Use Disaster Housing Funds Wisely
Release Date: August 27, 2008
Release Number: 1780-027
» More Information on Texas Hurricane Dolly
McALLEN, Texas -- With more than $25.6 million in disaster housing funds issued to thousands of South Texans in the wake of Hurricane Dolly, state and federal officials advise recipients that it is important for these checks to be used only for disaster-related damages or losses.
In order to speed funds to eligible applicants, the U.S. Treasury Department issues the assistance check, with a brief notice, explaining that the funds are for disaster-related emergency needs, and that a separate letter is being mailed from FEMA specifying the use of the disaster aid.
A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) housing assistance check is intended for one of three uses only: for basic housing repairs, short-term rental assistance or reimbursement of hotel/motel expenses:
- Repairs are intended to return the home to a safe, sanitary and functional condition;
- Short-term rental assistance is based on the fair market rental rates in the affected area. Applicants who must remain in temporary housing for a longer period than the check covers may request more assistance until their home can be re-occupied or other permanent housing arrangements can be made; and
- Reimbursements for hotel or motel expenses are for out-of-pocket housing expenses directly related to the disaster. Receipts for these expenses will be requested.
Every housing assistance request is treated individually and should not be confused with Other Needs Assistance which replaces personal property and help meet medical, dental, funeral, transportation and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other federal, state and charitable-aid programs. Each situation is different. After the applicant's housing assistance information is verified by an inspector and reviewed by FEMA, a determination is made according to the applicant's need and the disaster assistance allowed by law.
The check and letter of explanation may not necessarily arrive on the same day. All assistance provided by FEMA should be used for its intended purpose. Failure to use the tax-free money as specified may make recipients ineligible for additional assistance.
If applicants have questions regarding their use of disaster aid, they should call FEMA's Help Desk at 800-621-FEMA (3362). The hearing or speech impaired should call TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Friday, 29-Aug-2008 09:25:57