1. Individual Assistance (IA)

2. IA Registration Process
There are several ways to register with FEMA:
Go online at Or, if you have a smartphone, download the FEMA app at
Online registration is the quickest way to register for assistance.
Phone registration For TTY call Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS) can call
Survivors also can register with FEMA at a Disaster Recovery Center. Locations are listed at 2

3. Inspection Process
After registration for home damage, the applicant will receive a call from FEMA to schedule an appointment for a home inspection.
As part of the inspection process, survivors must provide proof of ownership or occupancy.
Homeowners may show a tax bill, mortgage payment receipt or insurance policy with the property’s address.
Renters may show a lease, rent receipt, utility bill or other document confirming the home was their primary residence at the time of the disaster.
Homeowners and renters must also present a valid driver’s license or other photo ID. 3

4. Types of Individual Assistance and Eligibility

5. Types of Individual Assistance
Individuals and Households Program (IHP), 42 U.S.C. 5174
Community Services Programs:
Disaster Case Management, 42 U.S.C. 5189d
Crisis Counseling, 42 U.S.C. 5183
Disaster Unemployment, 42 U.S.C. 5177
Disaster Legal Services, 42 U.S.C. 5182
Other Programs:
Transportation Assistance, 42 U.S.C. 5189c
Cora Brown Fund, 42 U.S.C. 5201(b) 5

6. IHP: General Eligibility Criteria
Damage caused by the disaster
The disaster-caused need cannot be met through other forms of assistance or insurance
Primary residence for housing assistance
Residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible
Applicant satisfies citizenship eligibility criteria
U.S. Citizen
Non-Citizen National
Qualified Aliens
References: 42 U.S.C. 5174
Stafford Act Section 408
8 U.S.C. 1611
44 C.F.R
Only applicants who fall under the following categories are eligible to receive Federal public benefits:
U.S. Citizens
Non-Citizen Nationals; and
Qualified Aliens
The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (commonly known as the Welfare Reform Act), restricts the provision of Federal Public Benefits.
One eligible household member can qualify the entire household for IHP.
Citizenship/Immigration status on other household members is not collected.
Information FEMA collects is protected under the Privacy Act. 6

7. Temporary Housing Assistance
IHP Provides Assistance For:
Temporary Housing –
Financial Assistance
Initial Rental Assistance
Continued Rental Assistance
Direct Housing
Manufactured Housing Units and Recreational Vehicles
Multi-family Lease and Repair Program
Direct Lease
References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(A) and 5174 (c)(1)(B)
Stafford Act Section 408
44 C.F.R 7

8. Additional IHP Financial Assistance
Home Repair Assistance
Home Replacement Assistance
Semi-permanent/Permanent Housing Construction (if authorized), and
Other Necessary Expenses or Serious Needs (Other Needs Assistance (ONA))
References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(2), 5174(c)(3), 5174(c)(4), 5174(e)
Stafford Act Section 408
44 C.F.R 8

9. Temporary Housing Assistance
Financial Assistance Cap
Program Maximum for financial assistance: $33,300 FY2017 (adjusted annually by CPI).
Direct Assistance
No financial cap
Duration of Temporary Housing – Not to exceed 18 months from date of declaration, unless extended.
References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(b),(c), & (d)
Stafford Act Section 408(b),(c), & (d) 44 CFR 9

10. Repair and Replacement Assistance
Owner-occupied primary residences at the time of disaster
Return home to safe, sanitary, living, or functioning condition
Not intended to restore to pre-disaster condition
Amount of loss is determined by inspection and is known as the FEMA Verified Loss
Up to IHP maximum
Replacement is intended for destroyed homes
References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(b) & (c)
Stafford Act Section 408(b) & (c)
44 C.F.R 10

11. ONA Types of Assistance:
Medical, Dental, Funeral, and Childcare (Non SBA Dependent)
Personal Property, Transportation, Moving and Storage, and other necessary expenses. (SBA Dependent)
Counts against financial assistance cap
References: 42 U.S.C. 5174(e)
Stafford Act Section 408(e)
44 C.F.R 11

12. Applicant Appeals 12

13. Applicant Appeals
IA applicants may appeal any agency determination regarding eligibility.
Grounds for appeals:
Eligibility for assistance, including recoupment decisions
Amount or type of assistance
Denial of Continued Rental Assistance
Termination of Direct Housing Assistance Reference: 42 U.S.C. 5189a
Stafford Act Section 423
44 C.F.R 13

14. Appeals (Continued) Required Format for the Applicant’s Appeal:
The appeal must be:
Filed within 60 days after the date the agency notifies the applicant of the award or denial,
In writing,
Explain the reason(s) for the appeal, and
Signed.
Third party appeals must include a signed statement from the applicant authorizing the third party to represent him or her. Reference: 42 U.S.C. 5189a
Stafford Act Section 423
44 C.F.R
DOLR 6-97 to 6-100 14

15. Appeals Continued How FEMA Handles the Appeals:
Appeals are handled by the Specialized Processing Unit that is a part of the Applicants Services Section under the IHP Service Delivery Branch.
FEMA must acknowledge receipt of the appeal in writing and provide written notice of the appeal decision within 90 days of receiving the appeal.
Per 44 C.F.R , this appeal decision is final.
Reference: 42 U.S.C. 5189a
Stafford Act Section 423
44 C.F.R 15

16. Applicant File Request
Applicant Making a Request
Full Name
Date of Birth
Damaged Dwelling Address
FEMA application number or SS#
Notarized OR 2. Include a copy of a Gov/state issued ID card OR 3. Include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
Request must be signed/hand written name
Privacy Act 5 U.S.C. 552
DHS regulations 6 C.F.R. 5.21 16

17. File request from 3rd Party
3rd Party includes request from counsel representing the Applicant
Written Consent from the Applicant
Full Name
Date of Birth
Damaged Dwelling Address
FEMA application number or SS#
Notarized OR 2. Include a copy of a Gov/state issued ID card OR 3. Include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
Must include the 3rd party designation
Examples
Letter of Representation, POA (not required), or on written
consent 17

18. File Request and Appeals
Online: Create Account on DisasterAssistance.gov and upload documents directly into their file Fax: Mail: FEMA Mailroom PO Box Hyattsville, MD 20783 18

19. Resources
408 of the Stafford Act – Individuals and Households Program, 42 U.S.C. 5174
44 CFR Part –
Individuals and Households Program Unified Guidance (IHPUG) 19

20. QUESTIONS? 20