Katrina Survivors: Save Receipts for Disaster-Related Expenses 

Release Date: December 19, 2005
Release Number: 1604-182

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JACKSON, Miss. -- The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) would like to remind Hurricane Katrina survivors to save all receipts for housing related and other miscellaneous purchases if applying for Individual Assistance programs.

Individuals, families and businesses in Mississippi whose property has been damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance may be eligible to receive cash grants of up to $26,200 per individual or household. When state and federal officials inspect a victim's property for damages, providing receipts will help make an accurate determination of losses and ability to evaluate their eligibility.

"Providing receipts is one of the key steps disaster victims can take to help themselves qualify for available grant funds," stated Nick Russo, federal coordinating officer in charge of the Mississippi recovery effort.

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

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

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

State and federal officials stress that it is important for housing funds 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 Inspector General, Hotline, Washington, D.C. 20528.

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

Last Modified: Monday, 19-Dec-2005 13:47:45