FEMA UPDATES THE INDIVIDUAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/fema-updates-individual-assistance-program]


Release Date: 
Mar 22, 2024 

FEMA implemented the most significant updates to disaster assistance
in the last 20 years. These updates apply to Presidentially declared
disasters on or after March 22, 2024 and include:

NEW BENEFITS

	* SERIOUS NEEDS ASSISTANCE 
Money to help you pay for essential items like food, water, baby
formula, medication and other emergency supplies. 
	* DISPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE 
Money to help with immediate housing needs if you cannot return to
your home because of the disaster. The money can be used to stay in a
hotel, with family and friends, or other options while you look for a
rental unit.

EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY

	* SIMPLIFIED OTHER NEEDS ASSISTANCE 
Homeowners, renters and businessowners who need additional help to
recover can apply for a low-interest disaster loan with the U.S. Small
Business Administration at the same time as applying for assistance
from FEMA.
	* HELP UNDERINSURED PEOPLE
If you received an insurance payout that did not cover the cost of
damage to your home or property, you may still be eligible to receive
money from FEMA. Keep in mind, FEMA assistance is not a replacement
for home, renters or flood insurance, and will not cover all losses
from a disaster.
	* EXPANDED CRITERIA FOR HOME REPAIR ASSISTANCE
You may receive money to repair the parts of your home damaged by the
disaster regardless of pre-existing conditions. You can also make
repairs that prevent similar damage from future disasters.
	* MAKE ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS 
Money to help you make accessibility repairs to your home (such as
exterior ramp, grab bars, and paved path to the home entrance) if you
have a disability. Repairs can be made when these items are damaged
during a disaster. Improvements to the home can be made when these
features were not present before the disaster but are needed due to a
pre-existing disability or a disability caused by the disaster.
	* SIMPLIFIED ASSISTANCE FOR SELF EMPLOYED APPLICANTS
If you are self employed, FEMA may offer money to repair or replace
the disaster-damaged tools and equipment needed to do your job. 
	* EXPANDED ASSISTANCE FOR COMPUTING DEVICES 
You may now receive money for a personal or family computer that is
damaged by a disaster. You may also receive money for additional
computers required for work, school or access and functional needs.

A SIMPLIFIED APPLICATION PROCESS

	* STREAMLINED TEMPORARY HOUSING ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS
Reduced documentation requirements if you are seeking continued
temporary housing assistance. Individual caseworkers will engage
closely with you to offer support and increase transparency.  
	* REMOVED BARRIERS FOR LATE APPLICANTS
If you are requesting approval for a late application, you no longer
have to provide documentation supporting the reason for your late
application.  
	* SIMPLIFY THE PROCESS FOR APPEALS 
If you disagree with a FEMA decision and wish to appeal, you will no
longer need to provide a signed, written appeal letter to accompany
the supporting
documentation.