FEMA Statement on Ruling to Resume Katrina Housing Payments
Release Date: November 29, 2006
Release Number: FNF-06-018
>>View the most recent statement on this issue
“FEMA’s emergency sheltering initiative was conceived as a compassionate but short-term solution to shelter evacuees. By law, sheltering assistance can be provided for only a limited period of time. As a result, it was always our intention to transition eligible evacuees into the Individuals and Households Program as soon as possible.
However, some individuals and households do not qualify for rental assistance through the Individuals and Households program. Because FEMA believes some applicants may have been unaware of either the appeal process or the applicability of the initial ineligibility determination, the Agency sent out follow-up letters which explained the process. FEMA then provided those applicants an additional 60 days in which to appeal, and listed the requirements for additional assistance. Additionally, FEMA established a team dedicated to handling appeals on an expedited basis and initiated calls to applicants in an effort to help them understand what documentation was needed to process their case.
On December 5th, the Department of Justice filed for a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
On December 8th, the ruling judge denied the Agency’s appeal. This case remains in litigation and the agency policy that we do not comment on any case in pending litigation.”
- Aaron Walker, FEMA National Spokesman
Last Modified: Thursday, 14-Dec-2006 14:19:25