FEMA Urges Rental Assistance Applicants to Save Receipts 

Release Date: February 14, 2006
Release Number: 1606-138

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AUSTIN, Texas -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reminds Hurricanes Katrina and Rita applicants for Individual Assistance to save receipts if seeking or recertifying for rental assistance.

"Providing receipts is one of the key steps disaster victims can take to qualify for available grant funds," stated Sandy Coachman, federal coordinating officer in charge of the Texas recovery effort. "Even individuals who spent their initial rental assistance on items other than rent may be able to recertify for another three month's rent if those receipts were used for other emergency purposes, such as food, transportation, medical needs or lodging."

"The state has worked closely with FEMA to assist displaced individuals as they recover from these unprecedented disasters," said State Coordinating Officer Frank Cantu of the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management . "Being able to present accurate records will help many individuals qualify for a wide range of available federal, state and local programs."

Individuals and families with property that was damaged or destroyed and with losses not covered by insurance may be eligible to receive cash grants of up to $26,200. State and federal officials who inspect a victim's property for damages will need receipts to more accurately determine losses.

The FEMA Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is intended for housing repairs, temporary housing, or other needs assistance, including personal property. Some examples of assistance provided by the IHP program are:

Housing Assistance

Other Needs Assistance

Another important reminder for disaster victims is to take and save photographs of damaged property before it is repaired. After completing the work, applicants should save their receipts for three years.

Every housing assistance request is treated individually, as each situation is different. After FEMA reviews the applicant's information, a determination is made according to the level of need and the disaster assistance allowed by law.

State and federal officials stress that housing funds are to be used only for disaster-related damages or losses. To report fraud, waste or abuse in FEMA programs call the Fraud Hotline at 1-800-323-8603 . The hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and all calls remain confidential. To report fraud via mail, write to: Department of Homeland Security, Attn: Office of the Inspector General, Hotline, Office of Investigation, 245 Murray Drive S.W. , Building 410/2600, Washington , D.C. 20528 .

For all other questions, applicants can call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.

Last Modified: Thursday, 25-May-2006 16:18:30