FEMA Update: March 2024 (VIDEO)

Hello, my name is John Lawless, staff attorney with Bay Area Legal Services’ Disaster Relief Team and the Florida Disaster Legal Aid Helpline. I’m here with my colleague Jason to discuss some simple steps anyone can take to avoid common issues while recovering from disaster.

As of March 22, 2024, there have been some major updates to FEMA’s individual assistance program. For any Federally declared disasters after that date, these new rules will be in effect for disaster survivors.

There are many changes to the way the individual assistance program will work. For now, let’s just go over a few key points. For a more complete picture of the changes, you can visit the website at the bottom of the screen.

Now, let’s get into the updates.

One big change is that FEMA will no longer require survivors to apply to the SBA for certain types of assistance. Before, SBA application was a necessary step for continuing with the FEMA process for some assistance. Now, instead of requiring this step, FEMA will simply offer the opportunity to survivors to apply for SBA assistance while continuing with the FEMA process. SBA assistance will continue to be available to survivors however, and can offer valuable help that FEMA may not be able to give.

Another significant change is that FEMA’s ability to assist underinsured survivors has been expanded. Before, if a survivor had enough insurance to cover the maximum amount FEMA could provide, FEMA would not be able to offer any assistance. Now, even if a survivor has that much insurance but not enough to cover all amounts needed to make their home safe and sanitary, FEMA may be able to offer assistance to help cover the gap.

FEMA has also simplified its application and appeal processes. Some questions which were confusing to survivors have been changed or removed. Additionally, FEMA has reduced the burden on survivors in providing additional information and appealing decisions. Survivors will no longer be required to send letters along with documents requested by FEMA, and can instead just provide the documents themselves. Letter will still be allowed, but the lack of one alone will no longer be the basis for denials. FEMA will also be providing forms for appeals to make the process easier for survivors.

Did you get that, Jason?

Great.

It is important to remember that these changes will only affect Federally declared disasters that occur after March 22, 2024. For any prior disasters, that means the old rules still apply. These changes are not retroactive, and survivors of past disasters will not be eligible for any FEMA relief that was not available at the time of the disaster that affected them.

Remember, if you have any questions about FEMA relief, either under the old or new rules, you can always contact your local legal aid organization for assistance.

Now, if you and your family keep these tips in mind, you’ll be a lot more resilient in the aftermath of disaster, and a lot less like Jason.

We appreciate you taking the time to listen. For more information on what to do in the wake of a disaster, please visit the following resources.