Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households-Other Needs (97.050)
Program
97.050 Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households-Other Needs
Federal Agency
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Authorization
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended by Public Law 106-390.
Program Number
97.050
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To provide assistance to individuals and households affected by a disaster to enable them to address necessary expenses and serious needs, which cannot be met through other forms of disaster assistance or through other means such as insurance.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Financial assistance under this program can be used for the following: 1) Medical Assistance, 2) Dental Assistance, 3) Funeral Assistance, 4) Personal Property Assistance, 5) Transportation Assistance, and 6) Other Necessary Expenses and Serious Needs Identified. Assistance not used for the specified purpose will be required to be returned.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
1) Medical Assistance - expense must be caused by the disaster, and/or paid receipts (bills) for medical treatment; 2) Dental Assistance - expense must be caused by the disaster, and/or paid receipts (bills) for treatment; 3) Funeral Assistance - expense must be caused by the disaster, and/or paid receipts (bills) for services; 4) Personal Property Assistance - proof of ownership; damage to personal property must be caused by the disaster; 5) Transportation Assistance, proof of ownership; valid registration with sanctioning State, damage to vehicle must be caused by the disaster; and 6) Other Necessary Expenses and Serious Needs Identified, the expense or need must be caused by the disaster and approved by FEMA.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Individual and family, homeowner.
Credentials/Documentation
FEMA Disaster Assistance Regulations at 44 CFR Part 206.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
The State Governor makes a request for a Presidential declaration of an emergency or a major disaster through the FEMA Regional Director. Requests for assistance must be made by the Governor in accordance with FEMA Disaster Assistance Regulations, 44 CFR 206, except as provided in Part 206.24(d) for emergency declarations involving primarily Federal responsibility. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, Intergovernmental Review of Federal Program. An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Upon declaration of an emergency or major disaster, individuals and households may register an application for assistance with FEMA via a toll-free number or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
Award Procedure
The Federal share of funds (75 percent) is allocated from the President's Disaster Relief Fund for use in a designated emergency or major disaster area. The State will make available the State share of funds (25 percent). Households receive assistance directly from FEMA, State or through a FEMA funded mechanism.
Deadlines
Generally, individual and household applications for disaster assistance must be filed within 60 days of the disaster declaration.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
Appeals of program decisions must be submitted in writing within 60 days of the date of the notification letter.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
FEMA or the State may administer the program. The State will provide 25 percent of the funds for the total number of grants disbursed for the given disaster designation. The Federal Government provides the remaining 75 percent of the costs for grant awards as well as the regulations, policies and procedures that govern the program. States may also receive up to 5 percent of the Federal share of the program for administrative costs. The Governor may request a loan of the State's 25 percent share.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Generally, one time grant assistance, with a total assistance period of no longer than 6 months.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly and final financial reports are required.
Audits
Internal program audits are conducted. Also, in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A- 133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program- specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards is exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133.
Records
Expenditure records (receipts) and related documents must be retained by the recipient for three years from the date of payment.
Program Accomplishments
Not available.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0702-0-1-453.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $0; FY 03 est $30,000,000; and FY 04 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Not available.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
Federal Disaster Assistance Regulations, 44 CFR 206.101.
Related Programs
97.048, Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households_Housing; 97.049, Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households_Disaster Housing Operations.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of addresses for FEMA's Regional Offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security 245 Murray Drive, SW., Washington, DC 20528. Telephone: (202) 282-8000.
Web Site Address
Examples of Funded Projects
Not applicable.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
