior to the disaster incident period. 

If documents listed in 38TFigure 638T are unavailable, FEMA may accept alternate verification 

documents as listed in Figure 7. 

Figure 7: Alternate Verification Documents

Document and Description Acceptable Document Date

Property tax receipt or property tax bill

Current and/or effective during 

the disaster incident period

Manufactured home certificate of title

Real Estate Provision

Contract for Deed

Land Installment Contract

Quitclaim Deed

Bill of Sale or Bond for Title

Will naming the applicant as the heir to the 

property and a death certificate

Document Exceptions: FEMA may accept a written statement from the applicant indicating 

how long they lived in the disaster-damaged residence prior to the Presidential disaster 

declaration, and an explanation of the circumstances that prevent standard ownership verification 

(e.g., insular areas, islands, tribal lands). 

Applicants who pay rent to another party to live in the home do not qualify as owners. There 

may be an exception if the applicant is legally responsible (e.g., lease to own or land installment 

agreements) for major repairs and/or taxes on the damaged residence (e.g., ownership in the 

islands or insular areas such as family compounds, adverse possession, hereditary family lands, 

and cultural traditions). 

18 
 

 

 

 

Figure 8: Condo and Co-op Assistance

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

II. Additional Eligibility Considerations 

Although general eligibility considerations apply to all IHP applicants, certain situations and 

living arrangements require additional clarification. 

A. Condominiums and Cooperatives 

FEMA may provide Housing Assistance 

and ONA to condominium (condo) 

owner-occupants and cooperative (co-op) 

owner-occupants for eligible disastercaused damages they are responsible for 

within their unit. 

The owner of a condo or co-op unit is 

generally responsible for the fixtures, 

installations, and additions within the 

interior surfaces of the unit’s perimeter

walls, floors, and ceilings. This includes 

interior partitions, plumbing, appliances, 

and the exterior heating and cooling units 

from the point of supply into the unit. 

FEMA does not provide assistance for disaster-caused damage to structural elements (e.g., roof, 

exterior walls, chimneys, and shared foundation) and common areas shared by all residents such 

as recreational facilities, outdoor space, parking, landscaping, fences, laundry rooms, and all 

other jointly-used space. 

The condo or co-op association’s master insurance policy generally covers damage to common 

areas and structural elements of the building that are shared by all residents. If the condo or coop association does not hold an insurance policy for a particular peril and the association is 

responsible for the item, FEMA will not assist with the expenses related to any damage or the 

assessment fees resulting from the disaster due to the item being a shared common area expense. 

Figure 8: Condo and Co-op Assistance

Building Portion Responsible Party Insurance Policy Type Eligible for IHP

Condo or co-op unit, 

walls in

Unit owner Unit owner’s policy Yes, if uninsured or 

underinsured losses

Common areas shared 

by all residents

Condo or co-op 

association

Condo or co-op 

association’s master 

policy

No, unless applicant 

submits documentation 

indicating individual 

responsibility

19 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Individual condo or co-op owners who claim responsibility for damaged items in common areas 

need to submit verifiable documentation to FEMA indicating individual responsibility, including 

the master policy, in order to be considered for assistance. 

B. Separated Households 

3TFEMA may provide Rental Assistance to 

members of a family or household who were 

separated during a disaster through no fault 

of their own, such as those who were 

evacuated to different locations. Once the 

separated household members reunite, any 

eligible Rental Assistance will resume under 

the first roommate’s registration, not to 

exceed the IHP maximum. Rental Assistance 

provided to the previously separated 

household members will cease to ensure no duplication of benefits (DOB). Each registration’s 

total number of months and total amount of Rental Assistance awarded is compared to the 18-

month assistance period and IHP maximums separately. 

C. Roommates 

FEMA defines roommates as household members with an independent financial responsibility 

for the housing unit that are not dependents of each other and are not married, such as renters 

whose names are on a lease. Roommates may be eligible for ONA, including individually-owned 

items and a portion of any items shared with other roommates. FEMA will consider roommates 

under separate applications, but all the applications combined cannot exceed what FEMA 

identifies as the maximum to be paid for a specific personal property line item. Designation 

as a roommate does not impact an applicant’s eligibility for Medical, Dental, Funeral, Child 

Care, or Transportation Assistance under ONA. 

Generally, FEMA awards Rental Assistance to the first roommate who applies, with the 

expectation the household will relocate together. In some instances, Rental Assistance may be 

provided to individual roommates if the roommates are unable to relocate together due to one of 

the following reasons: 

 The first roommate used the Rental Assistance to relocate alone, and the roommates are 

geographically separated; 

 The first roommate obtained temporary housing that could not accommodate the other 

roommates; 

 The second roommate is unable to locate the first roommate; or 

 FEMA determines there are other compelling circumstances that make it impossible for 

the second roommate to continue to reside with the first roommate. 

20 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 9: Assistance for Roommates

Figure 10: Assistance for Boarders

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Figure 9: Assistance for Roommates

Type of Assistance Eligible Party Limitations

Personal Property

Each roommate; individually-owned 

items or a portion of items shared with 

other roommates

Combined applications for same 

household cannot exceed line item

maximum amount

Medical

Dental

Funeral

Child Care

Transportation

Each roommate Standard criteria

Rental Assistance

First roommate who applies, unless 

roommates unable to relocate together 

due to reasons listed above

FEMA expects household to 

relocate together.

D. Boarders 

FEMA considers boarders as household members in a commercial relationship where the boarder 

formally rents a portion of the pre-disaster residence from the owner or tenant, and the owner or 

tenant also resides in the pre-disaster residence. Boarders may be eligible for Rental Assistance 

separate from their landlord. Boarders may also be eligible for ONA, including their 

individually-owned personal property items. 

FEMA will consider boarders under separate applications, but all the applications 

combined cannot exceed the personal property line item maximum for a household. 

Designation as a boarder does not affect an applicant’s eligibility for Medical, Dental, Funeral, 

Child Care, or Transportation Assistance under ONA. 

Figure 10: Assistance for Boarders

Type of Assistance Eligible Party Limitations

Personal Property Individually-owned items 

Combined applications for same 

household cannot exceed line item 

maximum amount

Medical

Dental

Funeral

Child Care

Transportation

Each boarder Standard criteria

Rental Assistance

Boarders may be eligible for 

Rental Assistance separate from 

their landlord.

If boarder relocates with landlord, 

boarder is ineligible for Rental 

Assistance separate from landlord.

21 
 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

E. Military Personnel 

FEMA may provide assistance to eligible active duty military and civilian military employees if 

the assistance is not duplicated from available assistance from the military such as the Military 

Personnel and Civilian Employees’ Claim Act. 

FEMA does not automatically provide Rental 

Assistance for applicants who live in militaryprovided housing that received disaster-caused 

damage. However, applicants living in military 

housing may receive FEMA Rental Assistance 

if they provide documentation showing they 

are not receiving housing assistance from 

another source. 

Active duty military and civilian military 

employees who live in privately-owned 

housing may be eligible for all categories of 

assistance. Active duty military personnel 

stationed outside of the country can authorize a 

third party to be present for inspection of their primary residence within the declared area. All 

military personnel/civilian military employees, regardless of residence type or military status, 

may be eligible for ONA if the items are not covered by the Military Personnel and Civil 

Employees' Claim Act. 

F. Students 

FEMA may provide assistance to students who have disaster-caused damages or losses. Students 

living in housing provided by an educational 

facility may be eligible for Housing Assistance. 

FEMA determines eligibility for Rental 

Assistance based on whether the student 

applicant is “dependent” or “independent” and 

whether the housing is their primary residence. 

Independent students living in college 

dormitories may be eligible for Rental 

Assistance; dependent students are not eligible 

for Rental Assistance. 

Personal Property Assistance is available for uninsured damaged items regardless of the 

student’s residence type or dependent status. Personal Property Assistance is limited to studentowned items recorded during FEMA inspection. This excludes items provided by the institution. 

22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

G. Residents of Assisted Living Facilities 

Applicants whose primary residence is an assisted living facility may receive assistance for 

housing, personal property, and other disaster-caused needs not covered by the assisted living 

facility. Assisted living facilities are usually responsible for relocating their residents to 

temporary housing, if necessary, and in many instances, most of the furnishings in the residence 

belong to the assisted living facility. 

FEMA provides assistance to applicants living temporarily in a hospice, hospital, nursing home 

facility, or similar facility at the time of the disaster, and who have a primary residence in the 

declared area. The applicant must demonstrate their current living situation is temporary, they 

intend to relocate back to their damaged primary residence, and their housing needs are not being 

met by the temporary living facility. Applicants living in assisted living facilities may still be 

eligible for ONA items such as Personal Property and Moving and Storage. 

H. Flood Zones and Protected Areas 

Restrictions and conditions apply to the IHP Assistance FEMA provides in Special Flood Hazard 

Areas (SFHA), sanctioned communities, Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) areas, and 

otherwise protected areas (OPA). 

National Flood Insurance Reform Act (NFIRA):30T NFIRA requires applicants who live in a 

designated SFHA and receive disaster assistance for Home Repair, Replacement, PHC, or 

Personal Property to obtain and maintain flood insurance coverage for at least the amount of 

disaster assistance they receive from FEMA for flood-insurable items.41 Applicants who do not 

obtain and maintain flood insurance will be ineligible for IHP Assistance for flood-damaged 

items in future disasters. This applies only to real and personal property that is, or will be, in a 

designated SFHA and can be insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The 

23 
 

 

 

 

Figure 11: Flood Insurance Requirement for Homeowners and Renters

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

NFIP was created to reduce the impact of flooding on private and public structures by providing 

affordable insurance to property owners and by encouraging communities to adopt and enforce 

floodplain management regulations.42 

Figure 11: Flood Insurance Requirement for Homeowners and Renters

Owners

Flood insurance coverage must be maintained at the address for as long as the 

address exists.* If the home is sold or otherwise becomes owned by someone 

else, the new owner is required to purchase and maintain flood insurance.

Renters

Flood insurance coverage must be maintained on the contents for as long as 

the applicant lives at the flood-damaged rental property. The restriction is 

lifted once the applicant moves from the rental unit.** New renters will not 

be required to maintain flood insurance for their personal property unless they 

previously received flood-related disaster assistance while residing at the 

same property.

*44 C.F.R. § 206.110(k)(3)(A)

** 44 C.F.R. § 206.110(k)(3)(B). The flood insurance requirement still applies if property is at same address

Applicants who wish to avoid a NFIRA requirement to maintain flood insurance must 

return all disaster assistance they receive for flood-insurable real and personal property to 

FEMA no later than 30 days from the date of the award determination letter from FEMA. 

30TSanctioned Communities: Sanctioned community means a community in which FEMA has 

identified SFHAs on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) and the community has failed to join 

the NFIP within one year of the FIRM being published. Although a community’s participation in 

the NFIP is voluntary, participation is required for purchase of flood insurance within the 

community and requires the community to adopt and enforce a flood damage prevention 

ordinance. A suspended community is a community in which FEMA has identified SFHAs on a 

FIRM; however, FEMA has suspended the community from the NFIP for failure to enforce a 

flood damage prevention ordinance in compliance with the NFIP. 

Applicants who have disaster-caused flood damages to their primary residence in a sanctioned 

community are not eligible to receive assistance for flood-insurable real and personal property 

items damaged by flooding.3TP4F 

43 However, the individual or household may be eligibleTP45F 44, if the 

community in which the damaged property is located qualifies for and enters the NFIP during the 

6-month period following the declaration. 

Applicants who fail to obtain and maintain insurance or live in sanctioned communities may be 

eligible for all of the following, if general IHP conditions of eligibility are met: 

 Medical, Dental, Funeral, Assistance for Miscellaneous Items, Child Care, Moving and 

Storage, and Transportation Assistance 

24 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

 Rental Assistance 

 Real and Personal Property items not damaged by flood 

 Uninsurable damaged items, such as wells and septic systems 

30TCoastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA):3T0 The CBRA protects CBRS areas, which are coastal 

areas that protect valuable habitat for fish and wildlife and are subject to wave, wind, and tidal 

forces. The CBRA restricts federal assistance within the CBRS boundaries and OPAs established 

and mapped by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Flood insurance through the NFIP is not 

available in CBRAs for new or substantially improved structures. An eligible applicant may 

qualify for financial assistance for necessary and serious needs related to medical, dental, 

childcare, transportation, and funeral expenses. 

Figure 12: Relationship between IHP Assistance and Flood Insurance 

25 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Financial assistance may not be considered for items obtained after the start of the incident that 

are typically used to rebuild the pre-disaster residence. However, assistance may be awarded for 

expenses (not covered by insurance) to purchase or rent items required to power life-sustaining 

medical equipment (e.g., generators). (See Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance: Non-SBADependent: Assistance for Miscellaneous Items). 

Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s eligibility determination on their case have the right to 

submit a written appeal requesting a review of their case. 45 

III. Appeal Process 

A. Timeline for Appeal 

Applicants must appeal initial eligibility determinations within 60 days of the date on their 

eligibility notification letter.46 

B. Determinations that May be Appealed 

Applicants may submit a written appeal if they disagree with any FEMA determination. An 

applicant may appeal: 

 Initial eligibility determinations for Housing Assistance and ONA, including: 

o The amount or type of Housing Assistance and ONA an applicant received; 

o The decision to withdraw an application for FEMA disaster assistance; 

o The recovery of funds improperly awarded to an applicant (see 38TChapter 7: 

Recovery of Funds38T); or 

o The denial of a late application request for assistance. 

 A denial for Continued Rental Assistance. 

 Direct Housing Assistance determinations, including: 

o The termination of eligibility to remain in a temporary housing unit. 

o FEMA’s intent to collect rent or the amount of rent collected from occupants of a

FEMA-provided temporary housing unit. 

o A denial of a request to purchase a FEMA-provided MHU. 

o The sales price of a FEMA-provided MHU the applicant may want to purchase. 

o Any other eligibility-related decision. 

When ONA is administered under the Joint or State Option described in Chapter 6: ONA Cost 

Share and Administration, the applicant must submit their appeal to the state, territorial, or tribal 

government. FEMA does not accept multiple appeals for the same reason, but may have to 

request additional information and conduct additional reviews as new information is received. 

26 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

C. Requests for Copies of IHP Assistance File 

Applicants may submit a written request for a copy of FEMA’s records related to their 

application for IHP Assistance. The request must be in writing and specifically state what 

information the applicant would like to receive, and who is to receive the requested information 

(e.g. self, attorney, friend, etc.). 

If the file copy is to be provided to a third party, the full name and address of the third party must 

be included in the request. The request must include the following for identity verification 

purposes: 

 Applicant’s full name

 Applicant’s FEMA registration number 

 Damaged property address or current mailing address 

 Applicant’s date and place of birth

 Applicant’s signature with one of the following:

o Notary stamp or seal; 

o A clear copy of a state-issued identification card; or 

o The statement “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is 

true and correct.”

D. Appeal Submission 

The applicant’s appeal letter must explain the reason(s) for appeal and must be signed by the 

applicant or person who the applicant authorizes to act on his/her behalf. The appeal submission 

should also include the following information: 

 Applicant’s full name

 Applicant’s FEMA registration number

 Disaster number 

 Address of the applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence 

 Applicant’s current phone number and address

27 
 

 

Figure 14: Appeal Documentation

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

Figure 13: Sample Appeal Letter 

If someone other than the applicant files the appeal, the applicant must also submit a signed 

statement giving that person authority to represent the applicant.47 See 38TWritten Consent38T for more 

information. The appeal letter should be accompanied by documentation to support the appeal 

request, such as repair estimates, contractor estimates, or other supporting documentation. Figure 

14 represents examples of documentation that may be submitted to address common appeal 

concerns. 

Figure 14: Appeal Documentation

Denial Reason Acceptable Documentation

Identity not verified  Official government document (Social Security statement, etc.)

 Driver’s License copy

Ownership not verified  Deed, title, or official record

 Real estate tax bill or receipt

 Will or proof of inheritance

 Mortgage statement

 Proof of insurance coverage (settlement or denial), or statement from 

insurance provider

Occupancy not verified  Official government document (Social Security statement, etc.)

 Driver’s License copy

 Landlord’s statement or copy of lease

 Rent receipts

 Utility bill reflecting damaged residence address

 Voter registration card or merchant's statement

Insufficient 

damage/Damage not 

disaster-caused

 Contractor’s statement or estimate

 Mechanic’s statement or estimate

 Statement from local official

 Receipts for expenses caused by the disaster

Insurance may cover losses  Receipts for expenses caused by the disaster

 Proof of insurance coverage (settlement or denial), or statement from 

insurance provider

28 
 

 

Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

E. Appeal Determination 

After FEMA receives the appeal, FEMA reviews the letter and the applicant’s file to determine if 

there is sufficient documentation to change FEMA’s determination. If more information is 

needed in order to make a determination, FEMA takes one or more of the following actions: 

 Calls the applicant and sends a letter requesting additional information with a deadline of 

30 days to submit the additional information 

 Contacts a third party, such as a contractor, insurance company, or mechanic in order to 

verify submitted information 

 Schedules an appeal inspection 

FEMA notifies applicants in writing about the appeal decision within 90 days of the receipt of 

the appeal letter.48 FEMA’s appeal decision represents the final agency determination and cannot 

be appealed again.P50F 

49 

29 
Chapter 2: Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Eligibility 

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 

30 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households 

Program (IHP) Assistance 

This chapter discusses the disaster assistance registration process, FEMA’s process for verifying

disaster-caused losses, and communication with applicants. This chapter also includes 

considerations for successfully providing equal access and delivering IHP Assistance to all 

disaster survivors without discrimination. 

I. Applying for FEMA IHP Assistance 

After the President declares a major disaster or emergency, FEMA coordinates with the 

respective state, territorial, or tribal government to determine the area designated for IA, 

establish a registration period, and provide multiple channels for disaster survivors to apply for 

IHP Assistance. 

A. Application Methods 

FEMA offers disaster survivors multiple 

options to apply for IHP Assistance and to 

receive updates on their application: 

 Internet or Smartphone 

Application: Disaster survivors 

may apply for IHP Assistance or 

check their application status 

at 38Twww.disasterassistance.gov38T. 

Disaster survivors may also access 

FEMA via smartphone by 

downloading the application 

from 38Twww.fema.gov38T or through 

their mobile provider’s application 

store. 

 Toll-free Helpline: Disaster survivors may call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362 to 

register for assistance or check their application status. Disaster survivors who are deaf, 

hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. 

Disaster survivors who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) may call 800-621-3362. 

 Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs): Disaster survivors may apply for assistance in 

person at DRCs in or near their communities. DRCs are usually opened quickly after a 

disaster for a limited period of time. They are accessible and equipped to accommodate 

disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids. FEMA staff can assist 

with completing registrations or checking their application status. FEMA coordinates 

with the state, local, territorial, or tribal government to establish DRC locations. 

31 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

 Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) Teams: FEMA may send staff into the affected 

communities to help disaster survivors apply for IHP Assistance. FEMA may also 

coordinate with the state, local, territorial, or tribal government to send staff into 

emergency shelters to assist survivors. FEMA staff are equipped with computers or 

similar devices to assist survivors with registering for IHP Assistance or provide them 

referrals to other resources. 

B. Registration Period 

Disaster survivors may apply for assistance after the start of the registration period. The 

application process begins with disaster survivors completing a registration with FEMA through 

any of the channels described above. 

Figure 15: Registration Period 

 Initial Period: The standard FEMA registration period is 60 days following the date the 

President declares a disaster for the designated area. The 60-day registration period starts 

on the date IA was designated for the declaration.P51F 

50 

 Extensions of the Registration Period: The Regional Administrator or their designee 

may extend the registration period when the state, territorial, or tribal government 

requests more time to collect registrations from the affected population. The Regional 

Administrator or their designee may also extend the 

standard registration period when necessary to 

establish the same registration deadline for 

subsequently declared contiguous counties or 

parishes or states.51 

 Late Application: After the end of the registration 

period, FEMA will accept late registrations for an 

additional 60 days. However, in order for FEMA to 

process late registrations, disaster survivors must 

write a letter to FEMA with the details of the 

extenuating circumstances that prevented them from 

applying for assistance in a timely manner with 

accompanying documentation, if applicable.P53F 

52 

32 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

C. Information Needed to Complete Application 

FEMA requires all of the following information from applicants for disaster assistance to 

complete their application: 

 Name and SSN of the primary applicant 

 Name and SSN of secondary/co-applicant (encouraged but not required) 

 Current and pre-disaster address 

 Names of all occupants of the pre-disaster household 

 Current contact information 

 Types of insurance held by the household 

 Household pre-disaster annual gross income 

 Losses caused by the disaster 

 Banking information for direct deposit of financial assistance, if requested 

II. Verifying Losses 

Once disaster survivors register for assistance, FEMA is required to verify losses to determine 

their eligibility for IHP Assistance. FEMA uses multiple loss verification methods, including: 

 Onsite inspection 

 Geospatial inspection 

 Documentation 

FEMA’s standard loss verification method for 

initial eligibility determination is an onsite 

inspection by a FEMA inspector. When onsite 

inspections cannot be conducted safely and 

effectively, FEMA may use geospatial inspections 

to help verify loss and deliver some types of 

assistance until onsite inspections become feasible. 

FEMA may also review and verify documentation 

such as medical bills or auto repair receipts for 

disaster-caused losses that cannot be verified 

through onsite or geospatial inspections. 

33 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

A. Onsite Inspection 

3TFEMA inspectors typically schedule an onsite inspection with the 3Tapplicant3T within two weeks 

after the 3Tapplicant3T has registered for disaster assistance. 3TFEMA 3Tinspectors are typically hired 

contractors, must pass a background check prior to working with FEMA, and are issued a badge 

identifying them as a FEMA contractor.3T 

The FEMA inspector does not determine the applicant’s eligibility for disaster assistance. 3T During 

the inspection, the FEMA inspector assesses disaster-caused damage to the 3Tapplicant3T’s predisaster residence and personal property such as furniture, appliances, vehicles, and essential 

equipment for daily household needs. The FEMA inspector may also photograph damages to 

help document disaster-caused losses that render the applicant's residence uninhabitable, unsafe, 

or inaccessible; however, FEMA inspectors will not physically inspect areas it is unsafe for them 

to access. Specifically, the FEMA inspector will: 

 Verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, proof of ownership, occupancy 

status, and insurance; 

 Collect the applicant’s signature on the 38TDeclaration and Release form (FEMA Form 009-

0-3)38T certifying the applicant’s citizenship or eligible immigration status; 

 Confirm individuals living in the pre-disaster residence; bedrooms occupied; clothing, 

medical, dental, transportation, or miscellaneous losses; and disaster-related purchases 

(such as a dehumidifier); 

 Assess the pre-disaster residence’s structure, furniture, and appliances for damages 

caused by the disaster, as well as undamaged items; 

 Document the pre-disaster residence’s square footage, foundation, and structural type

(e.g., one or multiple stories). Record the cause of damage, applicable water levels, 

impacted utilities, and accessibility features; and 

 Confirm with the applicant all damages 

have been viewed, describe next steps 

in the FEMA process after the 

inspection, and provide the applicant 

with the toll-free FEMA Helpline 

number to be used by the applicant to 

request information such as status 

updates, types and amount of assistance 

awarded, required documentation, 

and/or general questions about IHP 

Assistance. The FEMA Helpline 

number, 800-621-3362, is the same 

number disaster survivors use to 

register for FEMA disaster assistance. 

34 
 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

3TApplicants who cannot meet the inspector onsite may write to FEMA authorizing a third party 

over the age of 18 (e.g., neighbor, landlord) to attend the inspection on their behalf. Applicants 

whose pre-disaster residence is inaccessible may meet the FEMA inspector at an alternate 

location. Applicants with disabilities will be provided qualified sign language interpreters and 

other accommodations for inspections. Applicants may request accommodations by contacting 

FEMA’s toll-free Helpline, visiting a DRC, or speaking with a DSA Team3T. Once the inspection 

is complete, the inspector will 3Tsubmit the inspection record to FEMA, which will consider the 

information when determining eligibility for IHP Assistance3T. 

3TIn some cases, FEMA may conduct another inspection to validate losses if, for example, areas of 

the residence are initially inaccessible, or in cases where the applicant appeals FEMA eligibility 

determinations. Inspectors do not perform inspections on residences they have previously 

evaluated; appeal inspections are conducted by a different inspector to ensure a fair and impartial 

assessment. 

B. Geospatial Inspection 

3TIn disasters where the impacted areas are inaccessible or too hazardous to fully perform onsite 

inspections, FEMA may use geospatial inspections to verify losses. Geospatial inspections can 

be instrumental in FEMA’s ability to quickly determine eligibility for a large number of 

communities and expedite delivery of initial assistance to eligible applicants. 

3THowever, onsite inspections are resumed as soon as it 

is feasible to verify each applicant’s losses and 

eligibility for IHP Assistance. FEMA uses a variety 

of techniques and technologies to conduct geospatial 

inspections. This includes using aerial and satellite 

photography and remote sensing technologies. 

FEMA’s evaluation of pre-disaster data includes 

information on the area’s demographics and 

population density, property parcels, building and 

infrastructure types, and pre-disaster images. 

C. Documentation of Losses 

In some cases, FEMA needs documentation from applicants such as receipts, bills, or estimates 

to verify losses. Examples include, but are not limited to: 

 Medical and Dental services, prescriptions, durable medical equipment, assistive 

technology devices 

 Child Care services 

 Moving and Storage services 

 Transportation 

35 
 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

For additional information on assistance for these losses and documentation requirements, 

see 38TChapter 6: Other Needs Assistance38T. 

III. Applicant Communication 

FEMA communicates with each applicant throughout the IHP process to gather information, 

them on the proper use of IHP funds. 

A. Reasonable Accommodations 

FEMA makes reasonable accommodations to 

policies, practices, and procedures to ensure 

physical, programmatic, and effective 

communication access to FEMA disaster 

assistance. This may include using 

technologies and services to ensure effective 

communication with applicants with disabilities, limited English proficiency (LEP), and other 

individuals with access and functional needs. For additional information, see 38TProgram Delivery 

Considerations38T later in this chapter. 

inform them of their eligibility for assistance, refer them to other sources of assistance, and guide 

B. Privacy Act 

FEMA needs personal information such 

as a SSN, home address, and household 

income from applicants in order to 

determine eligibility for FEMA disaster 

assistance. 

The Privacy Act of 1974 regulates how 

FEMA collects, uses, and discloses an 

applicant’s personal information in order 

to protect the privacy of the applicant. 

For example, FEMA employees and 

contractors will always verify an 

applicant’s identity before discussing

eligibility or potential assistance. 

All FEMA staff and contractors will 

present an identification badge to ensure 

applicants know they are providing 

private information to a trusted FEMA 

representative. 

36 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

C. Written Consent 

FEMA generally communicates directly with each applicant to protect their private information. 

The Privacy Act requires FEMA to obtain written consent from the applicant in order to share 

their disaster assistance records with a third party. The written consent must: 

 Be in writing (handwritten or typed) 

 Include the applicant’s identity verification information (full name, current address, date 

and place of birth) 

 Be dated and signed by the applicant 

 Be notarized or have a copy of a state-issued identification card or include a statement 

verifying the information is true under penalty of perjury 

 Include an individual identifier. Examples are: the registration number, current mailing 

address, current phone number, SSN, etc. 

 Specify what information can be released to the third party (e.g., the entire case file, the 

current contact information, the amount of disaster assistance received, etc.) 

 Include a third party designation. The individual must designate, identify, and name the 

individuals, entities, or organizations to which the disclosure is being consented 

D. Letters 

FEMA also communicates with applicants through electronic notification via email, online 

through 38Thttps://www.disasterassistance.gov38T, or letters sent through the U.S. Postal Service. If the 

applicant needs letters in an alternative format, or needs assistance understanding the letters, they 

may contact FEMA’s Helpline. Letters sent by FEMA to an applicant may include: 

 Eligibility Notifications: This letter informs the applicant of the types of assistance 

FEMA has determined they are eligible or ineligible to receive, the amounts of assistance 

FEMA is providing for each eligible need, the reasons an applicant is ineligible for the 

applicable types of assistance, an explanation of the appeals process, and other key 

information regarding disaster assistance, including proper use of disaster assistance 

funds. 

o Use of Funds: Applicants are advised on appropriate use of disaster assistance 

funds in their notification letter from FEMA. Applicants should document how 

they used disaster funds and retain these records (e.g., receipts, invoices) for at 

least three years to ensure they are prepared if FEMA identifies their case for an 

audit. 

o Appeals Process: Applicants who disagree with a FEMA eligibility decision may 

appeal the decision. FEMA reviews the applicant’s written appeal and 

documentation received from the applicant supporting the appeal. Upon review, 

37 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

FEMA either provides a written decision to the applicant or requests more 

information from the applicant. If FEMA upholds a decision on an appeal, 

FEMA’s decision is considered final and will generally not be reconsidered. 

 Request for Information: If FEMA requires more information to process an applicant’s 

request, an applicant may receive a letter requesting additional information. 

IV. Program Delivery Considerations 

3TFEMA is committed to providing equal access to all applicants. This section outlines program 

delivery considerations for applicants with disabilities and other individuals with access and 

functional needs, those with LEP, those residing in insular areas, and tribal governments. 

A. Applicants with Disabilities or Other Access and Functional Needs 

3TFEMA ensures equal access to eligible services and programs for all applicants with disabilities 

and other individuals with access and functional needs. FEMA provides all of the following: 

 Accessible communication for applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech 

disability. Applicants should call 800-462-7585 for TTY or 800-621-3362 for 711 or 

VRS 

 Access to DRCs that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of 

the Rehabilitation Act, which include wheelchair ramps, accessible restrooms, and 

accessible paths of travel from the parking lot and throughout the facility, as well as 

multi-lingual signage and technology to address a variety of access and functional needs 

 Alternative formatted materials in large print and braille 

 American Sign Language interpreters and/or 

Communication Access Real-time Translation (CART) at 

public/community outreach events and field staff 

equipped with tablet computers that can access Video 

Relay Interpreting (VRI) for applicants who use 

American Sign Language 

 Assistance for applicants who are having difficulty 

understanding the registration process, denial letters, or 

the appeal process 

When providing assistance, FEMA also considers the specific 

needs of applicants with disabilities or other access and 

functional needs. 

38 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

B. Applicants with Limited English Proficiency 

FEMA ensures all applicants receive critical, accessible, and understandable disaster assistance 

communications, regardless of language proficiency. To best assist these applicants3T, FEMA 

provides all of the following: 

 Disaster information in languages identified through demographic analysis of the 

impacted area 

 Translation and interpretation services (available in 250 languages) 

 Language assistance to help non-English-speaking disaster survivors register for FEMA 

disaster assistance and answer any questions 

 Staff to identify language needs and connect disaster survivors to applicable translation 

services 

 Video Relay Interpretation for American Sign Language or on-site translation at DRCs 

 Appropriate referrals for applicants with disabilities and other individuals with access and 

functional needs who have LEP 

 A FEMA “Resources for Other Languages” webpage with flyers, brochures, tri-folds, and 

public service announcements regarding disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and 

mitigation: 38Thttp://www.fema.gov/resources-other-languages8T; 

 Spanish language instructions through 38Thttps://www.disasterassistance.gov/es38T where 

individuals can register for assistance 

39 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

C. Insular and Remote Areas 

FEMA has unique considerations for delivering federal assistance in insular areas (i.e., Puerto 

Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, and the 

U.S. Virgin Islands) or otherwise remote areas such as the interior of Alaska. In some cases, the 

lack of building materials and skilled local labor, high transportation costs, and/or subsistence 

lifestyles require tailoring FEMA program delivery. FEMA works to immediately identify any 

potential obstacles to effectively deliver IHP Assistance, and determines what guidelines or 

procedures may need to be modified based on the needs of the impacted area. Depending on the 

situation, FEMA may: 

 Develop alternate means of identifying properties (e.g., using Global Positioning System 

coordinates if the area does not have or use a street naming or numbering system). 

 Deploy registration and inspection teams to enable FEMA to gather information and 

verify losses in areas with unique logistical requirements. 

 Consider additional personal property items necessary for climate-appropriate survival in 

insular areas, in coordination with the state, territorial, or tribal government. These items 

may include detached communal cooking facilities, food caches, smoke houses, or steam 

bath houses. 

 Manually review applicant cases to determine eligibility instead of using an automated 

process. A manual determination process can better accommodate unique situations 

falling outside of standard IHP guidelines (e.g., verifying property ownership based on 

local official statements in areas where properties are handed down to families and few 

written records exist). 

 Provide FEMA disaster assistance 

for increased shipping costs of 

materials to insular areas in order to 

make repair or replacement 

feasible. 

40 
 

 

 

Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

D. Tribal Governments 

FEMA recognizes the sovereign rights, authority, and unique status of tribal governments and is 

committed to working in partnership with tribal governments on a nation-to-nation basis. 

federally-recognized tribal governments may choose to request a disaster declaration from the 

President directly or be considered as part of a state’s declaration request. Tribal governments 

cannot receive the assistance (FEMA Individual Assistance, Public Assistance, and Hazard 

Mitigation Grant Program) through both tribal and state declarations for the same incident. Cost 

share and other regulations apply for tribal governments as they do for state governments. 

FEMA works closely with the tribal government’s assigned 

representatives to immediately identify issues and potential obstacles, 

and determine what standard guidelines or procedures may need to be 

modified based on the needs of the impacted area. Depending on the 

needs of the tribal government, FEMA may use alternative processes, 

services, and tools – such as those described above for insular and 

remote areas – to better serve and ensure expedited access to FEMA 

programs and assistance. 

Overall, FEMA assists and coordinates with the tribal governments in 

accordance with the following principles: 

 Consult with the tribal governments before taking a proposed FEMA action that would 

have a substantial direct effect on one or more tribes, the relationship between the Federal 

Government and tribes, or the distribution of power and responsibilities between the 

Federal Government and tribes. 

 Evaluate the impact of policies, 

programs, and activities on tribal trust 

resources and consider the rights and 

concerns of tribal governments in its 

decision-making, including impacts on 

people with disabilities and others with 

access and functional needs. 

 Assist tribal governments, should they 

seek assistance, in setting priorities for 

the interests of their community 

members as related to FEMA programs. 

41 
Chapter 3: Delivering Individuals and Households Program (IHP) Assistance 

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 

42 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

The Housing Assistance provision of the IHP, authorized by section 408(c) of the Robert T. 

Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), provides financial and 

direct assistance for disaster-caused housing needs not covered by insurance or provided by any 

other source. Financial Housing Assistance refers to funds provided to eligible applicants for 

temporary lodging expenses, rental of temporary housing, or repair or replacement of a damaged 

primary residence. 

I. Lodging Expense Reimbursement 

FEMA may provide LER for applicants who incur out-of-pocket temporary lodging expenses 53 

due to damage that affects the habitability of their primary residence as a result of a 

Presidentially-declared disaster.54 Eligible lodging expenses may include the cost of the room 

and taxes charged by a hotel or other lodging provider. LER Assistance counts towards the 

maximum amount of IHP financial assistance an applicant may receive (see Chapter 1: 

Introduction). 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

LER may be awarded from the start date of the 

incident, up to and not to exceed seven days from 

the approved date of any initial 38TRental Assistance38T 

award, unless FEMA authorizes an extension. 

In addition to general conditions of eligibility 

(Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), applicants must meet 

the following conditions in order to receive LER: 

 FEMA verifies, as a result of the disaster, the pre-disaster residence is: 

o Uninhabitable, meaning the dwelling is 

not safe, sanitary, or fit to occupy,55 

and requires repairs to make the 

residence habitable; or 

o Inaccessible, meaning the applicant 

cannot reasonably be expected to gain 

entry to his or her disaster-damaged 

residence; this may include reasons 

due to access route damage or 

restrictions placed by local officials 

due to safety issues, such as fallen trees 

or downed power lines. 

43 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

 The applicant incurred temporary lodging expenses on or after the 38Tincident period38T start 

date. 

 The applicant is not covered by insurance (e.g., Additional Living Expenses, Loss of Use 

Coverage) or has insufficient insurance coverage to meet their temporary lodging needs. 

 The applicant has not received lodging assistance from any other source (e.g., voluntary 

organization, etc.) for the same dates the applicant is requesting LER. 

B. Required Documentation 

To be considered for LER, applicants must submit verifiable lodging receipts or itemized 

statements, including: 

 The applicant or co-applicant’s name

 The name, address, and phone number of the accommodation 

 Dates of occupancy 

 The amount of expenses incurred 

C. Limitations and Exclusions 

 LER does not include costs 

associated with: 

o Phone 

o Laundry 

o Internet 

o Movies 

o Food 

o Pet charges 

 Lodging expenses incurred while residing at the home of family or friends will not be 

reimbursed. 

 FEMA will not reimburse lodging expenses for dates an applicant was 

receiving 38TTransitional Sheltering Assistance38T (TSA). 

 Expenses incurred during mandatory evacuation will not be reimbursed unless an 

inspection reports the applicant's home as uninhabitable, inaccessible, or affected by an 

extended disaster-caused utility outage. 

 For applicants affected by inaccessibility or utility outage, lodging expense 

reimbursement is limited to the dates their residence was inaccessible or had an extended 

utility outage. 

44 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

II. Rental Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance to pre-disaster homeowners or renters to rent temporary 

housing when an applicant is displaced from their primary residence as a result of a 

Presidentially-declared disaster.56 

FEMA awards eligible applicants an initial Rental Assistance payment based on the Fair Market 

Rent (FMR)57 established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 

for the county or parish where their pre-disaster residence is located and the number of bedrooms 

the household requires.

58 Rental Assistance is intended to cover the monthly rent amount and 

cost of essential utilities (i.e., gas, electric, water, 

oil, trash, and sewer), excluding telephone, cable, 

TV, or internet service for the housing unit.59 

Rental Assistance may also be used to pay a 

security deposit in an amount that does not exceed 

the cost of one month of FMR.60 Rental Assistance 

counts towards the maximum amount of IHP 

financial assistance an applicant may receive (see 

Chapter 1: Introduction). 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of 

eligibility (See Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), 

applicants must meet the following conditions in order to receive Rental Assistance: 

 FEMA verifies, as a result of the disaster, the pre-disaster residence is: 

o Uninhabitable and requires repairs to make the residence habitable; or 

o Inaccessible and cannot be entered due to access impediments (e.g., fallen trees, 

downed power lines) or restrictions placed by federal, state, local, territorial, or 

tribal officials; or 

o Affected by utility outages that disrupt functionality of the residence; or 

o Unavailable due to forced relocation, such as the property owner restricting access 

to the property due to disaster damages or the owner taking possession of the 

property for their own disaster housing. 

 Applicant is not insured or has insufficient coverage to meet temporary housing needs 

(e.g., Additional Living Expenses, Loss of Use coverage). 

 Applicant is willing to relocate while repairs are being made to their pre-disaster 

residence. FEMA will not provide Rental Assistance to applicants who need to relocate 

but refuse to do so. 

45 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

 Applicant does not have access to adequate 

rent-free housing, or own a secondary or 

vacation home61 within a reasonable 

commuting distance, or own an available 

rental property that meets their temporary 

housing needs.62 

FEMA generally provides only one Rental 

Assistance award per household to assist all 

members of the pre-disaster household. FEMA 

will provide assistance to rent one housing unit per application, unless the size or nature of the 

applicant's household requires assistance to rent more than one housing unit (Chapter 2: IHP 

Eligibility).63 

III. Continued Rental Assistance 

FEMA may provide Continued Rental 

Assistance to eligible applicants based on 

need, and generally only when adequate, 

alternate housing is not available, or when the 

applicant’s permanent housing plan has not 

been fulfilled through no fault of the 

applicant.64 The continued temporary housing 

need must be documented and the applicant 

must continue to work toward obtaining 

permanent housing to remain eligible for 

Continued Rental Assistance. 

FEMA generally expects that pre-disaster renters will use their initial Rental Assistance to 

obtain permanent housing,65 and that all recipients of financial assistance will obtain and 

occupy permanent housing at the earliest possible time. 

Figure 16: FEMA Rental Assistance Overview 

Continued Rental Assistance is based on the HUD FMR for the county or parish in which the 

post-disaster housing unit is located. Award amounts are based on actual rent costs plus a utility 

46 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

allowance determined by HUD, not to exceed the HUD FMR unless a Rental Assistance rate 

increase has been authorized.66 

FEMA may provide Continued Rental Assistance up to the maximum amount of assistance 

available under the IHP or until the end of the period of assistance, whichever comes first. 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

Applicants must meet the following conditions to 

receive Continued Rental Assistance: 

 Applicant was awarded initial Rental 

Assistance. 

 Applicant exhausted previously awarded 

Rental Assistance for its intended use. 

 Applicant is unable to return to their predisaster residence because it is uninhabitable, inaccessible, or not available due to the 

disaster. 

 Applicant does not have the financial ability to obtain housing without assistance.P68F 

67 

 Applicant is not receiving assistance from any other source for temporary housing. 

B. Required Documentation 

Applicants in need of Continued Rental Assistance may request additional assistance. Applicants 

requesting Continued Rental Assistance must complete FEMA Form 010-0-12, (see Figure 17 

for an excerpt of the form) and return it to FEMA along with supporting documentation.68 

 Homeowners: if the applicant’s FEMA Verified 

Real Property Loss exceeds the amount of initial 

Rental Assistance awarded, the Application for 

Continued Temporary Housing Assistance will 

automatically be mailed after the initial Rental 

Assistance award. 

o If the recorded FEMA Verified Real 

Property Loss does not exceed the amount of 

initial Rental Assistance awarded, the 

applicant must call FEMA’s Helpline to 

request an Application for Continued 

Temporary Housing Assistance. 

 Renters: the applicant must call FEMA’s Helpline to request an Application for 

Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. 

47 
 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

FEMA uses the information collected on Form 010-0-12 to verify an applicant continues to have 

a disaster-caused need for Continued Rental Assistance and determine how much Rental 

Assistance the applicant may be eligible to receive. 

Figure 17: Excerpt of Form 010-0-12, Application for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance 

48 
 Figure 18: Continued Rental Assistance Documentation

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

Figure 18 below lists supporting documentation that must be submitted to FEMA, as outlined in 

the 38TApplication for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance38T.

69 

Figure 18: Continued Rental Assistance Documentation 

Type of Documentation Description of Documentation

Copy of current lease or rental 

agreement signed by the landlord 

and tenant

 The lease or rental agreement should include location of the 

unit, amount of rent, duration of lease, and number of 

occupants.

Proof of prior Rental Assistance 

provided by FEMA has been used 

for temporary housing

 Rent receipts showing date, location of rental unit, and time 

period for which the payment applies.

 If separate from the rent, receipts showing payment of 

essential utilities. Essential utilities are gas, electric, water, 

oil, trash, and sewer.

 If applicable, receipt showing payment of security deposit for 

up to one month’s rent.

 In instances where rent receipts are not available, the lease or 

rental agreement may serve as proof of use of prior Rental 

Assistance.

Proof of pre-disaster housing 

costs, as identified on the 

Application for Continued 

Temporary Housing Assistance

 Mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement for the predisaster residence

 Real estate tax statement and homeowners or renters 

insurance statement, if paid separately from the mortgage

 Essential utility bill(s) for the pre-disaster residence: gas, 

electric, oil, trash, water, and sewer

Proof of pre-disaster and current 

post-disaster income for all

members of the household age 18 

years and older

Examples include, but are not limited to:

 Recent pay stubs

 W-2 forms or tax returns from most recent tax year

 Documentation of self-employment, if applicable

 Documentation of government assistance, including Social 

Security

Upon subsequent requests for Continued Rental Assistance, applicants will only be required to 

submit supporting documentation if the household’s income or rent has changed.

49 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

C. Limitations and Exclusions 

 Applicants must request Continued Rental Assistance within the 38Tperiod of assistance.38T 

 When an applicant first requests Continued Rental Assistance and submits documentation 

that does not demonstrate full exhaustion of the initial Rental Assistance award, the first 

Continued Rental Assistance payment will be reduced by the remaining amount of initial 

Rental Assistance. 

IV. Rental Assistance Rate Increase 

FEMA may increase Rental Assistance above the published HUD FMR rate when elevated 

housing market rates adversely impact eligible applicants’ ability to obtain rental resources. In 

the event Rental Assistance increases take effect during Continued Rental Assistance payments, 

FEMA does not retroactively award increased initial Rental Assistance. 

FEMA evaluates the need for a Rental Assistance rate increase by comparing U.S. Census 

Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) statistics on housing inventory and vacancy rates to 

the best available data on disaster-caused housing impacts in IA designated counties or parishes 

or undesignated “host” counties or parishes. A “host” county or parish is a non-designated 

county or parish hosting one or more households evacuated from an Individual Assistancedesignated county or parish. 

Figure 19: FEMA Fair Market Rent Calculator 

50 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

The state, territorial, or tribal government may request a Rental Assistance rate increase by 

submitting other reliable sources of these data elements for FEMA to use. The FEMA FMR 

Calculator allows FEMA to rapidly evaluate the need for a Rental Assistance increase using the 

information represented in Figure 19. 

FEMA will only authorize increased Rental Assistance when the FEMA FMR Calculator 

demonstrates that the published HUD FMR for a designated or host non-designated county or 

parish is significantly less than prevailing market rates, subject to the conditions in Figure 20. 

 The RA, or designee, usually the Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO), may authorize 

Rental Assistance rate increases for individual counties or parishes where the FEMA 

FMR Calculator “Percent of Published FMR” result is greater than 100%. The increase 

may not exceed the amount indicated by the FEMA FMR Calculator or 125% of the 

HUD FMR, whichever is lower. The 

RA must provide written notification 

of the Rental Assistance rate 

increase to the Assistant 

Administrator (AA) for Recovery 

along with a print-out of the FMR 

Calculator. 

 The AA for Recovery may authorize 

Rental Assistance rate increases 

above the 125% rate for individual 

counties or parishes when the FEMA 

FMR Calculator’s “Percent of 

Published FMR” result is 125% or 

greater. Only the AA for Recovery 

may authorize statewide Rental 

Assistance rate increases. 

Figure 20: FEMA Rental Rate Increase Authorities 

51 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

V. Home Repair Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance to repair an 38Towner-occupied38T primary residence, utilities, 

and residential infrastructure, including 38Tprivate access routes38T damaged as a result of a 

Presidentially-declared disaster up to the IHP maximum.70 Home Repair Assistance is intended 

to make the damaged home safe, sanitary, or functional. It is not intended to return the home to 

its pre-disaster condition. Home Repair Assistance counts towards the maximum amount of IHP 

financial assistance an applicant may receive (see Chapter 1: Introduction). FEMA may provide 

financial assistance for the repair of real property components, including, but not limited to: 

 Structural components of a home 

(foundation, exterior walls, roof) 

 Windows, doors, floors, walls, 

ceilings, and cabinetry 

 Heating, ventilation, and air 

conditioning system (HVAC) 

 Access and egress, including 

privately-owned roads and privatelyowned bridges 

 Blocking, leveling, and anchoring of a 

mobile home, and reconnecting or 

resetting its sewer, water, electrical, 

oil, trash, and fuel lines and tanks 

 Utility systems, including electrical, gas, water, trash, oil, and septic/sewage systems 

 Items or services determined to be eligible hazard mitigation measures that reduce the 

likelihood of future damage to the residence, utilities, or infrastructure 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of 

eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), 

the following conditions must be met to 

receive Home Repair Assistance: 

 A FEMA inspection determines the 

repair of the component is necessary 

to ensure the safety or health of the 

occupant or to make the component 

or residence functional. 

52 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

 The real property components were functional immediately before the declared event. 

 The component was damaged, and the damage was caused by the disaster. 

 The damage to the component is not covered by insurance. 

B. Limitations and Exclusions 

 Applicants who have reached the maximum amount of assistance available under the IHP 

may use their Home Repair Assistance to acquire temporary housing (e.g., a rental 

resource or hotel). 

 Home Repair Assistance is not available for non-traditional forms of housing (e.g., tents, 

teepees, lean-to structures, etc.). 

 Home Repair Assistance for flood-damaged real property in basements is limited to 

damaged items that result in living conditions affecting the safety, sanitation, and 

functionality of the home. These include: 

o Damage to the structural components (e.g., foundation) of the home 

o Damage to critical utilities that 

support the overall function of the 

home (e.g., furnace, water heater) 

o Damages to the structure’s interior 

(e.g., doors, floor covering); limited 

to rooms required for the occupancy 

of the dwelling (e.g., occupied 

bedrooms, a bathroom required for the occupied bedroom, a sole kitchen or living 

room); and no other room in another part of the dwelling meets that need 

o Damages presenting a hazard (e.g., wet or moldy sheetrock, carpet, or cabinets) in 

non-essential living areas (for removal only) 

VI. Privately-Owned Access Routes 

FEMA may provide financial assistance to repair privately-owned access routes (i.e., driveways, 

roads, or bridges) damaged as a result of a Presidentially-declared disaster.71 Assistance for 

privately-owned access routes is intended to restore access to the owner’s primary residence. In 

instances where multiple households share a privately-owned access route, assistance is shared 

between applicants, requiring additional coordination and documentation between FEMA and 

the applicants. 

53 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), the 

following conditions must be met to receive Home Repair Assistance for privately-owned access 

routes: 

 A FEMA inspection determines 

repairs are necessary to provide 

drivable access to the primary 

residence. 

 The applicant is responsible (or shares 

responsibility with other 

homeowners) for maintaining the 

privately-owned access route to their 

primary residence. 

 The privately-owned access route is 

the only access to the applicant's primary residence OR repair or replacement of a 

secondary route is necessary for practical use (e.g., it is impossible to access the 

residence without a bridge or road) OR the safety of the occupants or the residence would 

be adversely affected because state, local, territorial, or tribal government emergency 

equipment could not reach the residence. 

 If multiple households share the access route, FEMA also requires: 

o Written consent from all applicants as pertains to the shared privately-owned 

access route. 

o A declarative statement affirming any assistance FEMA provides will be used to 

make repairs to the access route and the applicant understands they are 

responsible for securing permits and complying with local codes and ordinances. 

o The applicants do not have an established Homeowner’s Association or Covenant 

responsible for repair of the access route, or the established Homeowner’s 

Association or Covenant is unable to receive assistance from the U.S. Small 

Business Administration (SBA) or private insurance to repair the access route. 

B. Limitations and Exclusions 

 FEMA will provide other types of IHP Assistance before considering providing Repair 

Assistance for an applicant’s private access route.

o For eligible applicants who have sole responsibility to repair the access route to 

their home, FEMA will provide Rental Assistance, then consider eligibility for 

Repair Assistance for an applicant’s private access route. 

54 
 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

o For eligible applicants who share responsibility with other eligible applicants to 

repair the access route, FEMA will provide Rental Assistance, Home Repair 

Assistance for items that do not affect the access route, Other Needs Assistance, 

then consider eligibility for Repair Assistance for an applicant’s private access 

route. 

 The Repair Assistance award amount is based on repair items (e.g., decking, guardrails, 

and handrails) that are of average quality, size, and capacity. 

o Repair awards will not include improvements to the access route’s pre-disaster 

condition unless improvements are required by current state, local, territorial, 

and/or tribal government building codes or ordinances. 

o An applicant with access and functional needs that requires access for a particular 

vehicle may be approved for additional funds to improve the access if required for 

safe passage. 

 FEMA will verify whether the state, local, territorial, or tribal government has taken or 

plans to take any emergency actions to repair the route to provide access for emergency 

service providers or to remove immediate threats to public health and safety. 

 Eligible activities for the repair of privately-owned access routes are subject to federal 

Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation (EHP) compliance review 

requirements.72 FEMA will conduct and appropriately document the results of this review 

prior to providing assistance for the repair activity. 

o Eligible applicants are responsible for complying with any conditions developed 

as a result of the EHP compliance review process and for obtaining any applicable 

federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal government permits. 

 If multiple families share an access route, individuals who do not apply or do not meet all 

eligibility requirements will not receive assistance and will not be considered when 

determining the amount an eligible applicant will receive. 

55 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

VII. Replacement Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance to owners whose primary residences were destroyed as a 

result of a Presidentially-declared disaster.73 Replacement Assistance may be applied toward 

purchasing a new permanent residence even if the new residence's cost is greater than the IHP 

maximum amount of assistance. 

FEMA calculates the replacement award amount according to the consumer price index data for 

the types of housing in the area where the damage occurred. FEMA establishes award amounts 

based on whether the pre-disaster home was a manufactured home, travel trailer, or residential 

construction (e.g., single-family home). However, the award amount cannot exceed the 

maximum amount of assistance available under the IHP (Chapter 1: Introduction). 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

In order to qualify for Replacement Assistance, applicants must meet general conditions of 

eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility) and the following: 

 The residence was functional immediately before the disaster. 

 A FEMA inspection confirms the residence was destroyed, and the damage was caused 

by the disaster. A destroyed residence is a total loss or damaged to such an extent that the 

real property components of the dwelling are structurally compromised (i.e., foundation, 

floor, walls, and roof) as a direct result of a peril identified in the Federal Register Notice 

of a Presidentially-declared major disaster or emergency. 

 The damage to the residence is not covered 

by insurance. 

 Repair is not feasible, will not ensure the 

safety or health of the occupant, or will not 

make the residence functional. 

 Replacement is necessary to ensure the 

safety or health of the occupant. 

B. Limitations and Exclusions 

 Applicants who have reached the maximum amount of assistance available under the IHP 

may use their Replacement Assistance to acquire temporary housing (i.e., a rental 

resource or hotel). 

 Replacement Assistance is not available for non-traditional forms of housing (e.g., tents, 

teepees, lean-to structures, etc.). 

56 
 

 

 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

C. Appeal Considerations 

If FEMA determines the residence was not destroyed by the disaster, the applicant may appeal 

by submitting supporting documentation from governing authorities giving notice of 

condemnation, substantial damage, or demolition. 

 FEMA will not automatically determine an applicant eligible for Replacement Assistance 

based on submitted documentation, because local authority determinations could be 

based on non-disaster-related circumstances. 

 After receiving acceptable supporting documentation from the applicant, FEMA will reinspect the residence to verify if it is destroyed due to disaster-caused damage. 

57 
 

Chapter 4: Housing Assistance (Financial) 

THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK 

58 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

The Housing Assistance provision of the IHP, authorized by section 408(c) of the Robert T. 

Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), provides assistance for 

disaster-caused housing needs not covered by insurance or provided by any other source. FEMA 

may provide Direct Housing Assistance in two forms: Direct Temporary Housing Assistance and 

PHC. These types of assistance do not count against the applicant’s maximum amount of 

assistance available under the IHP. 

FEMA may only provide Direct Temporary 

Housing Assistance when eligible applicants 

are unable to use Rental Assistance to secure 

temporary housing. Direct Temporary 

Housing Assistance includes providing 

Temporary Housing Units (THUs) through 

MLR, or placing MHUs on private, 

commercial, or group sites.74 

FEMA may only provide PHC in insular 

areas and other locations when other housing 

options are not available and Temporary 

Housing Assistance (i.e., Rental Assistance 

or Direct Temporary Housing Assistance) is 

not feasible, available, or cost-effective. 

PHC may come in the form of repairs and 

new construction.P7F 

75 

I. Direct Housing Assistance 

Request and Approval 

When there appears to be a lack of available housing resources to support the potential need for 

housing due to the disaster, FEMA will mobilize a Direct Housing Assessment Team (DHAT) to 

partner with the affected state, territorial, or tribal government to perform a comprehensive 

analysis of the disaster-caused housing needs and available resources. When the analysis 

demonstrates a need for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, the affected state, territorial, or 

tribal government may request this assistance from FEMA in writing. The Assistant 

Administrator (AA) for Recovery will consider the request and must approve it before Direct 

Temporary Housing Assistance is implemented. 

59 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

A. Direct Housing Assistance Assessment 

FEMA expects the state, territorial, or tribal government to establish and lead a Disaster Housing 

Task Force (DHTF) to determine the scope of disaster-caused housing needs, explore available 

rental resources and feasible alternatives, and develop housing solutions. The DHTF brings 

together state, local, territorial, tribal government, federal, non-governmental, and private sector 

expertise to identify, evaluate, and deliver available programs, resources, and capabilities to 

disaster survivors in a coordinated effort. 

As part of the assessment, the DHAT and other FEMA staff will coordinate with the DHTF to: 

 Identify available rental resources within 

reasonable commuting distance; 

 Analyze current and projected housing needs 

and available resources by community, 

usually at the county or parish level; 

 Identify alternatives to Direct Temporary 

Housing Assistance; 

 Identify multi-family housing rental 

properties feasible for repair or improvement 

for the evaluation of MLR, as described in 

Section IV: Multi-Family Lease and Repair; 

and 

 Identify all applicable compliance 

requirements for providing Direct Temporary 

Housing Assistance, if needed, including 

federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal 

government ordinances, zoning, permitting, 

and all other related requirements. 

o Other related requirements may 

include the following: 

 SFHA identification 

 EHP concerns 

 A comprehensive 

procurement approach, 

including market research and 

independent government cost 

estimates 

60 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

B. Direct Housing Assistance Approval 

FEMA will only authorize Direct Housing Assistance in response to a written request from the 

State or Territorial Coordinating Officer (SCO/TCO) or Governor’s Authorized Representative 

(GAR) or tribal government. FEMA’s Assistant Administrator (AA) for Recovery has the

authority to approve Direct Housing Assistance and to specify relevant conditions for 

implementation. The AA for Recovery will evaluate the Direct Housing Assistance request from 

the state, territorial, or tribal government using information obtained from the Direct Housing 

Assistance Assessment and provide approval if all of the following have been verified: 

 Eligible applicants are unable to make use of Rental Assistance due to a lack of available 

housing resources. 76 

 Increasing the Rental Assistance rate to 125% of the HUD FMR will not be sufficient to 

meet the disaster-caused housing needs. 

 Assistance from other providers, including other federal agencies, state, territorial, tribal 

governments, and voluntary organizations is insufficient to meet the disaster-caused 

temporary housing needs of eligible applicants. 

After approving Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, FEMA will coordinate with the state, 

territorial, or tribal government to execute an addendum to the agreement between FEMA and 

the state, territorial, or tribal government that describes the responsibilities of each party. 

FEMA will use the most cost-effective forms of available Direct Temporary Housing Assistance 

to meet the disaster-caused housing needs. In general, FEMA will prioritize the types of Direct 

Temporary Housing Assistance as depicted in 38TFigure 2138T. However, PHC may be considered 

when no alternative housing resources are available and all forms of Direct Temporary Housing 

Assistance are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective. 

Figure 21: General Sequence of FEMA Direct Housing Assistance Options 

61 
 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

II. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Conditions of Eligibility 

This section describes the additional conditions FEMA uses to determine an applicant’s 

eligibility for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance and to select the appropriate size and type of 

THU to meet the household’s needs. 

A. Conditions of Eligibility 

Applicants who may be eligible for Direct 

Temporary Housing Assistance must: 

 Meet all of the conditions of 

eligibility found in Chapter 2: IHP 

Eligibility. 

 Be verified by FEMA through the 

onsite inspection conducted following 

an applicant’s registration as: 

o An owner of a pre-disaster 

residence with real property verified loss amount of at least $17,000;P79F 

77 or 

o A renter with a pre-disaster residence that was destroyed or received major 

damage as a result of the disaster. 

FEMA then contacts applicants to obtain information about their household’s unmet temporary

housing needs. During the contact, typically by phone, FEMA refers eligible applicants to other 

adequate, accessible, alternate housing units, if available, prior to discussing Direct Temporary 

Housing Assistance. FEMA expects applicants to accept the first offer of available alternate 

housing that meets their household’s needs; applicants who refuse available housing that meets 

their household’s needs may become ineligible for Temporary Housing Assistance. FEMA 

determines no housing resources are available or available alternate housing resources are not 

adequate for the applicant’s household because of one of the following: 

 Housing resources are not within 38Treasonable commuting distance. 

 Housing resources exceed the 

applicant’s financial ability. 

 The applicant’s household includes 

children attending school (not 

including post-secondary education) 

and transportation to school is not 

available from any of the available 

alternate housing resources. 

62 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

 Housing resources are not accessible to one or more members of the applicant’s 

household who have a disability. 

 Housing resources are not in reasonable distance to accessible public transportation and 

the household includes one or more persons with a disability who requires accessible 

public transportation. 

 The applicant’s primary residence is a working agricultural interest generating at least 

50% of the household’s pre-disaster income. 

 A member of the applicant’s household needs in-home health care services, or provides 

such services to a friend, neighbor, or relative, and would be unable to receive or provide 

these services if relocated to an alternate housing resource. 

 The applicant is able to provide verifiable documentation that demonstrates: 

o The landlord or leasing agent will not agree to a lease of less than one year; or 

o The applicant is unable to use Rental Assistance due to adverse credit history or 

criminal background. However, FEMA will coordinate with voluntary agencies 

and other organizations to assist in housing applicants in this situation prior to 

considering Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. 

B. Temporary Housing Unit (THU) Selection Considerations 

FEMA determines the size of the THU to provide an applicant based on the required number of 

bedrooms recorded during the FEMA inspection. FEMA generally provides one bedroom for 

every two persons in the applicant’s household.78 

 FEMA may provide an additional 

bedroom based on the age, sex, and 

relationship of household members or 

as a reasonable accommodation for a 

household member with a disability or 

other access or functional need. 

 FEMA may provide an additional unit 

when the size of the applicant’s 

household exceeds the capacity of a 

single available unit; however, FEMA 

will not provide more than one unit 

when the household has only one 

member over the age of 18. 

 FEMA provides MHUs built to 

Uniform Federal Accessibility 

Standards (UFAS), including UFAScompliant platform steps or ramps, to 

63 
 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

eligible disaster survivors with a disability. All UFAS units are equipped with a fire 

sprinkler system to help save lives, prevent injuries, and protect property. 

III. Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Terms and Conditions 

FEMA provides Direct Temporary Housing Assistance for up to 18 months from the date of the 

declaration when adequate, alternate housing is unavailable and the occupants cannot fulfill their 

permanent housing plan (PHP) through no fault of their own. FEMA re-evaluates the occupant’s 

eligibility on a periodic basis, usually monthly, and the Direct Temporary Housing Assistance 

eligibility for the entire period of assistance is subject to the occupant continuing to meet 

recertification requirements. 

All occupants must agree to comply with FEMA’s rules, terms, and conditions for occupying the 

THUs before they move in by signing a Temporary Housing Agreement or Revocable License. 

The Revocable License documents the applicant’s acceptance of government property for 

temporary housing based on FEMA’s terms and conditions included in the license. Occupants 

must demonstrate a continued housing assistance need, actively participate in the FEMA 

recertification process, and show progress towards achieving their PHP to remain eligible to stay 

in the THU. When applicants fail to comply with FEMA’s rules, terms, and conditions, FEMA 

may terminate their eligibility to remain in the THU.79 Applicants who have been deemed 

ineligible by FEMA and refuse to vacate the THU will be subject to a monthly penalty fee.P82F 

80 

A. Occupant Responsibilities 

All THU primary occupants must sign and abide by the terms and conditions of the Temporary 

Housing Agreement, which specifies the household’s obligations to:

 Comply with THU Rules of Use, such 

as maintaining the unit, its furnishings, 

and the surrounding area in a clean and 

orderly condition; paying applicable 

utility charges; and not damaging or 

making unauthorized modifications to 

the THU and its contents; 

 For THUs not owned by FEMA (i.e., 

MLR property) or located on sites not 

owned by FEMA or the occupant (e.g., 

commercial parks), the occupant will be required to comply with the terms of the owner’s 

lease or terms of use; 

 Take action to secure adequate, alternate housing at the earliest possible time within the 

period of assistance; 

64 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

 Comply with all rules for a group site or commercial park and comply with all relevant 

local ordinances; 

 Refrain from conduct which adversely affects FEMA’s property interest in the THU or 

the rights of other THU occupants to enjoy safe, secure, and functional temporary 

housing; and 

 Meet the recertification requirements identified in Section B: Recertification Process for 

Continued Assistance. 

FEMA will notify insured THU occupants that DOB may occur if an insured member of their 

household receives Additional Living Expenses (ALE) or Loss of Use (LOU) benefits to rent 

alternate housing. When this occurs, the primary occupant must: 

 Pay an amount equal to the ALE or LOU benefit to FEMA starting from the date the 

occupant signed the Temporary Housing Agreement. The amount of the monthly DOB 

payment to FEMA will not exceed FMR; and 

 Continue to make the ALE or LOU payment to FEMA until the total amount of the 

insurance benefit for ALE or LOU has been exhausted or the occupant vacates the THU, 

whichever is first. 

B. Recertification Process for Continued Assistance 

FEMA requires all THU occupants to actively participate in the recertification process. 

Occupants are responsible for achieving their PHP at the earliest possible time within the period 

of assistance and providing verifiable information of their progress towards their PHP to FEMA 

in order to receive continued Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. 

FEMA requires the THU primary occupant to establish a realistic PHP for their household no 

later than the first recertification. An acceptable PHP may demonstrate one of the following: 

 A pre-disaster owner is able to repair or rebuild the pre-disaster residence. 

 A pre-disaster owner is able to purchase a new residence. 

 A pre-disaster owner or renter is able to find and lease an available rental unit. 

o FEMA expects owners who cannot demonstrate the ability to repair or rebuild 

their pre-disaster residence or purchase a new residence within the period of 

assistance to move into an available rental resource. 

FEMA will regularly review the primary occupant’s PHP to ensure the plan is realistic and 

achievable within the period of assistance. A PHP is realistic and achievable when: 

 The primary occupant demonstrates sufficient financial resources or other viable means 

for achieving the PHP within the period of assistance. Sufficient resources include funds 

65 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

or a verifiable commitment of non-monetary assistance, such as voluntary agency labor; 

and 

 The primary occupant shows documented progress towards the PHP (e.g., acquired 

permits, contracts for repairs). 

Primary occupants who have not made progress toward their PHP must demonstrate it is due to 

no fault of their own (e.g., a contractor failure to obtain the required building permits, or a delay 

in the rental unit move-in date) and update their PHP to ensure they are realistic within the 

period of assistance. 

C. Extension of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance 

FEMA may extend Direct Temporary Housing Assistance beyond the 18-month period of 

assistance when the affected state, territorial, or tribal government requests an extension in 

writing.P83F 

81 The Assistant Administrator (AA) for Recovery will consider the request for approval. 

When the period of assistance is extended, FEMA will begin monthly rent collection from 

eligible occupants of FEMA THUs.P84F 

82 

 FEMA may authorize extensions to the initial 18-month period of assistance due to 

extraordinary circumstances when doing so is in the public interest. 

 FEMA will typically not consider extending the period of assistance without a written 

request from the SCO/TCO or GAR. However, FEMA may extend the period of 

assistance at its sole discretion; extensions to the period of assistance will only be 

considered in situations where the remaining disaster-caused temporary housing need 

exceeds the capabilities of the state, territorial, tribal government, or the affected 

communities to support and there remains a lack of available resources. The request 

should include supporting documents demonstrating this housing need. 

 The AA for Recovery may consider extending the period of assistance when: 

o Adequate, alternate housing is not available in the affected area; and 

o Accessible housing units for occupants with disabilities are not available or are 

not within a reasonable commuting distance of essential services (e.g., accessible 

public transportation, grocery, medical facilities, banking, childcare, schools, or 

place of employment). 

 If an extension is approved, the affected state, territorial, or tribal government must 

execute an amendment to the FEMA-State/Territory/Tribal Government Agreement. 

66 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

D. Rent Collection for FEMA Temporary Housing Unit 

After the period of assistance has been extended, FEMA charges the primary occupant a monthly 

rent for each month any occupant remains in or maintains possession of a THU.P85F 

83 P The monthly 

THU rent is based on the locally applicable FMR. 

Establishing Rent Amount: FEMA calculates each occupant’s monthly rent by applying the 

FMR based on the number of bedrooms in the THU and the THU location for the fiscal year in 

which Direct Housing Assistance is extended. Monthly rent begins accruing on the first day of 

the first full month after the extended assistance period begins.84 The primary occupant will be 

required to pay monthly rent due on the first day of each month after the date rent begins to 

85 accrue. 

Prior to the end of the period of assistance, FEMA provides a 30-day written notice of the 

requirement to pay monthly rent to occupants who remain in a FEMA THU after the initial 18-

month period of assistance. 

FEMA does not prorate rent or reimburse 

the primary occupant when any occupant 

remains in or maintains possession of the 

THU on or after the first day of the 

month. If any occupant remains in the 

THU on or after the first day of the 

month, the primary occupant is required to 

pay full rent for that month. 

Appeal of Rent: If the primary occupant 

is unable to pay the amount of rent 

established by FEMA, they may appeal 

FEMA’s rent determination within 60 days of receiving FEMA’s notice of the requirement to 

pay monthly rent. Appeals must include documentation demonstrating the applicant does not 

have the financial ability to pay the established rent. Specifically, FEMA requires both of the 

following information: 

 Pre-disaster versus post-disaster monthly gross income of all household occupants age 18 

or older 

 Pre-disaster versus post-disaster monthly housing costs, such as mortgage payments on 

the pre-disaster residence while it is being repaired 

FEMA may adjust the amount of rent using the following criteria: 

 3TIf the total monthly adjusted gross income amount of all occupants 18 years of age and 

older remained the same subsequent to the disaster, FEMA will consider the primary 

67 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

occupant capable of paying the same monthly amount for housing costs paid before the 

disaster or 30% of their household income, whichever is greater, but not to exceed the 

FMR. 

 3TIf the total monthly gross adjusted income amount of all occupants 18 years of age and 

older increased or decreased as a result of the disaster, FEMA will consider the primary 

occupant capable of paying a monthly amount for housing costs equal to 30% of their 

household income or the FMR, whichever is greater, but not to exceed the FMR. 

 3TFEMA will subtract post-disaster 

monthly housing costs from the amount 

FEMA considers the primary occupant 

is capable of paying for housing costs 

to determine the FEMA adjusted rent 

amount to be charged, up to the 

applicable FMR. 

 3TFEMA will not charge any primary 

occupant more than the FMR for 

monthly rent. 

 3TFEMA will not charge any primary 

occupant less than the FEMA minimum 

monthly rent amount of $50. 

Rent3T for a THU will continue to accrue each month while FEMA is considering the appeal, 

which may take up to 90 days. 

 If the appeal is denied, the primary occupant must pay the originally established rent in 

total within 30 days of the date of the appeal decision, including any rent not paid while 

FEMA was considering the appeal; or 

 If the appeal is granted, the primary occupant must pay the adjusted rent in total within 

30 days of the date of the appeal decision: 

o If the primary occupant paid 

the originally established rent 

amount while FEMA 

considered the appeal, FEMA 

will reimburse any 

overpayment based upon the 

amount of the adjusted rent. 

68 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

E. Reasons for Terminating Direct Temporary Housing Assistance 

The occupant’s eligibility to live in a FEMA THU automatically expires at the end of the period 

of assistance, unless the period of assistance has been extended. FEMA may terminate an 

occupant’s Direct Temporary Housing Assistance prior to the end of the period of assistance for 

the following reasons:86 

Program Eligibility Violations 

 Occupants are not actively participating in the recertification process (e.g., not being 

available to meet with FEMA recertification staff on a regular basis). 

 Occupants are not taking all actions necessary to achieve their PHP in a reasonable time 

frame. 

Conduct Violations 

In some cases, an occupant who 

committed a violation may be removed 

from the THU and other occupants may 

remain in the unit. 

 Major Violations: Occupants 

engaging in conduct violations 

involving criminal activity or other 

actions which present an imminent 

threat to the health and safety of 

the occupant, other THU 

occupants, or persons in the 

surrounding area. Major violations 

must be supported by an arrest or 

police report; however, FEMA 

does not have to wait for a 

conviction before terminating 

assistance. Examples of major 

violations include, but are not 

limited to: 

o Assault, battery, rape, 

domestic violence, child 

abuse, or sexual assault 

o The use, sale, or manufacture of illegal drugs 

o Destruction or theft of property owned or leased by FEMA (including the THU), 

other THU occupants (including their guests), and contractors performing work 

for FEMA. 

69 
 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

General Violations 

Occupants engaging in conduct violations involving the breaking of rules established by the 

commercial park or other temporary housing site management rules included within the 

Temporary Housing Agreement or Revocable License. Examples of general violations include, 

but are not limited to: 

 Excessive noise or disturbance of peace 

 Unleashed or unattended pets outside of the THU 

 Damage to the THU beyond normal wear and tear 

 Failure to maintain reasonably clean and sanitary conditions both inside and outside the 

THU 

 Failure to pay rent, after receiving a warning, and when rent has been assessed following 

the end of the period of assistance 

F. Process for Terminating Direct Temporary Housing Assistance 

FEMA will follow the process outlined below to afford each occupant due process and ensure 

sufficient justification exists for termination. 

Figure 22: FEMA Notification of Occupant Violations 

70 
 

 

 

 

 

Figure 23: Example of a Penalty Fee 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

 Warning Notice: After becoming aware of a program eligibility or general conduct 

violation, FEMA will notify the primary occupant through a 15-day warning notice, 

delivered in-person or through certified mail. This notice will outline the actions the 

occupant must take to resolve the violation and remain eligible for FEMA Direct 

Temporary Housing Assistance. FEMA will not issue a warning notice for Major 

Violations or the end of the period of assistance. 

 Notice of Revocation: If the occupant fails to remedy the violation as outlined in the 15-

day notice or commits a Major Violation, FEMA will issue the primary occupant a 

Notice of Revocation (NOR) explaining the reason(s) for terminating Direct Temporary 

Housing Assistance, instructions for submitting an appeal, and that assistance is 

terminated as of the date of the letter. 

 Notice to Surrender Possession: If an occupant fails to vacate or prevents FEMA from 

reclaiming the THU, FEMA will issue the primary occupant a Notice to Surrender 

Possession prior to referring the case to U.S. Department of Justice. 

 Appeal Rights: Occupants can appeal the termination decision within 60 days after 

receiving the NOR. However, filing an appeal does not relieve the occupant of the 

responsibility to vacate the THU by the deadline established in the NOR. Also, the 

occupant cannot appeal an NOR received due to the end of the period of assistance. 

G. Penalty Fees 

After the period of assistance has ended or an occupant is determined ineligible for continued 

assistance, primary occupants who fail to surrender the THU by the established deadline are 

subject to a monthly penalty fee for as long as any occupant remains in or maintains possession 

of the THU. FEMA may also charge the primary occupant a penalty fee when they fail to pay 

monthly rent when charged by FEMA or fail to relocate or assume financial responsibility for an 

MHU purchased from FEMA as agreed to in the Acknowledgement of Conditions of Sale (see 

Section VI: Disposing of MHUs through Sales and Donations). 

Paying the penalty fee does not entitle an occupant to remain in a THU nor does it prevent 

FEMA from taking legal action to remove the occupant from the unit. A penalty fee is equivalent 

to the FMR plus a flat rate fee of $550 or FMR plus FEMA’s actual monthly costs for the THU, 

whichever is higher. The flat rate of $550 is based on the average actual monthly cost per unit for 

occupied MHUs from years 2011 to 2015. 

Figure 23: Example of a Penalty Fee

Examples FMR Monthly Cost for 

THU

Flat Rate Fee Penalty Fee

Example 1 $1000 $475 $550 $1,550

Example 2 $1000 $1350 $550 $2,350

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Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

FEMA may consider reducing the penalty fee to the FMR if occupants meet all of the following 

conditions: 

 Primary occupants who are pre-disaster homeowners: 

o Have a PHP to repair or rebuild their primary residence; 

o Have not achieved their PHP through no fault of their own; 

o Need up to an additional 90 days beyond the end of the initial or extended period 

of assistance to complete the repairs or construction; 

o Have previously declined to purchase 

their MHU after the Sales Program 

was implemented; and 

o Paid monthly rent to FEMA during an 

extended period of assistance, if 

applicable (see Chapter 5, III (D) Rent 

Collection for FEMA Temporary 

Housing Unit); applicants who were 

charged rent by FEMA during an 

extended period of assistance but did 

not pay will not be considered for a 

reduced penalty fee. 

 Primary occupants who are pre-disaster homeowners and renters: 

o Have an MHU sale or donation pending beyond the initial or extended period of 

assistance through no fault of their own; and 

o Pay monthly rent to FEMA during an extended period of assistance, if applicable; 

applicants who were charged rent by FEMA during an extended period of 

assistance but did not pay will not be considered for a reduced penalty fee. 

Primary occupants may appeal FEMA’s decision to terminate assistance; however, the penalty

fee may not be appealed. If FEMA accepts the appeal, overturns the termination, and reinstates 

Direct Temporary Housing Assistance, the occupant will not be required to pay a penalty fee. 

FEMA will refund the applicant any penalty fees the applicant paid during the appeal period. 

Primary occupants who have not paid their penalty fee in full within 120 days of the date of 

receiving the bill will be referred to the U.S. Department of Treasury for debt collection. 

72 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

IV. Multi-Family Lease and Repair (MLR) 

MLR is a form of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance that allows FEMA to repair or make 

improvements to existing multi-family housing units (e.g., apartments).87 FEMA may utilize 

these types of units as temporary housing for eligible applicants who are unable to use Rental 

Assistance due to a lack of available resources. MLR is not intended to repair or improve 

individual units to re-house existing tenants. 

A. Authorizing MLR 

In addition to the criteria described in Section I: Direct Housing Assistance Request and 

Approval, FEMA must verify that one or more properties meet the following conditions of 

eligibility: 

 The property must have previously been used as multi-family housing; 

 The property must be located in an area 

included in a major disaster or 

emergency declaration; 

 The property must be located within 

reasonable access to community and 

wrap-around services such as schools, 

fire and emergency services, grocery 

stores, etc.; 

 The property must not be located in a SFHA as identified on the available flood hazard 

information or a potential flooding area as identified on the Advisory Flood Hazard 

Information (AFHI); 

 The property must be available to be leased to FEMA allowing FEMA’s exclusive use as 

temporary housing for eligible applicants for a term of no less than 18 months; and 

 The property owner must provide all property management services, including building 

maintenance, except where the property is leased or contracted from another government 

entity, in which case FEMA may directly provide such services. 

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Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

Under the terms of any lease agreement for potential MLR property, the value of the 

improvements or repairs shall be deducted from the value of the lease agreement and may not 

exceed the value of the legal agreement. In 

addition, any repairs or improvements will 

not take more than two months to complete. 

To determine cost-effectiveness of a potential 

MLR property, FEMA will deduct the 

estimated cost of repairs and improvements 

from the value of the lease agreement as 

follows: 

 FEMA will determine the estimated 

cost of repairs or improvements by 

performing an independent 

government cost estimate for the necessary repairs and improvements, or receive an 

estimated cost for repairs and improvements from a building contractor. 

 FEMA will determine the value of the lease agreement by multiplying the monthly FMR 

by the number of units, and then multiplying the number of months remaining between 

the date the repairs are completed and the end of the 18-month period of assistance. 

 FEMA will deduct the estimated cost of 

repairs and improvements from the 

value of the lease agreement by using 

the three-step test (38TFigure 2438T, on next 

page) to determine if the potential MLR 

property is cost-effective and viable for 

consideration. 

The FCO must submit a written 

recommendation with justification to the AA 

for Recovery when the estimated cost of the 

repairs or improvements exceeds 125% of 

FMR. The AA for Recovery will review the 

recommendation and make a final 

determination regarding approval of MLR in 

general and specific approval of repairs or 

improvements estimated to exceed 125% of 

FMR. 

74 
Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

Figure 24: Steps to determine if MLR Property is cost-effective and viable 

75 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

B. Property Leasing and Repair/Improvement Service Contracting 

Once approved, FEMA has two options for leasing and repairing an eligible MLR property. At 

its discretion, FEMA may either: 

 Enter into a contract with the property owner for the property owner to perform necessary 

repairs and improvements to housing units to be provided for FEMA's exclusive use as 

temporary housing during the term of the lease agreement; or 

 Enter into a contract with a third party to perform the repairs or improvements to the 

housing units and enter into a lease agreement with the property owner. 

The property owner must agree to incorporate a lease addendum containing MLR program 

conditions of eligibility into the lease between the property owner and the occupant. When 

leasing or contracting services to 

repair or improve an MLR-eligible 

property, FEMA must also ensure 

that: 

 Only repairs and 

improvements needed to 

make a property safe, 

habitable, and functional for 

temporary housing are 

authorized; 

 Only builder-grade materials 

and finishes are used; and 

 All repairs and 

improvements performed are 

compliant with local 

building codes, standards, 

permitting, inspection 

requirements, and all 

applicable EHP laws and 

regulations. 

If the period of assistance is 

extended beyond the standard 18 

months, the MLR lease may be extended if the landlord and FEMA agree to terms. FEMA may 

release the unit to the owner and cease all monthly payments for the unit if the unit becomes 

vacant during the term of the contract and FEMA has not identified another eligible applicant to 

occupy the unit. 

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Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

V. Manufactured Housing Units (MHUs) and Site Types 

FEMA may provide Direct Temporary Housing Assistance in the form of MHUs on sites with 

utility access that meet the needs of the household, and comply with applicable state, local, 

territorial, and tribal government ordinances. Approved sites must also meet federal floodplain 

management and EHP requirements. FEMA selects locations based on the cost-effectiveness, 

timeliness, and suitability of each potential site. Sites may include private, commercial, and 

group sites. 

A. Site Types 

Private Sites: Private sites are sites provided by an applicant at no cost to FEMA, typically on 

their property near their pre-disaster residence. FEMA inspects each potential private site to 

determine if the site is feasible for placing the size and type of unit that will meet the household’s 

needs. FEMA may provide MHUs on private sites under the following conditions: 

 The owner of the private site must certify that they are the landowner and that FEMA has 

permission to access the site to deliver, install, maintain, repair, and remove the MHU. 

 The site has sufficient access to allow FEMA to safely deliver, install, and remove the 

MHU and meets local zoning requirements for an MHU. 

 The site is sufficiently clear of debris and other obstacles for placement of an MHU and 

accessories (including steps or UFAS-compliant steps or ramps) in accordance with local 

setback or lot boundary requirements and the household’s needs. 

 Sanitation, including public sewer or a private septic system, is available and functional 

at the site. FEMA will not perform any repairs to components of the site eligible for 

FEMA Repair Assistance (such as wells and septic tanks) in order to make the site 

feasible for an MHU. 

 Electrical service is available and functional and a temporary power pole and meter panel 

for providing electrical service to the MHU can safely be installed by the local power 

company. FEMA will not connect electrical service for the MHU to the applicant’s predisaster residence. 

 Potable water service is available 

and functional at the site. 

Commercial Sites: FEMA may provide 

MHUs on commercial sites when the rules 

of the commercial site do not violate the 

Fair Housing Act. Commercial sites are 

existing manufactured home parks with 

available pads that FEMA may lease for the 

77 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

purpose of providing Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. 

 FEMA will prioritize locations within reasonable commuting distance of and access to 

community and 38Twrap-around services38T. 

 FEMA, to the extent possible, leases commercial sites at a fair market price in the 

affected area based upon the pre-disaster pad lease rates. 

 FEMA only authorizes reasonable and cost-effective repairs or improvements necessary 

to make the site functional (such as an electrical service upgrade), including those 

necessary to meet reasonable accommodation requests for people with disabilities. 

 FEMA will not pay additional costs for utilities, grounds maintenance, trash removal, 

snow removal, or any other costs unless such costs were typically included in leases and 

lease amount prior to the disaster and the utilities in question are not metered separately 

by the utility provider. 

 FEMA will prioritize commercial sites with existing usable pads before considering sites 

which require improvement or expansion. FEMA will only consider expanding or 

improving existing commercial sites as a cost-effective alternative to building a group 

site. FEMA will deduct the total cost of expansion or improvements to commercial sites 

from the value of the lease agreement between FEMA and the park owner. 

Group Sites: Group sites provided by the state or local government may include publicly-owned 

park land with adequate utilities available. FEMA only considers group sites when the housing 

need cannot be met by other direct temporary housing options. The AA for Recovery must 

specifically approve group sites; group sites are not automatically included as part of Direct 

Housing Assistance approval. 

 FEMA partners with the affected 

state, local, territorial, and tribal 

government to identify and select 

group site locations. FEMA will 

prioritize sites provided by the state, 

local, territorial, and tribal 

government at no cost before leasing 

a site from a private party. 

 FEMA only develops group site 

locations within reasonable access to 

community and wrap-around 

services (e.g., schools, fire and 

emergency services, grocery stores 

etc.). FEMA, as a lead coordinator, engages external stakeholders who may be able to 

assist in implementing wrap-around services in and around group site areas. FEMA 

ensures all common-use areas of the group sites, including accessible paths of travel from 

78 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

the parking lot and throughout the site, are designed and built in accordance with UFAS. 

At least 15% of the pads in a group site and at least 5% of the MHUs installed will 

comply with UFAS. 

 FEMA incorporates separate green spaces into group sites to accommodate households 

with children or pets. 

 FEMA does not install playgrounds or other recreational equipment within group sites, 

nor does FEMA allow such equipment to be installed within group sites by a third party. 

However, FEMA makes every attempt to design and build group sites in such a manner 

that playgrounds or other recreational equipment may be installed adjacent to the group 

site. 

B. Wrap-around Services 

FEMA does not provide wrap-around 

services; however, FEMA will not 

provide Direct Temporary Housing 

Assistance in locations where disaster 

survivors will not have access to wraparound services. 

C. Floodplain Management and EHP 

Considerations 

FEMA complies with EHP laws, policies, 

and executive orders when installing 

MHUs. FEMA will not install MHUs 

within areas which can result in loss of 

human life or will have adverse impacts on 

historic properties or endangered or 

threatened species or their habitats. FEMA 

reviews each potential MHU site for 

floodplain management concernsP90F 

88 and will 

not place MHUs within a one percent 

annual chance floodplain unless no 

practical alternative exists and FEMA’s 

AA for Recovery has authorized temporary 

placement. When placing MHUs on private and commercial sites, FEMA shall apply the 

abbreviated eight-step decision-making process in accordance with 44 C.F.R. Section 9.13, 

Executive Order 11988 - Floodplain Management, Executive Order 11990 - Protection of 

Wetlands, and FEMA Instruction 108-1-1 for any proposed action that may occur in or may 

impact a floodplain or wetland. 

79 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

 FEMA will identify if the potential MHU site is located in a SFHA as identified on the 

available flood hazard information or a potential flooding area as identified on the Advisory 

Flood Hazard Information. 

 FEMA will not place MHUs within a floodway or coastal high hazard area, even under the 

eight-step process. 

 When deciding whether a potential MHU site in the floodplain is the only practicable 

alternative, FEMA considers the following factors: speedy provision of temporary 

housing; potential flood risk to the temporary housing occupants; cost-effectiveness; social 

and neighborhood patterns; timely availability of other housing resources; and potential 

harm to the floodplain or wetland. 

 Units will be elevated to the highest level practicable and will be anchored to prevent 

movement. Actual elevation levels will be based on the manufacturers’ specifications and

agency guidance. 

 Placement of MHUs will be made in accordance with NFIP criteria or any more 

restrictive federal, state, local, territorial, or tribal government floodplain management 

standard. Such standards may require elevation to the base flood elevation in absence of 

a variance. 

 FEMA will provide applicants with information and advisories on the flood risk, 

including information relating to health and safety, evacuation, right of entry, and 

personal property. 

FEMA conducts appropriate EHP analyses 

on potential group site locations and when 

expanding or improving commercial sites. 

FEMA will conduct additional EHP review 

for private sites only when the sites are 

known to have a high probability of 

containing archaeological sites, federallydesignated endangered or threatened species, 

or known hazardous substance 

contamination. P 

80 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

VI. Disposing of MHUs through Sales to Occupants and Donations 

FEMA is authorized to disposeP91F 

89 of occupied MHUs through sales to occupants or donations to 

qualified government agencies or voluntary organizations within the period of assistance.P92F 

90 P Sales 

and donations are means to dispose of MHUs, not forms of housing assistance. An occupant’s 

participation in MHU sales or donations is voluntary. An occupant’s decision not to participate

does not affect their eligibility for Direct Temporary Housing Assistance during the period of 

assistance. 

A. Authorizing Disposal through Sales and Donations 

FEMA may dispose of occupied MHUs by sale or donation in response to a written request from 

the state, territorial, or tribal government. The AA may approve MHU sales and donations when: 

 Rental resources are not expected to support those currently residing in FEMA-provided 

MHUs within the period of assistance for the declared event; 

 Applicants’ completion of repair or replacement of their disaster-damaged residences will 

not be possible within the period of assistance; 

 Disposing of MHUs is not expected to adversely affect local rental housing and 

manufactured housing markets; 

 Disposing of MHUs is expected to be in the best interest of the Federal Government; and 

 Disposing of MHUs will not cause a significant impact on FEMA’s ability to maintain 

necessary MHU inventory. 

Once approved, FEMA may sell occupied MHUs to pre-disaster homeowners immediately 

following the implementation of Direct Temporary Housing Assistance. After determining 

that adequate, alternate housing has not returned to the housing market, and is not expected 

to return, the earliest FEMA will authorize sales of occupied units to pre-disaster renters is 

six months following the date of declaration. 

FEMA will not initiate or approve MHU donations independent of MHU sales to occupants. 

FEMA will only consider donation after all MHU sales to occupants have been completed. Each 

MHU Donation Agreement must be approved by the AA for Recovery. For additional 

information, see 38TSection VI.C.: MHU Donations to Qualified Public Agencies and Private 

Organizations38T. 

B. MHU Sales to Occupants 

FEMA may dispose of occupied MHUs by selling them directly to the occupant if that individual 

or household lacks permanent housing through no fault of their own.91 FEMA will sell a unit at a 

price that is fair and equitable. When an applicant purchases a unit from FEMA, they must agree 

to assume responsibility for it. Upon selling the unit to the occupant, FEMA will notify the 

residence tax office. 

81 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

Purchaser’s Conditions of Eligibility: Only the primary occupant may request and complete 

the purchase of the MHU. The primary occupant must meet the following criteria to purchase the 

MHU: 

 Be in compliance with all conditions and rules under Direct Temporary Housing 

Assistance (see Section II: Direct Temporary Housing Assistance Conditions of 

Eligibility38T) and the Revocable License or Temporary Housing Agreement 

 Lack permanent housing and be unable to fulfill a PHP within the period of assistance 

through no fault of the occupant 

 Respond to the FEMA Sales Notice expressing interest in purchasing the unit 

 Demonstrate the household’s financial ability (e.g., proof of income, insurance payout, 

personal savings, or external assistance from non-FEMA sources) to complete the 

purchase within the time frame required, typically 30 days after FEMA tenders the final 

sales offer 

 Demonstrate they have obtained any or all permits or inspections required by the state, 

local, territorial, and tribal government for the sale and location of an MHU 

A household that qualified for and received an MHU through the citizenship or qualified alien 

status of a minor child member of the household may be eligible for a MHU sale for the benefit 

of the child. FEMA staff will consult the Office of Chief Counsel to ensure the necessary legal 

requirements to complete the sale are met. 

Determining the Price of the Unit: FEMA will offer to sell the MHU to the primary occupant 

at the Adjusted Fair Market Value (AFMV), which is the fair market value minus a standard 

deduction of FEMA’s average deactivation cost. FEMA may lower the sales price based upon 

the occupant’s financial ability but will not reduce the sales price to less than 25% of the 

AFMV.92 If the occupant feels they cannot afford to purchase the unit at the AFMV, the 

occupant may appeal FEMA’s determination and petition for a reduced sales price.

 At the time FEMA calculates the reduced sales price, FEMA will consider the income 

and assets for all occupants over the age of 18 listed on the Temporary Housing 

Agreement. 

 In order to purchase the MHU at the reduced sales price, the primary occupant will be 

required to: 

o Apply toward the cost of purchasing the unit all Home Repair Assistance or 

Replacement Assistance for which the primary occupant cannot produce a receipt 

or other documentation showing it was used for its intended purpose; 

o Contribute 30% of the gross monthly income of all occupants 18 years of age or 

older toward the cost of purchasing the MHU; and 

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Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

o Contribute 40% of the cumulative assets of all occupants 18 years of age or older 

toward the cost of purchasing the MHU. 

 FEMA’s decision on an occupant’s reduced sales price based on their appeal is a final 

Agency determination and not subject to further appeal. 

 Individuals and households who are non-compliant with the NFIRA requirement to 

purchase and maintain flood insurance are not eligible for a reduced sales price.P95F 

93 

Conditions of Sale: FEMA does not permit substitutions or exchanges of MHUs. The primary 

occupant must agree to purchase the MHU they currently occupy “as is” and “where is.” This 

includes all modifications and accessories in place at the time of sale, including those provided 

as accommodations for occupants with disabilities. All of the following exceptions apply to “as 

is” and “where is:”

 Where necessary, FEMA may perform minimum repairs needed, based upon normal 

wear and tear, to ensure the unit is habitable. 

 When the MHU being sold is located in a FEMA group site or a FEMA-leased 

commercial site, the primary occupant must: 

o Secure an alternate location that complies with all applicable federal, state, local, 

territorial, and tribal government laws, codes, and ordinances; 

o Be able to move the unit within 30 

days of sale; and 

o Assume the commercial site pad 

lease after the sale, if applicable. 

 FEMA will not sell units for use in a 

floodplain or wetland without the recipient 

agreeing to fully comply with the 8-step process in 44 CFR Section 9.6, including that the 

MHU must be elevated to at least the one percent annual chance flood elevation (per 44 

CFR Part 9.13(e)) 

The primary occupant acknowledges all terms of the sale on the Acknowledgment of Conditions 

of Sale document, including: 

 Agreeing to maintain a hazard insurance policy on the unit. If the MHU is or will be 

located in a SFHA, the primary occupant must also obtain and maintain flood insurance 

on the MHU. 

 Responsibility for all maintenance and utilities associated with the MHU after completing 

the sale. 

FEMA will provide the primary occupant with an SF-97 Form, U.S. Government Certificate to 

Obtain Title to a Vehicle, signed by FEMA as the Transferor, upon collection of full payment 

and completion of the Acknowledgement of Condition of Sale. Payment must be made using a 

83 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

certified check or money order. After the sale is completed, the primary occupant and members 

of the occupant’s household will no longer be eligible to receive FEMA Direct Temporary

Housing Assistance for that declared event. 

C. MHU Donations to Qualified Public Agencies and Private Organizations 

FEMA may donate occupied MHUs “as is” and “where is” to a state, local, territorial, or tribal 

government agency or a voluntary organization for the purpose of continuing to provide 

temporary housing to eligible occupants who cannot afford to purchase the MHU at the lowest 

price FEMA will offer.P96F 

94 P FEMA cannot donate directly to an MHU occupant. 

Eligible Recipient Entities or Organizations: 

FEMA must identify eligible recipient entities or organizations interested in receiving donated 

MHUs. FEMA will give priority to state, local, territorial, or tribal government agencies for 

receiving MHU donations before considering donating MHUs to voluntary organizations. If 

government agencies are unavailable, FEMA 

will give priority to voluntary organizations 

that have been in existence for at least one 

year and have a history and demonstrated 

capability of assisting disaster survivors. 

After identifying an eligible recipient entity 

or organization, FEMA must identify 

occupants who are eligible to participate. 

Conditions of Eligibility for Occupants: 

Occupants may be considered for inclusion in 

MHU donations when the following criteria 

are all met: 

 The primary occupant satisfies all conditions of eligibility under MHU Sales to 

Occupants (see 38TSection VI.B.: MHU Sales to Occupants38T) but does not have the financial 

ability to purchase an MHU at the reduced sales price. 

 The primary occupant lacks permanent housing and has not fulfilled a PHP through no 

fault of their own. 

 The primary occupant continues to have a disaster-caused temporary housing need. 

 The primary occupant indicates interest in participating in MHU donations by replying to 

the Notice of Interest Letter with the required information. 

o If selected to participate in MHU donations, the primary occupant must return the 

Acknowledgment Letter sent by FEMA, agreeing to be housed by the 

entity/organization approved to receive and manage the MHU. 

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Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

Conditions of Donation: FEMA will not donate any MHU without an MHU Donation 

Agreement signed by FEMA and the recipient entity/organization. The MHU Donation 

Agreement will require the recipient entity/organization to: 

 Use the occupied MHU for the sole purpose of providing temporary housing to a FEMAeligible occupant until the end of the period of assistance or for a minimum of one year, 

whichever is longer, unless: 

o The eligible occupant secures permanent housing earlier; and 

o FEMA is unable to identify another eligible applicant to occupy the unit for the 

remainder of this time period. 

 Ensure the site where each MHU is to be occupied complies with local codes, ordinances, 

44 C.F.R. Part 9, and other EHP compliance procedures detailed in FEMA Instruction 

108-1-1. 

 Obtain and maintain hazard insurance on the unit.95 If the unit is or will be located within 

a SFHA, the recipient entity/organization must also obtain and maintain flood insurance. 

 Not impose a rent or usage fee on an eligible occupant until after FEMA’s initial period 

of assistance has ended. 

 Acknowledge in writing, acceptance of any potential expenses (e.g., permit costs, 

insurance) related to the donation. 

 Comply with the nondiscrimination provisions of the Stafford Act.P98F 

96 

Approval of Recipient Entities or Organizations: The AA for Recovery must approve and 

sign all Donation of Temporary Housing Units Agreements when all the above criteria and 

documentation requirements have been met. Transfer of ownership is complete once the SF-97 

Form, U.S. Government Certificate to Obtain Title, is sent to the entity/organization. Upon 

approval, FEMA sends a Final Notification letter to participating occupants, stating that FEMA 

has approved the donation and giving the date of transfer of responsibility for providing 

temporary housing to the occupant. 

D. Effect of MHU Donations on FEMA Disaster Assistance 

 During the period of assistance, an occupant’s decision not to participate in a MHU sale 

or donation does not affect his/her eligibility for continued Direct Temporary Housing 

Assistance. 

 If an eligible occupant decides to participate in MHU donation, upon the completion of 

the donation, the occupant will no longer be eligible to receive Direct Housing Assistance 

for that declared event unless: 

o The recipient entity/organization fails to comply with the MHU Donation 

Agreement; 

85 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

o The entity/organization’s non-compliance creates an unmet disaster-caused 

temporary housing need for the eligible occupant during the period of assistance; 

and 

o The period of assistance remains open. 

VII. Permanent Housing Construction (PHC) 

FEMA may provide financial assistance or direct assistance to individuals and households to 

construct permanent or semi-permanent housing in insular areas outside the continental U.S. 

FEMA may also consider providing such assistance in other locations where no alternative 

housing resources are available, and other types of Temporary Housing Assistance are infeasible 

or not cost-effective.P9F 

97 P PHC may be provided in the form of direct assistance such as repairs or 

new home construction. Repairs and new construction provided under PHC are limited to real 

property components eligible under FEMA Housing Assistance such as heating, ventilating, and 

air conditioning (HVAC), walls, floors, ceilings, etc. Under PHC, FEMA will not repair or 

replace items eligible under Personal Property Assistance, such as furnishings and appliances. 

A. PHC Request and Approval 

Before authorizing PHC, FEMA will conduct a Direct Housing Assessment, as described 

in 38TSection I: Direct Housing Assistance Request and Approval38T. 

 The assessment must demonstrate that other forms of Temporary Housing Assistance are 

unavailable, insufficient, or infeasible, including MLR, MHUs, and other forms of 

temporary housing. It must also identify all federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal 

government compliance requirements, as well as cultural and climate considerations and 

standard types of housing used in the area. 

 Within PHC, FEMA will prioritize the use of PHC to repair existing homes before 

constructing new homes. FEMA may also use its PHC authority to ship construction 

materials. 

 The AA for Recovery will evaluate the PHC request using information obtained through 

the Direct Housing Assessment and provide approval if the request clearly demonstrates a 

need for PHC. 

Upon receipt of the authorization to implement PHC, FEMA will require the affected state, 

territorial, or tribal government to execute an amendment to the FEMA-State/Territory/Tribal 

Government Agreement. 

B. Conditions of Eligibility 

FEMA may authorize PHC for pre-disaster homeowners. Similar to other forms of Direct 

Housing Assistance, FEMA prioritizes applicants with a real property verified loss of at least 

$17,000. Applicants who have less than $17,000 in FEMA-verified losses may submit an 38Tappeal38T 

86 
 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

with documentation that demonstrates they are not able to use FEMA financial assistance to 

secure temporary housing or afford repairs to make their home safe, sanitary, and functional. 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), 

applicants must meet both of the following conditions in order to receive PHC: 

 Applicants must disclose to FEMA all grants and assistance received, including SBA 

disaster home loans, and return any funds determined to be a DOB to FEMA prior to 

construction including previously awarded Repair or Replacement Assistance. 

 Applicants do not have insurance for repair or replacement. 

Figure 25: Conditions for PHC Repair or New Construction 

C. PHC Terms and Conditions 

Prior to FEMA providing PHC, applicants must: 

 Sign an agreement with FEMA that describes the responsibilities of the applicant and 

FEMA. 

 Agree to obtain and maintain flood insurance coverage on the PHC home for at least the 

value of the PHC residence if the home is located in a SFHA. FEMA will not contribute 

to the cost of flood insurance premiums for PHC residences. 

 Choose between receiving FEMA financial Housing Assistance (Lodging Expense 

Reimbursement, Rental Assistance, Home Repair Assistance, and Replacement 

Assistance) or PHC. 

 Grant right of access and entry upon their property to FEMA and other participating U.S. 

Government agencies, including their agents, employees, contractors, and subcontractors 

for all activities necessary for providing PHC. 

87 
Chapter 5: Housing Assistance (Direct) 

 Accept all responsibility and liability for the PHC home upon completion including but 

not limited to recording fees and other costs associated with obtaining the title. 

 Indemnify and hold harmless FEMA and other participating U.S. Government agencies, 

including their agents, employees, contractors, and subcontractors, from any complaints, 

losses, and damages of sorts, directly or indirectly related to any program-related activity 

on the real property site. 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

The Other Needs Assistance (ONA) provision of the IHP, authorized by section 408(e) of the of 

the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)98, provides 

financial assistance for disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs that are not covered 

by insurance or provided by any other source. Unlike Housing Assistance, ONA is subject to a 

cost share between FEMA and the 

state, territorial, or tribal 

government.99 FEMA, in 

coordination with the state, 

territorial, or tribal government predetermines ONA-eligible items and 

amounts to be awarded. 

I. ONA Options & 

Cost Shares 

FEMA collaborates with the U.S. SBA in determining applicant eligibility for some types of 

ONA. The Small Business Act authorizes the 38TSBA38T to provide low-interest disaster loans to 

applicants who have sustained damage in a disaster. An applicant must meet a minimum income 

test, which the SBA establishes, to be considered for a loan. FEMA refers the applicant’s 

registration to SBA if the applicant’s income meets SBA minimum guidelines. FEMA and SBA 

coordinate to ensure that ONA and SBA disaster loans do not cause a duplication of benefits for 

the same type of assistance.P102F 

100 

Figure 26: SBA Disaster Loan application process 

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Figure 27: Other Needs Assistance, Non-SBA-Dependent and SBA-Dependent

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Figure 27: Other Needs Assistance, Non-SBA-Dependent and SBA-Dependent

Category of ONA Type of ONA Assistance

1. Non-SBA-dependent ONA

FEMA provides assistance for these items without 

regard to whether a disaster survivor may obtain a 

SBA loan.

 Funeral

 Medical

 Dental

 Childcare

 Assistance for Miscellaneous Items

2. SBA-dependent ONA

The applicant must first apply to the SBA for a loan 

for these expenses or serious needs.

 Personal Property

 Moving and Storage

 Transportation Assistance

Each type of ONA has specific conditions of eligibility applicants must satisfy prior to being 

considered for assistance. These conditions are described in the appropriate sections of this 

chapter. 

A. Amount of Assistance 

Assistance for an eligible applicant will not exceed the IHP maximum pursuant to section 408(h) 

of the Stafford Act.101 However, for each category of ONA, the affected state, territorial, or tribal 

government will establish the maximum amount of assistance that may be awarded as part of 

their yearly submission of FEMA Form 010-0-11, ONA Administrative Option Selection.P104F 

102 

Figure 28: Excerpt of FEMA Form 010-0-11, ONA Administrative Option Selection 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

B. ONA Cost Share and Administration 

As outlined in section 408(g)(2) of the Stafford Act, FEMA is responsible for 75% of ONA, and 

the state, territorial, or tribal government is 

responsible for the remaining 25% of 

ONA. 

The state, territorial, or tribal government 

may select from the following three 

options for the administration of the ONA: 

 FEMA Option: FEMA is 

responsible for all tasks associated 

with the administration of ONA: 

registration intake, inspection 

services, the processing system, 

disbursing awards, staffing, recovery of funds, case processing, mail processing, 

accessible forms of communication, appeals, and preparing closeout material. FEMA 

utilizes the NEMIS for processing all IHP Assistance, including ONA. FEMA provides 

assistance to applicants, and the state, territorial, or tribal government is responsible for 

reimbursing FEMA for their portion of the cost share.P105F 

103 

 Joint Option: The state, territorial, or tribal government administers ONA jointly with 

FEMA. FEMA is responsible for registration intake, inspection services, the processing 

system, mail processing, and accessible forms of communication. The state, territorial, or 

tribal government is responsible for manually processing awards, staffing, recovery of 

funds, case processing, appeals, and preparing closeout material. The respective state, 

territorial, or tribal government uses NEMIS for ONA processing, but may utilize their 

own system of record for other program administration functions, such as disbursing 

payments.104 

The state, territorial, or tribal government provides assistance to applicants, and FEMA is 

responsible for reimbursing the state, territorial, or tribal government, for its portion of the cost 

share. The state, territorial, or tribal government may utilize 5% of the grant toward 

administrative costs. 

 State, Territorial, or Tribal Government Option: FEMA provides ONA as a grant to 

the state, territorial, or tribal government; therefore, the state, territorial, or tribal 

government administers ONA. The state, territorial, or tribal government is responsible 

for all tasks associated with the administration of ONA. The respective state, territorial, 

or tribal government receives a grant to process the ONA program outside of NEMIS. 

The state, territorial, or tribal government provides assistance to applicants, and FEMA is 

responsible for reimbursing the state, territorial, or tribal government for its portion of the 

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Figure 29: ONA Administrative Option Responsibility

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

cost share. The state, territorial, or tribal government may utilize 5% of the grant toward 

administrative costs.P107F 

105 

Figure 29: ONA Administrative Option Responsibility

Process FEMA Option Joint Option State* Option

Registration Intake FEMA FEMA State

Inspection Services FEMA FEMA State

Processing System FEMA FEMA State

Disbursing Awards FEMA State State

Staffing and Helpline FEMA State State

Recovery of Funds FEMA State State

Case Processing FEMA State State

Mail Processing FEMA FEMA State

Appeal Processing FEMA State State

Preparing Closeout FEMA State State

*Note: The references to “State” include applicable tribal governments and territories. 

ONA Administrative Option Selection form 

Regardless of the administrative option selected, all state, territorial, or tribal governments must 

indicate their option selection every year using the ONA Administrative Option Selection form, 

which must be completed and provided to FEMA by November 30th of each year.106 

The state, territorial, or tribal government also uses the ONA Administrative Option Selection 

form to identify limits for specific ONA items and establish maximum award amounts for 

Transportation Assistance, Funeral Assistance, and Child Care Assistance. Additional line items, 

other than those on FEMA’s Standard Personal Property Line Items list, may be requested when 

submitting or updating the ONA Administrative Option Selection form. 

The Standard Personal Property Line Items 

list identifies all ONA-eligible personal 

property and miscellaneous items, as well as 

the maximum number of items each 

individual or household may receive. 

The state, territorial, or tribal government 

submits the applicable forms to the Regional 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Administrator, who reviews and approves the documentation.107 FEMA Headquarters also 

reviews the documentation to ensure consistency across disasters and for implementation. 

State, territorial, or tribal governments, 

which select the Joint or the State, 

Territorial, or Tribal Government Option, 

must also submit a State Administrative 

Plan (SAP) every three years. 108 The SAP 

describes the procedures the state, 

territorial, or tribal government will use to 

administer ONA.109 The Regional 

Administrator must review and approve the 

SAP prior to submitting the documentation 

to FEMA Headquarters for coordination of implementation.P12F 

110 

Figure 30: The ONA Administrative Option Selection Form and Process 

The ONA Administrative Option Selection form and the SAP may be changed during any nondisaster time period or within three days of a major disaster declaration.111 However, in order for 

a state, territorial, or tribal government to change to the Joint Option or State, Territorial, or 

Tribal Government Option, they must submit a SAP. 

II. Non-Small Business Administration (SBA)-Dependent 

The following types of assistance are non-SBA-dependent, and FEMA does not require the 

applicant to apply for a SBA loan before being considered for these types of ONA. FEMA 

awards applicants for these items up to the limits established by the state, territorial, or tribal 

government in the ONA Administrative Option Selection Form, rather than paying fixed 

amounts based on FEMA inspection verification. 

A. Funeral Assistance 

FEMA provides financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to individuals and 

households with disaster-caused funeral expenses. 112 Unlike most other forms of IHP Assistance, 

an applicant seeking Funeral Assistance does not need to live in the Presidentially-declared 

disaster area to be considered for the assistance. An individual who incurs or will incur expenses 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

related to a death or disinterment directly caused by a declared emergency or major disaster may 

apply for and, if eligible, receive Funeral Assistance. Multiple registrations for the same 

deceased are not allowed. 

The affected state, territorial, or tribal government establishes the maximum amount of Funeral 

Assistance that may be awarded per death or per household as part of the ONA Administrative 

Option Selection form. 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), applicants 

must meet the following conditions in order to receive Funeral Assistance: 

 A state, local, territorial, or tribal government licensed medical official, such as the 

Medical Examiner or Coroner, has determined the disinterment, death, or underlying 

injury causing the death was a direct result of the disaster. Licensed medical officials may 

wish to consider the following parameters prior to making their determination: 

o The time of death in relation to the disaster incident period. 

o The location of the deceased at the time of the disaster in relation to the 

Presidentially-declared disaster area (the deceased does not need to have lived in 

the declared area). 

o The deceased’s medical history, including pre-existing condition(s). 

 The applicant incurred or will incur eligible funeral expenses not covered by other 

sources. Other sources may include burial insurance or monetary assistance from 

voluntary agencies, applicable government programs/agencies, or other entities. 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

o The following items are eligible expenses for interment or reinterment: 

 Transfer of remains; 

 Casket or urn; 

 Burial plot or cremation niche; 

 Marker or headstone; and/or 

 Additional expenses mandated by any applicable state, local, territorial, or 

tribal government laws or ordinances. 

o The following items are eligible expenses only for interment: 

 Transportation for up to two individuals to identify the deceased, if such 

identification is required by state, local, territorial, or tribal government 

authorities; 

 Interment; 

 Funeral services; 

 Clergy or officiant services; and/or 

 Costs associated with producing and certifying up to five death 

certificates. 

o The following items are eligible expenses only for reinterment: 

 Reinterment (including costs for preparing and transporting the remains); 

 Funeral services (limited to the preparation and use of facilities to prepare 

the remains for reinterment); and/or 

 Cost of identifying disinterred human remains. 

Required Documentation 

An applicant must submit: 

 A signed statement from a state, local, territorial, or tribal government licensed medical 

official, such as the Medical Examiner or Coroner, stating the death, the underlying 

injury causing the death, or the disinterment was a direct result of the disaster. 

o FEMA staff may coordinate with the state, local, territorial, or tribal government 

to obtain the required signed statement. 

o FEMA staff will not share the applicant’s personally identifiable information 

when obtaining documentation on the deceased. 

o Where FEMA receives a signed statement from a licensed medical official (e.g., 

Medical Examiner or Coroner) from the state, local, territorial, or tribal 

government which does not clearly state whether the disinterment, deceased’s 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

death, or the underlying injury causing the death was a direct result of the disaster, 

FEMA will work directly with the licensed official to obtain clearer certification. 

 Receipts or verifiable estimates indicating the applicant incurred or will incur eligible 

interment, reinterment, or funeral expenses. 

 Documentation of burial insurance and/or any forms of funeral assistance received from 

voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other entities. 

 For reinterment only, documentation proving that the disinterment occurred in a 

privately-owned, licensed cemetery or burial facility (such as an association or 

community cemetery or burial facility) and the cemetery or burial facility is not 

responsible for reinterring displaced remains. 

o FEMA staff may coordinate with the state, local, territorial, or tribal government 

to obtain the required documentation. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 FEMA may provide assistance to the applicant only up to the Funeral Assistance amount 

established by the state, territorial, or tribal government. 

 For multiple family member deaths, FEMA may provide assistance up to the Funeral 

Assistance amount established by the state, territorial, or tribal government on the ONA 

Administrative Option Selection form. The state, territorial, or tribal government may set 

the assistance amount per death or per household. FEMA may provide assistance to the 

applicant only up to the maximum IHP grant amount for the fiscal year in which the 

disaster was declared. 

 FEMA will not award assistance for funeral expenses if the death was caused by the 

exacerbation of pre-existing condition(s). 

 FEMA will not provide assistance for any of the following: 

o Obituaries 

o Flowers 

o Printed materials such as banners, programs, or register books 

o Catering services, including food 

o Transporting applicant or others to site(s) of funeral services, interment, or 

reinterment 

o Gratuities 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

B. Medical and Dental Assistance 

FEMA provides financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to individuals and 

households with medical or dental expenses caused by a disaster.113 Unlike most other forms of 

IHP Assistance, an applicant seeking Medical or Dental Assistance does not need to live in the 

Presidentially-declared disaster area to be considered for the assistance. Any person who incurs 

disaster-caused medical or dental expenses may apply for and, if eligible, receive Medical or 

Dental Assistance. 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), applicants 

must meet the following conditions in order to receive Medical or Dental Assistance: 

 The medical or dental injury or expense must be a direct result of the disaster, as verified 

by a medical or dental provider. 

o Eligible expenses include costs associated with: 

 Injury or illness caused by the disaster. 

 Pre-existing injury, disability, or medical condition aggravated by the 

disaster. 

 Loss of prescribed 

medication. 

 Loss or damage of 

personal medical or 

dental equipment. 

 Medical or dental 

insurance deductibles 

and co-payments for 

eligible expenses. 

 Medical or dental expenses will not 

be eligible for FEMA 

reimbursement if they are covered 

by insurance or any other source. 

Required Documentation 

Required documentation must indicate the 

expense was caused by the disaster, is medically-required, and includes the amount of expense. 

 Disaster-caused injury or illness documentation includes both of the following: 

o Itemized bills, receipts, or estimates from the medical or dental provider or 

pharmacy 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

o A written statement from a medical or dental provider including the date of 

disaster-caused injury and 

expenses necessary for 

recovery 

 Loss of prescribed medication 

documentation includes all of the 

following: 

o A written and signed 

statement by the applicant or the applicant’s medical or dental provider verifying

the loss was caused by the disaster 

o A written and signed statement from a medical or dental provider verifying the 

prescription is required and was previously prescribed to the applicant or a 

household member 

o Receipts or other verifiable documentation from the pharmacy showing the 

replacement cost of the prescribed medication 

 Loss or damage of medical or dental equipment documentation includes all of the 

following: 

o A written and signed statement by the applicant or the medical or dental provider 

verifying the loss was caused by the disaster 

o A written and signed statement from a medical or dental provider verifying the 

applicant or household member required the medical or dental equipment prior to 

the disaster 

o Itemized bills, receipts, or estimates showing repair or replacement cost of the 

medical or dental equipment 

Medical or dental insurance settlements must be provided if the applicant has medical or dental 

insurance. Applicants who do not have medical or dental insurance must submit a signed 

Medical or Dental Statement of Insurance, which will be provided to the applicant via a Request 

for Information letter. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 Medically-required generators purchased or rented to power equipment necessary for an 

existing medical condition may be considered under Assistance for Miscellaneous Items 

rather than Medical and Dental Assistance. For additional information, see Section I.D.: 

Assistance for Miscellaneous Items. 

 IHP Assistance for replacing lost or damaged medical or dental equipment is limited to 

items of similar quality and function as the item being replaced. 

98 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

 IHP Assistance for medical and dental services does not include medically unnecessary 

procedures (e.g., procedures designed to enhance appearance, such as teeth whitening). 

 A limited number of accessible items are available for applicants with disabilities under 

Personal Property Assistance. To be eligible, these items must have been owned prior to 

the disaster and sustained disaster-caused damage or loss. For additional information, see 

Section II.A.: Personal Property Assistance. 

C. Child Care Assistance 

FEMA provides financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to eligible individuals 

and households who have a disaster-caused increased financial burden for child care. FEMA will 

award a one-time payment for Child Care Assistance for the household’s increased financial 

burden for up to eight cumulative weeks of child care, plus any eligible expenses, or the 

maximum amount of assistance for Child Care Assistance identified by the state, territorial, or 

tribal government, whichever is less. FEMA may provide financial assistance to address disastercaused child care expenses for eligible households with: 

 Children aged 13 and under; and/or 

 Children aged 14 up to 18 with a disability, as defined by federal law, who need 

assistance caring for themselves. 

The respective state, territorial, or tribal government must establish the maximum amount of 

Child Care Assistance as part of the annual ONA Administrative Option Selection process. 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), applicants 

must have a disaster-caused increase in financial burden for child care through an increase in 

child care costs and/or a decrease in gross household income, and certify they cannot utilize child 

care services provided by any other source (e.g., other federal assistance for child care, private 

employer child care services, etc.) in order to qualify for Child Care Assistance. 

 Eligible child care expenses include standard child care service fees. 

 Registration and health inventory fees may be eligible expenses only for applicants 

who require a new child care service 

provider. 

 FEMA compares the percentage of 

the household’s gross income spent 

for child care expenses before the 

disaster to the percentage spent 

following the disaster to determine 

if the post-disaster child care costs 

create a financial burden. For 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

example, if the household’s pre-disaster income was $3500 per week and pre-disaster 

child care costs were $750 per week, child care costs were 21.4% of the household’s 

income pre-disaster. If the post-disaster income is $3500 per week and post-disaster child 

care costs are $1,000 per week, child care costs are now 28.6% of the household’s 

income post-disaster. 

Figure 31: Example - Comparison of Pre- and Post-Disaster Child Care Costs 

 If the percentage of household gross income spent on child care post-disaster is higher 

than the percentage of household gross income spent on child care pre-disaster, the 

household has an increased financial burden for child care and may be eligible for 

assistance. In the example above, the percentage of the household’s gross income spent 

on child care is 7.2% higher than the percentage of the household’s gross income spent 

on child care pre-disaster. Because the household has an increased burden for child care, 

they may be eligible for assistance. 

 The applicant’s post-disaster child care provider must be licensed, regulated, or registered 

under applicable state, local, territorial, or tribal government law to qualify for assistance. 

Required Documentation 

In order for FEMA to determine a disaster-caused need for Child Care Assistance, an applicant 

must submit: 

 Pre- and post-disaster gross household income documentation. 

 Pre-disaster receipts or an affidavit for child care expenses, if receipts cannot be located. 

 Post-disaster receipts or estimates for child care fees, registration, and/or health inventory 

fees. 

 A child care provider’s license, if the information cannot be located within a respective

state, local, territorial, or tribal government’s licensed provider database. 

 A child care contract or agreement. 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

 Medical professional’s statements, if applicable, to verify disability for children aged 14 

up to 18 in need of care. 

 A written statement from the applicant acknowledging: 

o The expected length of time the applicant believes they will have a disastercaused need for Child Care Assistance. 

o The applicant is not receiving assistance from another source that meets their 

child care needs. This may include services that are free of charge; assistance 

from the state, local, territorial, or tribal government; compensation from any 

other government organization; assistance from their employer; etc. 

o The information submitted is true and correct. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 FEMA limits Child Care Assistance to up to eight cumulative weeks per child or per 

household or the maximum amount of assistance established by the state, territorial, or 

tribal government, whichever is less. 

 FEMA will only provide Child Care Assistance to one applicant on behalf of the 

child(ren). 

 If a child is a member of multiple 

households, FEMA will only award 

assistance to the parent/guardian 

with whom the child resides the 

majority of the calendar year. 

 FEMA will not provide assistance 

for any of the following: 

o Fees for extra-curricular activities and additional services (e.g., school 

photographs, field trips) 

o Optional fees that do not alter the day-to-day child care services provided to the 

eligible child (e.g., prepared lunches, snacks, facility-provided linens, etc.) 

o Fuel expenses related to transporting the child to and from the child care provider 

(e.g., school bus service) 

o Education services (e.g., after-school tutoring) 

o Medical care or services 

o Recreational camps or clubs (e.g., after-school clubs, overnight camps) 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

D. Assistance for Miscellaneous Items 

FEMA provides financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to individuals and 

households with certain disaster-caused miscellaneous expenses.114 Eligible items must be 

purchased or rented after the incident to assist with the applicant’s disaster recovery, such as 

gaining access to the property or assisting with cleaning efforts. Items damaged by the disaster 

that were owned prior to the disaster will be considered under Personal Property Assistance. 

State, territorial, and tribal governments, in consultation with FEMA, have identified standard 

miscellaneous line items. However, the state, territorial, or tribal government may elect not to 

include all of these items as eligible for reimbursement: 

 Carbon Monoxide Detector 

 Chainsaw 

 Dehumidifier 

 Generator 

o (see “Generator expenses only” under this section’s Limitations and Exclusions)) 

 Humidifier 

 Smoke Detector 

 Weather Radio 

State, territorial, and tribal governments may request additional miscellaneous line items on the 

ONA Administrative Option Selection form, during any non-disaster time period or within 72 

hours of a major disaster declaration.115 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), applicants 

must meet the following conditions in order to receive Assistance for Miscellaneous Items: 

 The expense must be a direct result of the disaster. 

 The item must have been purchased or rented within 30 days from the incident start date 

or up to the last day of the incident period, whichever is greater. 

 Generator exception: The qualifying incident period for the event starts the day the 

Governor declares a State of Emergency and ends at the incident period closure date 

identified by FEMA in the Federal Register, or the date power is restored to the 

applicant’s dwelling, whichever comes first.

 Applicants must provide an itemized receipt or equipment rental agreement for eligible 

expenses. 

 The expense must not be covered by insurance or provided by any other source. 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 If the applicant owned the eligible miscellaneous item prior to the disaster and the item 

was damaged by the disaster, the item will be considered under Personal Property 

Assistance. 

 Assistance for Miscellaneous Items is limited to the amount established for the item by 

the state, territorial, or tribal government on the ONA Administrative Option Selection 

form. 

 Generator expenses only: 

o The generator must be purchased or 

rented to power a medicallyrequired piece of equipment, 

including medically-required 

refrigerators. 

o The generator must be purchased or 

rented due to a disruption in 

electrical utility service as a result of 

the disaster. 

o The applicant must submit a 

statement from a medical services provider, indicating the equipment is medically 

necessary. 

o The allowable grant amount for generators is limited to the prevailing retail or 

rental rate for a 5.5 kw-sized generator, as identified by FEMA. 

o The reimbursement of generator rental cost is limited to the period the generator 

was rented until commercial power was restored to the dwelling. The Joint Field 

Office is responsible for providing officially verified commercial 

outage/restoration information. 

o The Assistant Administrator (AA) for Recovery may waive one or more 

conditions of eligibility during extraordinary circumstances (e.g., sustained power 

outage during a period of subfreezing temperatures) when 

determined to be in the public’s 

interest. 

Chainsaw expenses only: 

o The chainsaw must be purchased or 

rented to gain access to and/or 

remove hazards from the home. 

o Applicants who receive financial 

Housing Assistance or have 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

insurance coverage for debris or tree removal costs may not receive Assistance for 

Miscellaneous Items for chainsaw reimbursement. 

E. Critical Needs Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance to applicants who have immediate or critical needs 

because they are displaced from their primary dwelling. Immediate or critical needs are lifesaving and life-sustaining items including, but not limited to: water, food, first aid, prescriptions, 

infant formula, diapers, consumable medical supplies, durable medical equipment, personal 

hygiene items, and fuel for transportation. 

Program Request and Approval 

An affected state, territorial, or tribal government must submit a written request to FEMA to 

implement Critical Needs Assistance (CNA) for specific geographic areas identified by FEMA 

and the state, territorial, or tribal government. FEMA’s Assistant Administrator for Recovery

may authorize assistance when the identified areas are or will be inaccessible for seven days or 

longer. 

Conditions of Eligibility 

Applicants will be considered for assistance if all of the 

following apply: 

 They pass FEMA’s identity verification process. 

 At registration, they assert that they have critical 

needs and request financial assistance for those 

needs and expenses. 

 Their pre-disaster primary residence is in an area 

designated for CNA. 

 They are displaced from their pre-disaster primary 

residence as a result of the disaster. 

Applicants for CNA are not initially required to complete FEMA 38TForm 009-0-3, Declaration and 

Release38T, prior to receiving CNA. However, applicants must complete the Declaration and 

Release and provide it to FEMA after receiving CNA. Applicants who fail to complete a 

Declaration and Release may be required to return CNA funds to FEMA. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

Unless otherwise authorized by the AA for Recovery and the respective state, territorial, or tribal 

government: 

 CNA is limited to $500 per eligible household; and 

 CNA will be awarded as a one-time payment. 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

III. SBA-Dependent 

The following types of assistance are SBA-dependent. Applicants who were referred to the SBA 

but who did not qualify for an SBA loan, or who were approved for a partial loan but the amount 

of the loan was insufficient to meet the applicant’s disaster expenses or serious needs, may be

referred back to FEMA to determine their eligibility for Personal Property Assistance, 

Transportation Assistance, Moving and Storage Assistance, and a Group Flood Insurance Policy 

certificate. 

A. Personal Property Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to repair or replace 

personal property damaged or destroyed due to a disaster.116 The ONA Administrative Option 

Section form includes a list of eligible items, also known as the Standard Personal Property Line 

Items list that may be considered for assistance. The affected state, territorial, or tribal 

government has the ability to request that items be added to or removed from the list within 72 

hours of an IA declaration. 

FEMA and the affected state, territorial, or 

tribal government establish a maximum 

quantity that may be awarded for each 

personal property item. FEMA calculates 

the award amount for each item according 

to the consumer price index data for items 

of average quality, size, and capacity in the 

area where the damage occurred. The 

assistance is intended to meet the basic 

needs of the household, not to restore all 

personal property items to a pre-disaster 

condition. 

When applicants reside in the same damaged pre-disaster residence and are not classified by 

FEMA as roommates or boarders, the owner or head of household will be considered responsible 

for the personal property in the common living areas up to the quantity limit. However, a 

household member could be eligible if the owner, head of household, or landlord has not met the 

item quantity limit. The household members may be awarded the minimum amount of assistance 

to meet the household needs, not to exceed the quantity limit. (For more information about 

roommates and boarders, see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility.) 

FEMA will record personal property as being unaffected or needing repair or replacement during 

inspection of the applicant’s damaged primary residence. FEMA assistance to repair and replace 

personal property falls within the following categories: 

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Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

 Appliances: Includes standard household appliances, such as a refrigerator, washing 

machine, etc. 

 Clothing: Essential clothing needed 

due to overall loss, damage, or 

contamination. 

 Room furnishings: Standard 

furnishings found in a bedroom, 

kitchen, bathroom, and living room. 

 Essential Tools: Tools and equipment 

required by an employer as a condition 

of employment and items required as a 

condition of an applicant’s or

household member’s education.

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of 

eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), applicants must meet the following conditions in 

order to receive Personal Property Assistance: 

 The item needs to be repaired or replaced. 

 The occupants of the household have an unmet disaster-related need for the damaged 

item. FEMA may not provide assistance if the applicant can meet that need with another 

similar item in their possession or available to the household. 

 The item was owned and being used by occupants of the household. 

o FEMA does not provide assistance for furnishings and/or appliances provided by 

a landlord. 

o Items used by guests and relatives who were not members of the pre-disaster 

household are not eligible for assistance. 

Applicants must also meet specific eligibility requirements for each category of item for 

which they are requesting Personal Property Assistance. These include: 

 Appliances: Assistance is based on the number and type of household appliances in need 

of repair or replacement. Applicants may receive assistance for two appliances that serve 

a similar purpose or function (e.g., a range and a microwave). 

 Clothing: Assistance is based on the number of household members requiring clothing as 

determined during FEMA inspection. FEMA defines an essential need for clothing if 

existing clothing has been destroyed, is physically gone (e.g., blown away), or 

contaminated by chemicals or sewer backup as a result of disaster. FEMA expects 

106 
 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

applicants to clean clothing soaked by wind-driven rain, seepage, or flood waters. Stored 

clothing is generally not eligible for assistance. 

 Room Furnishings: Assistance is based on the level of damage to furnishings within 

specific rooms of the residence as recorded during FEMA inspection. The rooms must be 

one of the four types required to meet the needs of a typical household: kitchen, living 

room, bathroom, or bedroom. 

 Essential Tools: Assistance is based on a 

need to replace essential tools, supplies, 

and equipment owned pre-disaster that are 

required by an employer as a condition for 

employment and items required as a 

condition of an applicant’s or household 

member’s education. This includes tools 

and equipment required for a specific trade 

or profession. Eligible items that fall under 

essential tools are listed below: 

o Schoolbooks/Supplies: Equipment 

and supplies required to be provided by the applicant for educational courses or 

schooling, including home schooling, college, and trade school courses. 

o Uniforms: Required for school or work when the applicant is responsible for 

replacement of the uniforms. 

o Computers: Required by a school or an employer (not self-employment) when the 

applicant is responsible for the replacement of the computer. 

o Occupational Tools: Essential tools and equipment required by an employer (not 

self-employment) as a condition of employment. 

Applicants may be asked to provide the following documentation for essential tools: 

o A statement from the employer on company letterhead documenting the applicant 

is required to provide their own tools as a condition of employment. 

o A statement on school letterhead documenting a computer is required as a 

condition of education and the school does not provide access to computers to use 

outside of class, such as a school computer lab. 

o An itemized list of the tools required by the employer, also on company 

letterhead. 

o An itemized list of each tool required and a verifiable statement, estimate, or bill 

from the place of the potential purchase stating that the damage was caused by the 

disaster. 

107 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

 Accessible Items: FEMA also provides assistance for damaged personal property items 

required for applicants with disabilities. The list includes accessible beds, raised toilet 

seats, accessible refrigerators, accessible washers, and computers or adaptive telephones 

when utilized as the household’s sole means of communication. Motorized wheel chairs, 

shower chairs, visual/vibrating fire signals, walkers, and wheelchairs are also eligible 

items. If an applicant has additional medically-required assistive devices not included in 

the list above, they may request assistance to replace those items under the Medical and 

Dental Assistance category of ONA (see Section I. B.: Medical and Dental Assistance). 

Limitations and Exclusions 

Financial assistance for flood-damaged personal property in basements is limited to both of the 

following: 

 Washers and dryers 

 Essential personal property in rooms 

required for the occupation of the 

dwelling (for example, occupied 

bedrooms, a bathroom required for the 

occupied bedroom, a sole kitchen or 

living room) 

B. Transportation Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to individuals and 

households with disaster-caused vehicle repair or replacement expenses.P19F 

117 P Unlike most other

forms of IHP Assistance, an applicant seeking Transportation Assistance does not need to live in 

the Presidentially-declared disaster area to be considered for the assistance. 

The affected state, territorial, or tribal 

government uses the ONA Administrative 

Option Selection form to establish the 

maximum amount of Transportation Assistance 

(i.e., Transportation Repair and Transportation 

Replacement) that may be awarded. The 

amount of Transportation Repair and 

Replacement Assistance awarded is based on 

the degree of damage and the state, territorial, 

or tribal government’s repair and replacement 

maximum. 

108 
 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), 

applicants must meet the following conditions in order to receive Transportation Assistance: 

 The vehicle sustained disaster-caused damages, and the damage occurred within the 

Presidentially-declared disaster area. 

 The damaged vehicle is an approved vehicle type; eligible vehicles include but may not 

be limited to vans, trucks, sport utility vehicles, and cars. 

o Other modes of transportation may be added to the ONA Administrative Option 

Selection form by the state, territorial, or tribal government during any nondisaster time period or within three days of a major disaster declaration. This may 

include boats, motorcycles, golf carts, or other non-standard modes of primary 

transportation. 

 The damaged vehicle is in compliance with its state, territorial, or tribal government’s 

registration and insurance requirements at the time of the disaster. 

 The damaged vehicle is owned or 

leased (i.e., not a rental vehicle) by 

the applicant, co-applicant, or 

household member. 

 The applicant does not own an 

operational and unaffected second 

vehicle. 

o An operational vehicle is 

defined as a vehicle that 

may need cosmetic repairs 

or incurred minimal damage 

but is in compliance with its 

state, territorial, or tribal 

government’s registration 

and insurance requirements 

at the time of the disaster 

and can be legally driven. 

Required Documentation 

Generally, FEMA will verify vehicle 

damage during an on-site inspection and record it as repairable or destroyed. If the vehicle is 

not available at the time of inspection or if the applicant does not receive an on-site inspection, 

FEMA requests that applicants submit: 

109 
 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

 A copy of the vehicle registration valid at the time of the disaster for the damaged 

vehicle(s). 

 A list of all vehicle(s) owned (year, make, and model) and a brief description of damage 

for each vehicle. 

 Proof of liability insurance coverage or statement that insurance coverage does not exist. 

 For vehicle repair, a verifiable bill, receipt, or estimate from a mechanic that does the 

following: 

o Confirms the damage is disaster-caused 

o Identifies repair or replacement costs (e.g., parts, service, and labor) 

o Includes the mechanic’s contact information

 For vehicle replacement, documentation 

from the state, local, territorial, or tribal 

government, towing company, or other 

verifiable agencies to confirm the 

vehicle was towed and salvaged due to 

the disaster and access to the vehicle is 

no longer available. 

o If the vehicle was towed to an 

accessible location and a salvage 

notification was not provided by 

a government entity, the 

applicant will be required to 

obtain and submit a statement, 

estimate, or bill from a 

mechanic. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 FEMA will not award assistance for cosmetic damage to a vehicle. 

 Assistance is usually limited to one vehicle. However, in instances where any additional 

unaffected and operational vehicles owned by members of the household are not 

sufficient to meet the needs of the household, FEMA may award assistance to repair or 

replace a second damaged vehicle. Any additional vehicles would be required to meet all 

applicable conditions of eligibility, as referenced above. Additionally, the applicant must 

certify in writing that the damaged vehicle is essential for the household’s daily usage, 

outline the relevant circumstances, and explain the serious need for a second vehicle. 

110 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

C. Moving and Storage Assistance 

FEMA may provide financial assistance under the ONA provision of the IHP to individuals and 

households to avoid additional disaster damage.118 Generally this includes storage of personal 

property while repairs are being made to the primary residence and returning the property to the 

applicant’s primary residence.119 

FEMA may provide assistance with eligible moving and storage expenses through the period of 

assistance or up to the IHP maximum, whichever comes first. 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), 

applicants must meet the following conditions in order to receive Moving and Storage 

Assistance: 

 The applicant’s primary residence was rendered uninhabitable due to the disaster.

 The property being moved and/or stored is considered as essential household goods (such 

as appliances and furniture). 

 The applicant is moving and/or storing essential household goods to prevent additional 

damage and returning the items to the individual’s or household’s primary residence.

Eligible Expenses: Moving and Storage Assistance may be provided for, but is not limited to, all 

of the following expenses: 

 Costs for commercial moving labor 

 Moving truck rental fee 

 Fuel for the rental vehicle 

 Costs for tape and boxes 

 Storage unit fees 

 Associated sales taxes 

Ineligible Expenses: All of the following 

expenses are ineligible: 

 Moving and storage of recreational 

items (e.g., fishing gear, canoes, jet 

skis) 

 Costs incurred for the moving and storage of items as a preventative measure prior to the 

disaster 

111 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

 Expenses for essential personal property that is permanently moved out of the damaged 

pre-disaster residence and will not be returned to the applicant’s primary residence

 Optional insurance and security deposits listed on applicant’s receipts, bills, or estimates 

Required Documentation 

Applicants must submit: 

 Receipts, bills, or estimates with associated dates for the moving expenses. 

 Receipts or bills with associated dates for storage expenses. 

 Statements with all of the following: 

o The reason(s) moving and storage expenses were required 

o A description of the essential household goods being stored 

o Information indicating the essential household goods are being stored while 

repairs to the primary residence are being made 

o Information indicating the essential household goods will be returned to the 

primary residence 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 When the cause of damage is flooding and the applicant failed to maintain flood 

insurance as required as a condition of receiving previous federal assistance, FEMA is 

unable to provide assistance for the first $1,000 of moving expenses. 

 The applicant may qualify for assistance in moving the essential personal property 

directly into a temporary housing unit to prevent further damage if they are returning the 

items back to the primary residence once repairs have been completed. 

D. Group Flood Insurance Policy 

The Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP) refers to a flood insurance policy established under 

the NFIP regulations.120 FEMA may pay $600 under ONA121 for three years of flood insurance 

for eligible ONA recipients of assistance for flood-damaged property (personal and real) located 

in a SFHA on which FEMA places a flood insurance requirement. 

As part of the effort to reduce future expenses from floods, FEMA directly purchases GFIP 

certificates on behalf of applicants who are required to purchase and maintain flood insurance 

but who may not otherwise be able to purchase a policy. The GFIP is a policy that is established 

for each disaster declaration that results from flooding and authorizes the provision of Individual 

Assistance. 

112 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Conditions of Eligibility 

In addition to meeting general conditions of eligibility (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility), 

applicants must meet the following conditions in order to be considered for a GFIP certificate: 

 FEMA verifies that damage to the applicant’s property is caused by flooding and the

damaged items are insurable under NFIP. 

 The applicant does not have flood insurance coverage at the time of the disaster. 

 The applicant’s damaged residence is located in a SFHA. 

 The applicant’s damaged residence is not located in a sanctioned community, CBRS area, 

or OPA. 

 The applicant does not have a previous requirement to maintain flood insurance as a 

condition of receiving IHP Assistance. 

 The applicant is referred to ONA. 

o Applicants who accept an SBA loan during the disaster in which a flood insurance 

requirement is set will not be considered for a FEMA-purchased GFIP certificate. 

o Applicants who were referred to the SBA, did not qualify for a SBA loan, and 

were referred back to FEMA may be considered for a FEMA-purchased GFIP 

certificate. 

 The applicant is eligible for Home Repair, Replacement, or Personal Property Assistance, 

prompting the requirement to maintain flood insurance on the damaged residence and 

initiating the GFIP. 

113 
 

Chapter 6: Other Needs Assistance (ONA) 

Applicant Notification and Response 

 Pre-disaster owners included in the GFIP receive notification from FEMA stating they 

have been included in the policy as well as a “Certificate of Flood Insurance;” applicants 

do not receive a copy of the actual policy. Applicants do not have the ability to decline 

the GFIP. 

 Pre-disaster renters will only receive a GFIP certificate if they notify FEMA within six 

months of receiving a GFIP notification letter that they have moved back or intend to 

move back to their pre-disaster residence. 

o GFIP certificates are not transferable to a new renter of a rental unit and are not 

transferable to a new rental address. 

 FEMA gives applicants a 60-day notice of policy expiration and a final notice of 

termination of coverage. When the GFIP expires, the applicant is responsible for 

purchasing and maintaining flood insurance on their own. Failure to maintain flood 

insurance will affect applicant eligibility for future disaster assistance. 

Limitations and Exclusions 

 If the cost of a GFIP policy exceeds the remaining amount of IHP Assistance available to 

the applicant, then FEMA will not purchase a policy. The applicant will still be 

responsible for purchasing a policy on their own. 

 Applicants who own or rent travel trailers on non-permanent foundations are not eligible 

for GFIP.P124 F 

122 

114 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

Chapter 7: Recovery of Program Funds 

Federal agencies are required to take action to identify and recover improper payments, whether 

made in error or obtained by fraud, per the following federal laws: 

 Debt Collection Improvement Act 

of 1996 (DCIA) 

 Improper Payments and 

Information Act of 2002 (IPIA) 

 Improper Payments Elimination 

and Recovery Act of 2010 (IPERA) 

 Improper Payments Elimination 

and Recovery Improvement Act of 

2012 (IPERIA) 

In addition, the applicant must agree to 

return funds to FEMA when the assistance 

provided by FEMA: duplicates assistance 

from another source, 123 

F P was provided in 

error, was spent on expenses inappropriately, 

or was obtained through fraudulent 

means.124 P126F 

After every disaster, FEMA is required to 

review disaster assistance payments to 

ensure taxpayer dollars were properly spent. 

Those reviews often show a small 

percentage of specific cases where disaster 

assistance was given to applicants who were 

not eligible for some or all of the money 

they received. FEMA collects these overpayments through a process called “recoupment.”

FEMA employs a deliberative process to identify and verify payments that must be recouped and 

established as debts. This process involves multiple levels of FEMA staff and management 

review and validation before a debt is established. When FEMA determines assistance was given 

to applicants who were not eligible for some or all of the money received, FEMA IA program 

staff notifies the applicant in writing of their potential debt and their right to appeal the decision. 

After the applicant exhausts their appeal rights, or the period to appeal the debt expires, the 

FEMA Finance Center (FFC) is responsible for establishing the debt and implementing debt 

collection activities. The FFC has the authority to compromise, suspend, and terminate debts. 

Unpaid debts are referred to the U.S. Department of Treasury (Treasury) for collection. 

115 
 

 

 

Figure 32: FEMA Deliberative Process for Identifying and Validating Debt Payments 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

I. Reasons for Recovery of Funds 

FEMA requests the return of IHP Assistance for the following reasons: 

 DOB,125 which occurs when FEMA provides funds that were also previously received 

from another source, such as insurance or another federal agency. A DOB may also occur 

when multiple applicants in a household receive an award for the same item or type of 

assistance. 

 Assistance provided in error, which occurs when FEMA determines assistance was 

provided to the applicant for which they are not eligible. 

 Misuse of funds, which occurs when FEMA determines the applicant spent the funds 

inappropriately (e.g., using assistance to pay off credit card debt). 

 Potential fraud, which occurs when FEMA determines the applicant obtained the 

assistance through false means (e.g., false address, submitting false or altered documents, 

misrepresenting insurance coverage, etc.). 

Figure 32: FEMA Deliberative Process for Identifying and Validating Debt Payments

Steps Process 

Identifying 

Potential Debt 

FEMA staff review cases to identify potential debts and submit the case for 

additional review and validation.

Verifying Debt Each case is assigned to another FEMA staff member who reviews to ensure the 

decision to request an applicant return funds to FEMA is absolutely necessary. 

All reasonable efforts are made to identify assistance the applicant was eligible to 

receive and does not need to be returned. FEMA may contact applicants at this 

stage to give them an opportunity to provide additional documentation to resolve 

the issue.

Potential Debt 

Notification and 

Appeal 

Multiple FEMA managers are required to review each case and concur on the 

type and amount of assistance that must be returned. FEMA managers also 

review the case to ensure all appropriate steps to resolve the issue were taken.

When FEMA managers determine the assistance must be returned, a written 

notice is sent to the applicant notifying them of their potential debt, the reason the 

applicant is not eligible for the assistance provided, and information regarding 

how they may appeal and/or request an oral hearing.

Establishing Debt If an applicant does not appeal the decision or their appeal is not granted, FEMA 

staff validate the debt and forward the debt to the FFC to implement debt 

collection activities.

Debt Compromise, 

Suspension, and 

Termination

Once a debt has been established, applicants may work with the FFC to make 

payment arrangements. In limited circumstances, the FFC may suspend or 

terminate debt collection.

Transfer of Debt 

to U.S. Treasury

If the debt is not paid within 120 days, FEMA refers the debt to Treasury for 

collection.

116 
 

 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

II. Identifying and Verifying Potential Debts 

FEMA may identify a case where an applicant may need to return funds as a result of routine 

internal reviews, information provided by the applicant, reports from other agencies, or audits 

conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), Fraud and Internal Investigations 

Division (FIID), or OIG. When FEMA identifies that funds may need to be returned, at least two 

FEMA employees review the applicant’s case to determine if an error or improper payment has 

been made. Each FEMA employee compares the assistance provided to the amount the applicant 

was eligible for during the review process. When the case reviews indicate an error was made, 

FEMA will, whenever possible, attempt to obtain additional information that may demonstrate 

that the funds do not need to be repaid by contacting the applicant, contractors, landlords, 

insurance companies, or other third parties. After the additional information has been obtained, 

FEMA employees may determine that the funds were properly awarded and close the review. 

When the review confirms that an error or improper payment has been made, the case is 

provided to a senior manager within the IHP program office at FEMA Headquarters for a final 

review. 

III. Notice of Potential Debt and Appeal Process 

Once FEMA has determined that the applicant was awarded more assistance than they were 

eligible for, FEMA IA staff will send the applicant a written “Notice of Potential Debt” 

identifying all of the following: 

 The amount of assistance the applicant received for 

which FEMA has determined the applicant is ineligible 

 The reason(s) the applicant is not eligible for the 

assistance provided 

 The process for appealing the decision, including the 

process for requesting an oral hearing 

 The documentation required to dispute the ineligibility 

determination 

 The notice that a final determination will be provided 

to the applicant informing them whether a debt is owed 

Applicants who disagree with the potential debt amount or 

reason may submit a written appeal or request for an oral 

hearing within 60 days of the date on the FEMA potential debt notification letter (for more 

information about appeals, (see Chapter 2: IHP Eligibility). When an applicant submits an 

appeal, FEMA will evaluate their case, including any new information submitted, to determine 

whether the potential debt stands in whole or in part. 

117 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

A. Oral Hearings 

Applicants may request an oral hearing as part of their written appeal. FEMA will only grant oral 

hearings in limited cases, when there is an issue of identity theft, credibility, or truthfulness, and 

the case cannot be decided solely on the review of documents. The Alternate Dispute Resolution 

Division within FEMA’s Office of Chief Counsel conducts the hearing. If the Oral Hearing 

Officer decides not to grant an oral hearing, that decision is final and cannot be appealed. 

The Oral Hearing Officer reviews all of the information regarding the case before the hearing. If 

the case was previously investigated for potential fraud, the Oral Hearing Officer’s review will

include reports and information gathered during the investigation. During oral hearings, 

applicants are permitted to present information and witness statements to support their claim(s), 

and FEMA staff represent the Agency’s position. 

If a potential fraud investigation is conducted, a representative from the Fraud Investigation and 

Prevention Branch will present information about the investigation and report during the oral 

hearing. Oral hearing decisions are considered final agency determinations that cannot be 

appealed, and a decision letter drafted by the Oral Hearing Officer is mailed to the applicant. 

B. FEMA Appeal Determination 

FEMA evaluates an applicant’s case and their appeal and makes a final written decision within 

90 days after receiving the appeal, or 90 days after concluding the oral hearing. 

 Based on a review of the applicant’s appeal, FEMA may grant an appeal challenging the 

reason for the potential debt or the amount of the potential debt. 

o When FEMA grants an appeal for the reason for the potential debt, FEMA will 

terminate the debt and return any money the applicant paid to FEMA. 

o When FEMA grants an appeal for any amount of the potential debt, FEMA will 

adjust the amount of the debt based on the appeal decision when: 

 An applicant already paid the debt. FEMA will return any money to the 

applicant that was in excess of the final debt amount based on the appeal. 

 The final debt amount based on the appeal was more than the amount the 

applicant already paid. FEMA will continue to collect any remaining 

portion of the reduced debt. 

 The applicant has not made any payments to FEMA for the debt. FEMA 

will implement debt collection activities. 

 Based on a review of the applicant’s appeal, FEMA may deny an appeal challenging the 

reason or amount for the potential debt. If FEMA denies the appeal, FEMA’s decision is 

considered a final agency determination and may not be appealed again. 

118 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

FEMA establishes the debt amount after the appeal period expires and all decisions are rendered 

on any appeals received, and forwards the debt to the FFC to implement debt collection 

activities. As part of the debt collection activities, the FFC will provide each applicant the 

opportunity to make payment arrangements. 

IV. Debt Compromise, Suspension, or Termination 

Once a debt has been established, the FFC sends a written “Notice and Demand Letter” (NDL) to 

the applicant that informs them of the debt, the interest and penalties that will start to accrue on 

the debt if it is not paid, and their right to make payment arrangements. Through this process, the 

FFC also has the ability to compromise, suspend, or terminate debt collection in certain 

circumstances. 

A. Debt Compromise 

The NDL states the applicant may request payment arrangements, and the FFC reviews any 

requests. If additional information is needed to determine payment arrangements, the FFC will 

request the information from the applicant. If the FFC determines that the debtor does not have 

the ability to pay, it may compromise the debt, in full 

or in part. If the applicant’s financial situation does not

warrant a compromise of the debt, or is otherwise not 

qualified due to a substantial finding of fraud, the FFC 

will notify the applicant. 

B. Debt Suspension 

FEMA may suspend debt collection activities at any time during the collection process for two 

reasons: FEMA has been made aware that the applicant is now deceased and/or FEMA suspects 

potential fraud at any time during the collection process. 

Once additional information is gathered, FEMA may resume collection of a deceased applicant’s 

debt if one of the following applies: 

 There is a living co-applicant who registered with FEMA. 

 The deceased applicant’s estate contains sufficient assets to cover some portion of the 

established debt. 

FEMA does not initiate debt collection on cases of potential fraud until they have been 

investigated by the FIID and/or OIG, and the DOJ has declined to pursue legal action. If 

potential fraud is suspected during any part of the debt collection process, the case is referred to 

the FIID and/or OIG and FEMA will not resume debt collection activities until the case has been 

investigated by the OIG and the DOJ has declined to pursue legal action. 

119 
 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

C. Debt Termination 

FEMA may terminate debt collection efforts when: 

 FEMA is unable to collect any substantial amount through its own efforts or through the 

efforts of others. 

 FEMA is unable to locate the debtor. 

 The debt is legally without merit or enforcement of the debt is barred by any applicable 

statute of limitations. 

 The debt has been discharged in bankruptcy. 

 Costs of collection are anticipated to exceed the amount recoverable. 

 The applicant is deceased and no assets remain in the estate sufficient to cover some 

portion of the established debt. 

 A debt is returned by Treasury to FEMA as uncollectable. 

V. Transfer of Debt to Treasury 

The FFC refers the unpaid debt to Treasury for collection if a debt is not paid in full, the debt is 

not being paid on schedule when there is an established payment plan, or the debt was not 

compromised, suspended, or terminated within 120 days of the notification by the FFC to the 

applicant. In addition, proof of debt documents is provided to Treasury at the time of referral. 

When the debt is referred to Treasury, interest and penalties continue to accrue on the unpaid 

debt, and Treasury may add additional fees and administrative charges to the debt. Once a debt 

has been referred to Treasury for collection, FEMA will not recall the debt unless the applicant is 

able to prove the notices were sent to an outdated address. 

During the debt collection process, Treasury will offset any eligible federal payments by the debt 

amount. Treasury is not required to notify the debtor prior to the offset. Federal payments 

eligible for offset include: income tax refunds; federal/state salary pay, including military pay; 

federal/state retirement, including military retirement pay; contractor vendor payments; and 

certain federal benefit payments.126 

Treasury provides FEMA all applicant requests for disputes, Proof of Debt (POD), and/or 

Administrative Wage Garnishment (AWG) hearings. FEMA works with Treasury and processes 

every hearing request in which new information is provided or a new issue is raised that was not 

previously addressed in a hearing. When Treasury submits an AWG hearing to FEMA, any debt 

related to the case is administratively suspended while awaiting the decision (i.e., collections 

cease); however, during POD and dispute reviews, the debts are not suspended and collections 

continue unless the FFC specifically recalls the debt. 

120 
 

Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

VI. Statute of Limitations 

There is no statute of limitations on the identification or recovery of funds received; however, 

FEMA’s debt collection activities must be legally defensible in court so FEMA will take into 

consideration the age of the alleged debt before initiating collection action. In general, FEMA 

will notify applicants of any potential debt owed within three years after the date of the final IHP 

Assistance payment in cases where funds are being recovered due to potential DOB, erroneous 

payment, or misuse of funds. FEMA may notify applicants of any potential debt beyond three 

years after the date of the final IHP Assistance payment in cases where it considers recovery of 

funds to be in the best interest of the Federal Government. FEMA shall notify applicants of 

potential debt regardless of when the suspected fraud is discovered in all cases involving 

suspected fraud. 

121 
Chapter 7: Recovery of IHP Assistance Funds 

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122 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 

Appendix A: Transitional Sheltering Assistance 

FEMA may provide TSA127 to applicants who are unable to return to their pre-disaster primary 

residence because their home is either uninhabitable or inaccessible due to a Presidentiallydeclared disaster. TSA is intended to reduce the number of disaster survivors in congregate 

shelters by transitioning survivors into short-term accommodations through direct payments to 

lodging providers. TSA does not count toward an applicant’s maximum amount of assistance

available under the IHP. As TSA is funded under section 403 of the Stafford Act, it is subject to 

Public Assistance regulations on cost share. For more information on Public Assistance, see 

Public Assistance Program and Guide, FP 104-009-2, January 2016. 

Authorizing TSA 

FEMA’s Assistant Administrator (AA) for Recovery has the authority to approve TSA at the 

request of the affected state, territorial, or tribal government. This form of assistance may be 

considered when the scale and projected duration of the declared incident results in an extended 

displacement of disaster survivors. The state, territorial, or tribal government, in coordination 

with FEMA, identifies areas that are inaccessible or that incurred damage which prevents 

disaster survivors from returning to their pre-disaster primary residence for an extended period of 

time. 

Conditions of Eligibility 

To be considered for TSA, applicants must meet all of the following conditions: 

 Register with FEMA for assistance and pass identity and citizenship verification 

 Have a pre-disaster primary residence in the area designated for TSA 

 Be displaced from their pre-disaster residence due to the disaster 

 Remain in transitional, congregate, or other shelters 

 Be unable to obtain lodging through another source (e.g., the American Red Cross or 

other voluntary agencies) 

Implementation 

FEMA may make direct payments to hotels, motels, cruise ships, or berthing vessels used as 

transitional shelters in order to reduce the number of disaster survivors in congregate shelters. 

TSA is approved for an initial period of 5 to 14 days (adjustable to 30 days, if needed) from the 

date the AA for Recovery authorizes the use of TSA for the disaster. The AA for Recovery may 

extend TSA in 14-day intervals for up to 6 months from the date of disaster declaration. 

FEMA provides eligible applicants access to a list of approved hotels in their area, and applicants 

may choose to stay at any approved hotel or facility identified by FEMA. The list of approved 

123 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix A: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 

hotels is available on a disaster-specific basis online or through FEMA’s Helpline. FEMA 

provides applicants with access and functional needs additional assistance in locating approved 

hotels to meet their needs. 

Unless restricted by rules or constraints 

established by the lodging accommodation, TSA 

will be provided based on pre-disaster household 

composition. A household of four or less members 

will be authorized for one room, while a 

household of five or more will be authorized for 

two rooms. Households separated as a result of the 

disaster will be processed for TSA in accordance 

with guidance on separated households (Chapter 

2: IHP Eligibility). 

The applicant is responsible for all other costs 

associated with the lodging and amenities such as 

room service, laundry, parking, telephone, or other ancillary services. 

FEMA bases the amount of TSA on the maximum lodging rate plus taxes for the locality, as 

identified by the General Services Administration (GSA). The AA for Recovery may authorize 

or approve up to a 300% increase in the published GSA lodging rate when lodging costs have 

escalated because of special events (e.g., sporting events, conventions). 

Extending TSA 

When FEMA extends TSA, eligible applicants are allowed to remain in transitional sheltering 

through the end of the extended interval if they are otherwise eligible for IHP Assistance, or both 

of the following apply: 

 FEMA is currently considering the applicant’s eligibility for Temporary Housing

Assistance or is waiting for documentation from the applicant needed to consider 

eligibility 

 They meet other conditions of eligibility established by FEMA and the coordinating state, 

territorial, or tribal government 

Ending TSA 

 If an applicant who is receiving TSA is approved for Rental Assistance, their TSAeligibility will terminate at the end of the 14-day interval. 

 Applicants who are not eligible for IHP Assistance may only remain in transitional 

sheltering until their TSA interval expires. 

124 
Appendix A: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 

 FEMA refers applicants who are no longer eligible for TSA to voluntary agencies for 

assistance with short-term lodging. 

o If warranted, the AA for Recovery may authorize an extension of TSA to 

otherwise ineligible applicants. 

125 
Appendix A: Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) 

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126 
Appendix B: Abbreviations and Acronyms 

Appendix B: Abbreviations and Acronyms 

127 
Appendix B: Abbreviations and Acronyms 

128 
Appendix C: List of Policies Superseded 

Appendix C: List of Policies Superseded 

129 
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1 See Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 2 Stafford Act § 102(4), 42 U.S.C. § 5122 and Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 

206.2(a)(22), state governments include the District of Columbia, American Samoa, the Commonwealth 

of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

3 Stafford Act § 102(8), 42 U.S.C. § 5122, and 44 CFR § 206.2.(a)(16), local governments include 

counties or parishes, municipalities, cities, towns, townships, local public authorities, school districts, 

special districts established under State law, intrastate districts, councils of governments (regardless of 

whether the council of governments is included as a nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or 

interstate government entities, agencies or instrumentalities of a local government; state-recognized 

tribes; and rural communities, unincorporated towns or villages, or other public entities, for which an 

application for assistance is made by a State or political subdivision of a State. 

4 Stafford Act § 102(6), 42 U.S.C. § 5112, and 44 CFR § 206.201(i), a Tribal Government refers to any 

Native American tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community in the continental U.S. and Alaska 

that is listed as a tribe under the Federal Recognized Native American Tribe List Act of 1994. 

5 44 C.F.R.§ 206.2(a)(6). 

6 44 CFR § 206.32(f). 

7 Stafford Act § 102(1), 42 U.S.C. § 5122, and 44 C.F.R § 206.2(a)(17). 

8 Stafford Act § 408(g), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(g) and 44 C.F.R § 206.110(i). Transitional Sheltering 

Assistance under Mass Care and Emergency Assistance is also subject to a 75/25 percent cost share. 

9 Id. 

10 44 C.F.R. §206.32(d). 

11 IRC section 61(a), and sections 139(a),(b)(1), (b)(4), (c)(2), (c)(4), and (h). 

12 44 C.F.R. § 206.110 (f). 

13 44 C.F.R. 206.110(g). 

14 Stafford Act §408(c (1)B)(iii), 42 U.S.C. §5174(c )(1)(B)(iii) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.110(e). 

15 44 C.F.R. § 206.110(e). 16 Id. 

17 This minimum is only limited to initial IHP awards. There is no minimum award amount for secondary 

awards. 

18 Stafford Act 408(h), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(h) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.110(b). 

19 Stafford Act 408(b)(2)(B), 42 U.S.C. 5174(b)(2)(B) and 206.110(c). 

20 Stafford Act 408(h), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(h) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.110(b). 21 408 (c )(1)(A)(i), 42 U.S.C. 5174 (c)(1)(A)(i) and 44 C.F.R. 206.117(b)(1)(i). 

22 Id.; 44 C.F.R. 206.111. 

23 Stafford Act 408(c)(2), 42 U.S.C. § 5174 (c)(2) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.117(b)(2). 24 Stafford Act 408(c)(3), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(c)(2) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.117(b)(3). 

25 Stafford Act 408(c)(1)(B)(i), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(c)(1)(B)(i) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.117(b)(1)(ii). 

26 Stafford Act 408(c)(1)(B)(ii), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii). 27 Stafford Act 408(c)(4), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(c)(4) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.(b)(4). 

28 Stafford Act § 408(e), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(e) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.119. 

29 Stafford Act 42 U.S.C. § 5155. 30 44 C.F.R. § 206.191(d)(2). 

31 42 U.S.C. 5174(i). 

32 Stafford Act § 408(a)(1), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(a)(1).Disaster Operations Legal Reference, Version 2.0, 

Department of Homeland Security, June 1, 2013. 

33 Id. 34 Stafford Act § 408(i), 42 U.S.C. § 5174(i). 

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35 44 C.F.R. 206.113(a)(4), 44 C.F.R. 206.113(a)(6). 

36 44 C.F.R. 206.113(b)(6). 

37 44 C.F.R. § 206.113(a)(3). 

38 44 C.F.R. § 206.113(a)(3). 

39 44 C.F.R. § 206.111. 

40 44 C.F.R. §206.111. 

41 44 C.F.R. 206.110(k)(3) 

42 44 CFR Part 61, Appendix A, Section III(C)(2)(b), "Property Removed to Safety. (1) We will pay up to 

$1,000 for the reasonable expenses you incur to move insured property to a place other than the described 

location that contains the property in order to protect it from flood or the imminent danger of flood..." 

43 44 C.F.R. 206.113(b)(7). 

44 44 C.F.R. § 206.113(b)(7). 45 Stafford Act § 423, 42 U.S.C. § 5189a and 44 C.F.R. § 206.115. 

46 44 C.F.R. § 206.115(a). 

47 44 C.F.R. § 206.115(b). 

48 44 C.F.R. § 206.115(f). 

49 Id. 

50 44 C.F.R. § 206.112(a). 51 44 C.F.R. § 206.112(b). 

52 44 C.F.R. § 206.112(c). 53 44 C.F.R. §206.110. 

54 44. C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(i). 

55 44 C.F.R. §206.110. 

56 42 U.S.C § 5174(c)(1)(A)(i) and 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(i). 

57 44 C.F.R. §206.111. 

58 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(i)(B). 

59 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(i)(C). 

60 408 (c )(1)(A)(ii). 

61 44 C.F.R §206.113(b)(2). 

62 44 C.F.R §206.113(b)(3). 

63 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(i)(A). 

64 44 C.F.R. §206.114(a). 

65 44 C.F.R. §206.114(b)(3). 

66 44 C.F.R. §206.111. 

67 44 C.F.R. §206.111. 68 44 C.F.R. §206.114(b)(2). 

69 44. C.F.R. §206.114(b)(2). 

70 42 U.S.C § 5174(c)(2) and 44 C.F.R. §206.114(b)(2). 

71 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(2)(ii)(F). 

72 Detailed in FEMA Directive 108-1 and FEMA Instruction 108-1-1 and including compliance 

requirements established in 44 C.F.R. Part 9, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Endangered 

Species Act, and all other applicable legal requirements. 

73 42 U.S.C § 5174(c)(3) and 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(3). 

74 42 U.S.C § 5174(c)(1)(B) and 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(ii). 

75 42 U.S.C § 5174(c)(4) and 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(4). 76 Stafford Act, codified at 42 U.S.C. 5174, 408(c)(B)(1). 

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77 This threshold is based on a 2012 statistical analysis of FEMA direct housing operations from 2008 to 

2011. 

78 Resource: Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – Housing Quality Standards. 79 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(ii)(G). 

80 44 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(ii)(H). 

81 42 U.S.C. § 5174(c)(1)(B)(iii). 

82 44 C.F.R. § 206.117(b)(1)(ii)(F). 

83 44 C.F.R. § 206.117(b)(1)(ii)(F). 84 For example, if the original period of assistance ends on March 24, 2016, and the extension is granted, 

rent will begin to accrue on April 1, 2016. 

85 For example, if rent begins to accrue on April 1, 2016, the primary occupant’s first monthly rent

payment will be due on May 1, 2016. 

8644 C.F.R. §206.117(b)(1)(ii)(G). 

87 42 U.S.C § 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii). 

88 In accordance with 44 C.F.R. § 9.13. 

89 Dispose means to release a unit from FEMA’s inventory.

90 42 U.S.C. § 5174(d)(2)(B; 44 C.F.R. § 206.118. 

91 42 U.S.C. § 5174(d)(2)(A)(i); 44 C.F.R. § 206.118(a)(1)(i). 

92 FEMA will use the MHU Depreciation Calculator to identify the AMFV of a unit. 

93 42 U.S.C. § 4012(a). 

94 42 U.S.C. § 5174(d)(2)(B)(ii); 44 C.F.R. §206.118(a)(2)(i). 

95 42 U.S.C. § 5174(d)(2)(B)(ii)(b); 44 C.F.R. § 206.118(a)(2)(i)(B). 

96 42 U.S.C. § 5151; 44 C.F.R. § 206.118(a)(2)(i)(A). 

97 42 U.S.C. § 5174(c)(4) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.117(b)(4). 

98 42 U.S.C § 5174(e). 

99 42 U.S.C § 5174(g). 

100 Please refer to Chapter 1: Introduction, for further information on the relationship between IHP and 

other forms of assistance, including SBA. 

101 42 U.S.C. § 5174(h). 

102 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(b). 

103 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(a) and (b). 104 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(d). 

105 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(a). 

106 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(c)(1). 107 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(b). 108 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(c)(1). 

109 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(c) and (d). 

110 Id. 111 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(c)(3)(i) and 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(c)(3)(ii). 112 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(4). 113 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(3)(i) and (ii). 114 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(6)(ii). 115 44 C.F.R. § 206.120(c)(3)(i) and (ii). 

116 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(1). 

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117 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(2). 118 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(5). 

119 Id. 120 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(d) and 44 C.F.R.§ 61.17. 121 44 C.F.R. § 206.119(c)(6)(i) and (d)(2). 

122 44 CFR Part 61, Appendix A (1) 

123 Section 312(c) of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. 5155(c) and 44 C.F.R. 206.191. 

124 44 C.F.R. 206.116(b). 

125 Stafford Act § 312, 42 U.S.C. § 5155. 126 Examples of “Certain federal benefit payments” include Social Security (other than Supplemental

Security Income (SSI)), Railroad Retirement (other than tier 2), and Black Lung (part B) benefits, and 

other federal payments including certain loans that are not exempt from offset. 

127 Section 403, 42 U.S.C. § 5170b, Section 502, 42 U.S.C. § 5192, Category B, Emergency Protection 

Measures, and Section 408, Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households, of the Robert T. Stafford 

Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended. 

134