FEMA Expedited Assistance Continues Flowing
Successful Debit Card Pilot Program Enhances Primary Expedited Assistance Programs
Release Date: September 9, 2005
Release Number: HQ-05-234
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency successfully piloted a new Expedited Assistance debit card program in three shelters in Texas. FEMA issued debit cards, totaling nearly $12.3 million in quick aid to evacuees. Additionally, in fewer than three days, expedited assistance through direct deposit and check provided more than 322,000 households across the nation with a "first installment" of what amounts to emergency cash for a total of more than $644 million.
The debit card pilot program, meant to serve those sheltered populations in three Texas locations where evacuees first settled, was 60 percent complete by the end of the day Friday with plans to finish distribution at all sites on Saturday. The debit card was a vehicle used to complement FEMA's traditional Expedited Assistant program modes of distribution: direct deposit and check.
"Expedited cash assistance is getting critical aid to thousands of Hurricane Katrina victims across the nation," said Natalie Rule, FEMA Director of Public Affairs. "With the large share of expedited aid reaching victims nationwide through direct deposit and check, the additional delivery of aid through this piloted program has achieved exactly what we'd hoped to do - get needed dollars to those in some of the largest need shelters."
Katrina evacuees needing aid can continue to register through the toll-free number (1-800-621-FEMA, TTY 1-800-462-7584) or by going online (www.fema.gov). Eligible households can opt to have their payment mailed by check to their temporary shelter, or choose an electronic transfer to their bank account. FEMA registration will remain open for several months making sure to capture the needs of those not yet able to register.
FEMA prepares the nation for all hazards and manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, trains first responders, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Friday, 14-Oct-2005 09:04:33