.
Federal Disaster Assistance Response and
Recovery Programs:
Brief Summaries
Carolyn V. Torsell
Information Research Specialist
August 10, 2012Jared C. Nagel
Information Research Specialist
July 1, 2015
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RL31734
CRS Report for Congress
Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress
Federal Disasterc11173008
Federal Disaster Assistance Response and Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries
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Summary
This report summarizes federal disaster assistance programs for use byis designed to assist Members of Congress and
their staff as they address the needs of
their states, communities, and constituents. A number of
federal agencies provide after a disaster. It includes a summary of federal
programs that provide federal disaster assistance to individual victims, such as state, territorial, and survivors, states, territories, local
governments, and nongovernmental and non-governmental entities following a disaster. The federal forms of assistance
include grants, loans, loan guarantees, temporary housing, and counseling.
The programs summarized in thisnatural or man-made disaster. A number
of federal agencies provide financial assistance through grants, loans, and loan guarantees to
assist in the provision of critical services, such as temporary housing, counseling, and
infrastructure repair.
The programs summarized in the report fall into two broad categories. First are programs
specifically authorized for for
disaster situations; most. Most of these programs are administered by the
Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Second are general
assistance programs that
in some instances may be used in either disaster situations, or to meet regular service
needs. Many
federal agencies, including the Departments of Health and Human Services,
Housing and Urban Development, and Justice (HHS) and Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), administer programs that may be included in the
second second
category.
The programs in thisthe report are primarily organized by recipient: individuals, state and local
governments, nongovernmental entities, or businesses. These programs address short-term needsa variety of shortterm needs, such as food and shelter,
and long-term needs, such as the repair of public utilities
and public infrastructure.
The.
This report also includes a list of CRSCongressional Research Service (CRS) reports on disaster
assistance as well as relevant federal agency
websites that provide information on disaster
responses, updates on recovery efforts, and
resources on federal assistance programs.
This report will be updated as significant legislative or administrative changes occur.
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Contents
Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 1
Program Selection Criteria... ............................................................................................................ 1
Federal Disaster Recovery Programs ............................................................................................... 2
Assistance for Individuals and Families .................................................................................... 2
Individuals and Households Program.................................................................................. 2
Disaster Unemployment Assistance .................................................................................... 2
Dislocated Worker Activities ............................................................................................... 3
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits ProgramPhysical Disaster Loans—Residential SBA Disaster Loans Available to
Homeowners and Renters ........................................................................... 3
Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance Program ..................... 4
Personal Property Loans.............................. 4
Physical Disaster Loans—Residential SBA Disaster Loans Available to
Homeowners and Renters ........................................................................ 4
Real Property Loans ........................ 4
Cora Brown Fund......................................................................................... 4
Cora Brown Fund ....................... 5
Assistance for Victims of Crime ......................................................................................... 54
Crisis Counseling ................................................................................................................ 5
Disaster Legal Services ....................................................................................................... 65
Tax Relief ............................................................................................................................ 6
Assistance for State, Territorial, and Local Governments ......................................................... 76
Public Assistance Grants ..................................................................................................... 76
Hazard Mitigation Grants .................................................................................................... 7
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants............................................................................................ 8
Community Disaster Loans ................................................................................................. 8
Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property ......................................................... 89
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program ...................................................................... 9
Assistance for Small Businesses & Nonprofit Organizations Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund ...................................................... 9
Economic Injury Disaster Loans ........................................ 9
Assistance for Small Businesses & Nonprofit Organizations ................................................. 9
Physical Disaster Loans—Businesses10
Economic Injury Disaster Loans ....................................................................................... 10
Emergency Loans for Farms Physical Disaster Loans .................................................................................................... 10
Emergency Loans for Farms 10
National Flood Insurance Program ................................................................................... 10
General Assistance Programs ...................... 11
National Flood Insurance Program ...................................................................................... 11
Other Sources of Information ..... 11
General Assistance Programs ................................................................................................... 12
Selected CRS Reports... 12
Other Sources of Information ........................................................................................................... 12
Federal Agency Websites .. 12
Selected CRS Reports...................................................................................................... 13
FEMA Website......... 12
Disaster Assistance ............................................................................................................... 13
Disaster Assistance.gov 12
Disaster Assistance to Individuals, Families, and Businesses ............................................... 14
Federal Agency Websites....................................................... 13
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance........................................................................... 13 14
Contacts
Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 1415
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................... 1415
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Introduction
Federal agencies provide a range of assistance to individual victimssurvivors; state, territorial, and local
governments; and non-governmentalnongovernmental entities after major disasters, including certain terrorist
natural disasters and
terrorist attacks. Types of aid can include, but are not limited to, technical assistance, loans and loan
guarantees, grants, temporary housing, access to counseling professionals, and medical
assistance. The full range of federal disaster relief assistance isoperational, logistical, and
technical support; financial assistance through grants, loans, and loan guarantees; and the
provision of federally owned equipment and facilities.
Many, but not all, programs are available after the President issues
a major disaster declaration
pursuant to Stafford Act the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)
authority.1 More limited aid is available
under a Stafford Act emergency declaration2 or a declaration,2 a
declaration issued by a department or agency
head head, or on an as needed basis.3
This report only identifies programs pertinent to the disasterfrequently used to provide financial assistance in the disaster
response and recovery process. It provides brief
descriptive information to help congressional
offices determine which programs merit further
consideration in the planning, organization, or implementation of recovery operations. Most of
execution of the disaster response and recovery process.
Most of the programs listed here are authorized as assistance programs and are listed in the
Catalog of
Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA).4 The list does not include ad hocoperational or
technical assistance that some
agencies provide in emergency or disaster situations. It is not
inclusive of all forms of financial disaster assistance that may be available to every jurisdiction in
every circumstance, as unique factors often trigger unique forms of assistance. Congress may, and
frequently has, authorized specific forms of financial assistance on a limited basis following
particular disasters.
Program Selection Criteria
Programs discussed in this report satisfy one or more of the following criteria:
•
Congress expressly designated the program as a to provide financial assistance for
disaster relief or recovery
program.
•
The program is applicable to most disaster situations, even if not specifically
authorized for that purpose.
•
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal
agencies have frequently used the program as an emergency response resourceto provide financial assistance.
•
The program is potentially useful for addressing short-term and long-term
recovery needs (e.g., assistance with processing survivor benefits or repair of
public facilities).
Most of the programs listed in this report are specifically authorized for disaster situations.
General assistance programs that may apply to disaster situations are described at the end of this
report.
As Congress and the Administration respond to domestic needs, particularly if terrorist attacks
occur, some of these programs may be altered. For the most up-to-date information on a
1
42 U.S.C. § 1
42 U.S.C. §5170. For more information on the Stafford Act, see CRS Report RL33053, Federal Stafford Act Disaster
Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding, by Francis X. McCarthy.
2
42 U.S.C. § 5191.
3
The Administrators of the Small Business Administration, and Farm Services Agency, and the Secretaries of Agriculture
Agriculture and Transportation, within statutory limitations, may issue disaster declarations for purposes of providing assistance
assistance solely from their agencies. Citations to these authorities are presented in the relevant program summaries.
4
Available at http://www.cfda.gov.
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Most of the programs listed in this report are specifically authorized for disaster situations.
General assistance programs that may apply to disaster situations are described at the end of the
report (see “General Assistance Programs”).
As Congress and the Administration respond to domestic needs arising from major disasters,
some conditions of these programs may change. For the most up-to-date information on a
Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries
particular program, please contact the listed CRS analyst or department or agency program
officers officers
listed in the report.
Federal Disaster Recovery Programs
Assistance for Individuals and Families
Individuals and Households Program
The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) is the primary vehicle for FEMA assistance to
families and individuals after the President issues a major disaster declaration. Congress
appropriates money
for the IHP (and most other aid authorized by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act) to the Disaster Relief Fund. Grants assist disaster victims
whose needs cannot be
met through other forms of assistance, such as insurance or other federal
programs. Program
funds have a wide range of eligible uses, including temporary housing, ;
limited housing repair or
replacement, replacement; and uninsured medical, dental, or other personal needs
(generally referred to as
Other Needs Assistance [ONA]). While the federal share of temporary housing assistance is
100%, there is a statutory matching requirement that states contribute 25% of ONA funds. Grants
may not exceed $29,900 per individual or household, adjusted annually to reflect consumer price
changes;ONA is cost shared at 75% federal and
25% state, but the federal share of temporary housing assistance is 100%. Grants may currently
not exceed $32,400 (FY2014) per individual or household. This amount is adjusted annually to
reflect consumer price changes;5 IHP assistance is generally limited to a period of 18 months. 6
(Also see “Physical
Disaster Loans—Residential,” below, SBA Disaster Loans Available to Homeowners
and Renters” below for additional assistance for homeowners and renters.)
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §§ 5174-51885174
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.110-–.120
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit/recoverydirectorate/assistance-individuals-and
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.048-97.050 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.048), 97.049 (http://cfda.gov/
programs/97.049), and 97.050 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.050)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides benefits to previously employed or selfemployed individuals rendered jobless as a direct result of a major disaster, and who are not
5
6
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44 C.F.R. §206.110 (b).
42 U.S.C. §5174 (B)(iii).
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eligible for regular federal or eligible for regular federal/state unemployment compensation (UC). In certain cases, individuals
individuals who have no work history or are unable to work may also be eligible for DUA
benefits. DUA is
federally funded through FEMA, but is administered by the Department of
Labor and state UC
agencies. Generally, individuals must apply for benefits within 30 days after
the date the state
announces availability of DUA benefits. When applicants have good cause, they
may file claims
after the 30-day deadline.7 This deadline may be extended; however, initial
applications filed after
the 26th week following the declaration date will not be considered.8 When
a reasonable
comparative earnings history can be constructed, DUA benefits are determined in a similar
similar manner to regular state UC benefit rules. The minimum weekly DUA benefit is required
to be
half of the average weekly UC benefit for the state where the disaster occurred. DUA assistance
assistance is available to eligible individuals as long as the major disaster continues, but no longer than 26
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than 26 weeks after the disaster declaration. For more information, see CRS Report RS22022, Disaster
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), by Julie M. Whittaker.
Agency: Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 5177
Regulation: 20 C.F.R. § 625; 44 C.F.R. § 206.141
Contact: See listing of contacts for listings of state UC Agencies, http://www.servicelocator.org/
OWSLinks.asp
Website: http://ows.doleta.gov/unemploy/disaster.asp
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.034 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.034): 97.034
CRS Contact: Julie Whittaker, 202-707-2587
Dislocated Worker Activities
The dislocated worker program provideshelps fund training and related assistance to persons who have lost
lost their jobs and are unlikely to return to their current jobs or industries. Of the funds
appropriated,
80% are allocatedallotted by formula grants to states and local entities; and 20% are reserved
by the Secretary
of Labor for activities to fund a national reserve, including national emergency
grants to states or local entities. One type of
national emergency grant is Disaster Relief
Employment Assistance, under which funds can be
made available to states to employ dislocated
workers in temporary jobs involving recovery after
a national emergency. An individual may generally earn up to $12,000, excluding the cost of
fringe benefits, and be employed for up to six months or 1,040 hours, whichever is longer. An
individual may earn the full $12,000 in less than six months or 1,040 hours by working in a
higher skilled position for which a higher hourly wage is paid. a national emergency. An individual may be
employed for up to six months.9 There are no matching
requirements for Workforce Investment ActInnovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs.
Agency: Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
Authority: 20 U.S.C. § 920129 USC 2918
Regulation: 20 C.F.R. § 671
Contact: See listing of contacts for state Dislocated Worker/Rapid Response Coordinators at
http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/rapid_coord.cfm
Website: http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/workers.cfm
CFDA: 17.260
CRS Contact: Blake Naughton, 202-707-0376
Public Safety Officers’ Benefits Program
This program provides benefits as lump-sum payments, currently $323,035.75 for eligible deaths
occurring on or after October 1, 2011, to spouses and children of public safety officers who have
been permanently disabled or have lost their lives while in the line of duty. The benefit may be
adjusted each year to reflect the percentage of change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). There
is no matching requirement for this program.
Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 3796
Regulation: 28 C.F.R. § 32.31 et seq.
Phone: Office of Justice Programs, PSOB, 202-307-0635
Website: https://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=78
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CFDA: 16.571
CRS Contact: Nathan James, 202-707-0264
Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance Program
This program provides an educational assistance allowance to eligible survivors of public safety
officers whose death or total permanent disability are the direct and proximate result of an injury
sustained in the line of duty. Funds may be used only to defray educational expenses, such as
tuition, room and board, and books. There is no matching requirement for this program.
Agency: Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 3796d
Regulation: 28 CFR § 32.31 to 32.37
Phone: Office of Justice Programs, PSOB, 202-307-0635
Website: https://www.bja.gov/ProgramDetails.aspx?Program_ID=78
CFDA: 16.615
CRS Contact: Nathan James, 202-707-0264listings of state Dislocated Worker/Rapid Response Coordinators at
http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/rapid_coord.cfm
Website: http://www.doleta.gov/layoff/
CFDA Program Numbers: 17.260 (http://cfda.gov/programs/17.260) and 17.278 (http://cfda.gov/
programs/17.278) CRS Contact: David H. Bradley, 202-707-7352
7
20 C.F.R. §625.8.
42 U.S.C. §5177(a).
9
29 USC 2918 (d)(3).
8
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Physical Disaster Loans—Residential SBA Disaster Loans Available to
Homeowners and Renters
The majority of disaster loans provided by SBA (the Small Business Administration (SBA),
approximately 80%), are made available to
individuals and households rather than businesses. SBA disaster assistance is
provided in the
form of loans, not grants, and therefore must be repaid to the federal government.
Homeowners,
renters, and personal property owners located in a declared disaster area (and in contiguous
contiguous counties) may apply to the SBA for loans to help recover losses from the disaster.
SBA’s Home
Disaster Loan Program falls into two categories: personal property loans and real
property loans.
These loans cover only uninsured or underinsured property and primary
residences. Loan
maturities may be up to 30 years.10
Personal Property Loans
A personal property loan provides a creditworthy homeowner or renter with up to $40,000 to
repair or replace personal property items, such as furniture, clothing, or automobiles, damaged or
lost in a disaster.11 These loans cover only uninsured or underinsured property and primary
residences and cannot be used to replace extraordinarily expensive or irreplaceable items, such as
antiques, recreational vehicles, or furs.
Real Property Loans
A creditworthy homeowner may apply for a “real property loan” of up to $200,000 to repair or
restore the homeowner’s primary residence to its pre-disaster condition.12 The loans may not be
used to upgrade homes or build additions, unless upgrades or changes are required by city or
county building codes. A real property loan may be increased by 20% for repairs to protect the
damaged property from a similar disaster in the future.13
Agency: Small Business Administration
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 636(b)
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636(b)
Regulation: 13 C.F.R. §§ 123.200-204
Phone–.204
Contact: Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs, 202-205-6700
Website: http://www.sba.gov/content/home-and-personal-property-loans
CFDA Program Numbers: 59.008
(http://cfda.gov/programs/59.008)
CRS Contact: Bruce R. Lindsay, 202-707-3752
Cora Brown Fund
This unique fund directs payments to individuals and groups for disaster-related needs that have
not been or will not be met by government agencies or other organizations. Annual obligations
for the entire program are typically less than $225,000. There is no matching requirement for this
program and no limitation on the time period in which assistance is available.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5121 et seq.
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. § 206.181
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2011-title44-vol1/pdf/CFR-2011-title44-vol1sec206-181.pdf
CFDA: 97.031
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Assistance for Victims of Crime
This program offers a variety of services to victims, including emergency travel assistance,
assistance with obtaining information, and long-term mental health counseling. There is no
matching requirement for this program. For more information, see archived CRS Report
RL32579, Victims of Crime Compensation and Assistance: Background and Funding, by Celinda
Franco.
Agency: Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 10601
Regulation: no specific regulation
Phone: Victim Assistance Center, 1-800-331-0075
Website: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/ovc/
CFDA: 16.575, 16.576
CRS Contact: Nathan James, 202-707-0264
Crisis Counseling
This program provides grants that enable states to offer immediate crisis counseling services,
when required, to victims of a major federally declared disaster for the purpose of relieving
mental health problems caused or aggravated by a major disaster or its aftermath. Assistance is
short-term and community-oriented. Cost-share requirements are not imposed on this assistance.
The regulations specify that program funding generally ends after nine months, but time
extensions may be approved if requested by the state and approved by federal officials.
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Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 5183
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. § 206.171
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit/recoverydirectorate/crisis-counseling
CFDA: 97.032
CRS Contact: Sarah A. Lister , 202-707-7320
Disaster Legal Services
These services offer free legal assistance to individuals affected by a major federal disaster.
Types of assistance typically include help with insurance claims, preparing powers of attorney,
help with guardianships, and preparing new wills and other lost legal documents. Neither the
statute nor the regulations establish cost-share requirements or time limitations for assistance.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 5182
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. § 206.164
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit/recoverydirectorate/disaster-legal-services
CFDA: 97.033
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Tax Relief
Individuals and businesses located in areas included in major disaster declarations are allowed
extra time (four years for homes and two years for business property) to replace property due to
involuntary conversion (e.g., due to destruction from wind or floods, theft, or property ordered to
be demolished). Casualty losses can also be deducted against income in the prior tax year, and
certain disaster relief grants are not taxable. These losses also include property loss due to
government ordered demolition because the property is unsafe. Disaster relief payments for
certain expenses are not subject to tax. The Internal Revenue Service also has the authority to
extend tax filing deadlines. Special provisions were enacted for the Katrina disaster area.4 That
law eliminates floors for the casualty loss deduction, extends the replacement period for
involuntary conversions to five years, allows penalty free withdrawals from IRAs and retirement
plans, allows earned income and child credits based on prior year incomes, allows tax credits for
retaining and hiring residents, and exclusions for cancellation of indebtedness.
Agency: Internal Revenue Service
Authority: Internal Revenue Code, Title 26 United States Code
Regulation: No specific regulation
Phone: Congressional Liaison, 202-622-9590
Website: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108362,00.html
CRS Contact: Molly Sherlock, 202-707-7797
4
Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005, P.L. 109-73, 119 Stat. 2016 (2005).
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Assistance for State, Territorial, and Local Governments
Public Assistance Grants
Authorized by the Stafford Act, this is FEMA’s primary assistance program for state and local
governments. Public Assistance (PA) grants may be used to repair, replace, or restore disasterdamaged, publicly owned facilities and the facilities of certain private nonprofit organizations
that perform a governmental function. This program has a wide range of eligible activities,
including removal of debris, repair of roads and bridges, and repair of public buildings and water
control facilities. There is generally a 25% matching requirement, but the statute authorizes the
President to waive part or all of the required match. The regulations specify that federal officials
must obligate funds for approved applications within 45 days of the approval of applications for
assistance (referred to as “Project Worksheets”). (Also see “Physical Disaster Loans—
Businesses,” below, for assistance for nonprofit organizations.)
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 5172 § (a)(1)(A)
Regulation: 44 CFR § 206, subparts G, H, I
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
CFDA: 97.036
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Hazard Mitigation Grants
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states to implement mitigation
measures after recovery from a disaster and to provide funding for previously identified
mitigation measures to benefit the area. There is a matching requirement of 25%. The Department
of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 adjusts the percentage amounts for HMGP
awards by establishing a scale that authorizes a higher percentage for hazard mitigation grants
(15% of the total Stafford Act assistance in a state) for a major disaster in which no more than $2
billion is provided, to 10% for assistance that ranges from more than $2 billion to $10 billion, and
7.5% for a major disaster that involves Stafford Act assistance from more than $10 billion to
$35.3 billion.5
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 5170c
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.430 to 440
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program-hmgp/what-hazard-mitigationgrant-program
CFDA: 97.039
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy 202-707-9533
5
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007, P.L. 109-295, § 684, 120 Stat. 1355, 1447 (2006)
(amended § 404 of the Stafford Act).
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Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants
This program provides grants and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities
for cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive hazard mitigation
program, and reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of property. A minimum of
$575,000 or 1.0% of appropriated funds is provided to a state or local government, with
assistance capped at 15% of appropriated funds. Federal funds generally comprise 75% of the
cost of approved mitigation projects, except for small impoverished communities that may
receive up to 90% of the cost.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C.§ 5133
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. § 201
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program
CFDA: 97.047
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Community Disaster Loans
This program provides loans to local governments that have suffered substantial loss of
tax and other revenue in areas included in a major disaster declaration. The funds can
only be used to maintain existing functions of a municipal operating character. The local
government must demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Typically, the loan may not
exceed 25% of the local government’s annual operating budget for the fiscal year of the
disaster. The limit is 50% if the local government lost 75% or more of its tax and other
revenue as the result of a major disaster. A loan may not exceed $5 million. There is no
matching requirement. The statute does not impose time limitations on the assistance, but
the normal term of a loan is five years. The statute provides that the repayment
requirement is cancelled if local government revenues are not sufficient to meet
operations expenses during three years after a disaster. The governor must request the
program specifically and funds must be appropriated into the CDL account by Congress.
CRS Report R42527, FEMA’s Community Disaster Loan Program: History, Analysis,
and Issues for Congress, by Jared T. Brown.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 5184
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §§ 206.360 to 378
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/community-disaster-loan-program
CFDA: 97.030
CRS Contact: Jared T. Brown, 202-707-4918
Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property
This program directs payments to fire departments that fight fires on federal property. Applicants
may be reimbursed for direct expenses and direct losses (those not considered normal operating
expenses) incurred in firefighting. Cost share and time limitations are not imposed in the statute
or regulations.
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Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 2201 to 2234
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §§ 151 to151.23
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/grants/rfff/
CFDA: 97.016
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
This program provides grants to state and local governments to aid states and their communities
with the mitigation, management, and control of fires burning on publicly or privately owned
forests or grasslands. The federal government provides 75% of the costs associated with fire
management projects, but funding is limited to calculations of the “fire cost threshold” for each
state.6 No time limitation is applied to the program.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. § 5187
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §§ 204.1 to 204.64
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details
CFDA: 97.046
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Assistance for Small Businesses & Nonprofit Organizations
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
This program assists small businesses suffering economic injury as a result of disasters by
offering loans and loan guarantees. Businesses must be located in disaster areas declared by the
President, the Small Business Administration, or the Secretary of Agriculture. There is no
matching requirement in this program. The maximum loan amount is $2.0 million. Loans may be
up to 30 years. The application period is announced at the time of the disaster declaration. For
more information, see CRS Report RL33243, Small Business Administration: A Primer on
Programs, by Robert Jay Dilger and Sean Lowry.
Agency: Small Business Administration
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 636(b)
Regulation: 13 C.F.R. §§ 123.300 to 303
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-205-6700
Website: http://www.sba.gov/content/economic-injury-disaster-loans
CRS Contact: Bruce R. Lindsay, 202-707-3752
6
44 C.F.R. § 204.51.
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Physical Disaster Loans—Businesses
This program provides loans to small and large businesses in declared disaster areas for uninsured
physical damage and losses. The maximum loan amount is $2.0 million. Loans may be for up to
30 years. There is no matching requirement in this program. For more information, see CRS
Report RL33243, Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs, by Robert Jay Dilger
and Sean Lowry.
Agency: Small Business Administration
Authority: 15 U.S.C. § 636(b)
Regulation: 13 C.F.R. §§ 123.200 to 204
Phone: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-205-6700
Website:http://www.sba.gov/content/business-physical-disaster-loans/
CFDA: 59.008A disaster survivor
will normally receive no more than $2,000 from this fund in any one declared disaster unless the
10
See CRS Report R41309, The SBA Disaster Loan Program: Overview and Possible Issues for Congress, by Bruce R.
Lindsay.
11
13 C.F.R. §123.105(a)(1).
12
13 C.F.R. §123.105(a)(2).
13
13 C.F.R. §123.107.
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Assistant Administrator for the Disaster Assistance Directorate determines that a larger amount is
in the best interest of the disaster victim and the federal government.14 There is no matching
requirement for this program and no limitation on the time period in which assistance is available.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5121 et seq.
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §206.181
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=5037
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.031 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.031)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Crisis Counseling
This program provides grants that enable states to offer crisis counseling services, when required,
to victims of a federally declared major disaster for the purpose of relieving mental health
problems caused or aggravated by the disaster or its aftermath. Assistance is short-term and
community-oriented. Cost-share requirements are not imposed on this assistance. The regulations
specify that program funding generally ends after nine months, but time extensions may be
approved if requested by the state and approved by federal officials.15
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5183
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §206.171
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: https://www.fema.gov/recovery-directorate/crisis-counseling-assistance-trainingprogram
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.032 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.032)
CRS Contact: Sarah A. Lister, 202-707-7320
Disaster Legal Services
These services offer free legal assistance to individuals affected by a major federal disaster. Types
of assistance typically include help with insurance claims and guardianships, preparing powers of
attorney, new wills, and other lost legal documents. Neither the statute nor the regulations
establish cost-share requirements or time limitations for assistance.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5182
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §206.164
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit/recoverydirectorate/disaster-legal-services
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.033 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.033)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
14
15
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44 C.F.R. §206.164(c)(2).
44 C.F.R. §206.17(g)(4).
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Tax Relief
The Internal Revenue Code (IRC) includes tax relief provisions that apply to individuals and
businesses affected by federally declared disasters, and the following are some examples.
Individuals located in affected areas are allowed extra time (four years instead of the general two)
to replace homes due to involuntary conversion (e.g., destruction from wind or floods, theft, or
property ordered to be demolished) and still defer any gain.16 Casualty losses can also be
deducted against income in the prior tax year.17 These losses also include government-ordered
demolition of unsafe property. Qualifying disaster relief payments received by affected
individuals are not subject to tax.18 The Internal Revenue Service also has the authority to provide
some relief, including the extension of tax filing deadlines.19 In addition to these and other
permanent tax relief provisions, special temporary provisions were enacted for certain disasters,
including Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, which struck the Gulf Coast in 2005,20 and the
severe weather that affected the Midwest in 2008.21 In 2008, Congress also provided some
additional benefits for federally declared disasters occurring prior to January 1, 2010.22 For more
information on all of the permanent and temporary provisions, see CRS Report R42839, Tax
Provisions to Assist with Disaster Recovery, by Erika K. Lunder, Carol A. Pettit, and Jennifer
Teefy.
Agency: Internal Revenue Service
Authority: Various provisions throughout the Internal Revenue Code, Title 26 U.S.C., including
§§123, 139, 165, 402, 408, 1033, 6654, 7508A.
Regulation: No specific regulation
Contact: Congressional Liaison, 202-317-6985
Website: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Tax-Relief-in-Disaster-Situations
CRS Contacts: Molly Sherlock, 202-707-7797 and Erika Lunder, 202-707-4538.
Assistance for State, Territorial, and Local Governments
Public Assistance Grants
Authorized by multiple sections of the Stafford Act, the Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program is
FEMA’s primary form of financial assistance for state and local governments. The PA Program
provides grant assistance for many eligible purposes, including
•
Emergency work, as authorized by Sections 403, 407, and 502 of the Stafford
Act, which provide for the removal of debris and emergency protective measures,
such as the establishment of temporary shelters and emergency power generation.
16
26 U.S.C. §1033.
26 U.S.C. §165.
18
26 U.S.C. §139.
19
26 U.S.C. §7508A.
20
Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 (KETRA), P.L. 109-73; Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005 (GO Zone
Act), P.L. 109-135.
21
Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008, P.L. 110-343, Div. C (Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax
Relief Act of 2008), Title VII, Subtitle A.
22
P.L. 110-343, Div. C (Tax Extenders and Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008), Title VII, Subtitle B.
17
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•
Permanent work, as authorized by Section 406, which provides for the repair,
replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged, publicly owned facilities and the
facilities of certain private nonprofit organizations (PNPs). PNPs are generally
eligible for permanent work assistance if they provide a governmental type of
service, though PNPs not providing a “critical” service must first apply to the
SBA for loan assistance for facility projects. At its discretion, FEMA may
provide assistance for hazard mitigation measures that are not required by
applicable codes and standards. As a condition of PA assistance, applicants must
obtain and maintain insurance on their facilities for similar future disasters.
•
Management costs, as authorized by Section 324, which reimburses some of the
applicant’s administrative expenses incurred managing the totality of the PA
Program’s projects and grants.
The federal government provides a minimum of 75% of the cost of eligible assistance, and this
cost-share can rise if certain criteria are met. For more information, see CRS Report R43990,
FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program: Background and Considerations for Congress, by
Jared T. Brown and Daniel J. Richardson.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §§ 5170b, 5172, 5173, 5189f, 5192
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §206, subparts G, H, I
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/public-assistance-local-state-tribal-and-non-profit
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.036 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.036)
CRS Contact: Jared T. Brown, 202-707-4918
Hazard Mitigation Grants
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) provides grants to states for implementing
mitigation measures after a disaster and to provide funding for previously identified mitigation
measures to lessen future damage and loss of life. There is a state and local matching requirement
of 25%. Historically, the amount available for post-disaster mitigation was 15% of total Stafford
Act disaster costs.23 However, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007
(P.L. 109-295) adjusted the percentage amounts for HMGP awards by establishing a scale that
authorizes three tiers of awards: 15% of the total Stafford Act assistance in a state for a major
disaster in which no more than $2 billion is provided; 10% for assistance that ranges from more
than $2 billion to $10 billion; and 7.5% for a major disaster that involves Stafford Act assistance
from more than $10 billion to $35.3 billion.24 As of FY2015, HMGP grants are also available
with fire management assistance grants.25 For more information, see CRS Report R40471,
FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program: Overview and Issues, by Natalie Keegan.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5170c
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §206.430–.440
23
42 U.S.C. §5170c(a).
P.L. 109-295 Title VI, Subtitle E, §684, 120 Stat. 1447.
25
P.L. 114-4, General Provisions, Section 570.
24
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Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.039 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.039)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants
This program provides grants and technical assistance to states, territories, and local communities
for cost-effective hazard mitigation activities that complement a comprehensive hazard mitigation
program and reduce injuries, loss of life, and damage and destruction of property. A minimum of
$575,000 or 1.0% of appropriated funds is provided to a state or local government, with
assistance capped at 15% of appropriated funds.26 Federal funds generally comprise 75% of the
cost of approved mitigation projects, except for small impoverished communities that may
receive up to 90% of the cost.27 For more information, see CRS Report RL34537, FEMA’s PreDisaster Mitigation Program: Overview and Issues, by Francis X. McCarthy.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5133
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §201
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/pre-disaster-mitigation-grant-program
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.047 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.047)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Community Disaster Loans
This program provides loans to local governments that have suffered substantial loss of tax and
other revenue in areas included in a major disaster declaration. Typically, the loan may not exceed
25% of the local government’s annual operating budget for the fiscal year of the disaster. The
limit is 50% if the local government lost 75% or more of its annual operating budget. A loan may
not exceed $5 million.28 There is no matching requirement. The statute does not impose time
limitations on the assistance, but the normal term of a loan is five years. The statute provides that
the repayment requirement is cancelled if local government revenues are not sufficient to meet
operations expenses during a three fiscal year period after a disaster.29 The governor’s authorized
representative must officially approve the application and funds must be available in the Disaster
Assistance Direct Loan Program account.30 For more information, see CRS Report R42527,
FEMA’s Community Disaster Loan Program: History, Analysis, and Issues for Congress, by Jared
T. Brown.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5184
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §206.360–.378
26
42 U.S.C. §5133(f).
42 U.S.C. §5133(h).
28
42 U.S.C. §5184(b).
29
42 U.S.C. §5184(c).
30
44 C.F.R. §206.364(a).
27
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Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/community-disaster-loan-program
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.030 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.030)
CRS Contact: Jared T. Brown, 202-707-4918
Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property
This program directs payments to fire departments that fight fires on federal property. Applicants
may be reimbursed for direct expenses and direct losses (those not considered normal operating
expenses) incurred in firefighting.31 Cost share and time limitations are not imposed in the statute
or regulations.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 15 U.S.C. §2201 to 2234
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §151–.23
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.usfa.fema.gov/fireservice/grants_funding/federal_reimbursement.shtm
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.016 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.016)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program
This program provides grants to state and local governments to aid states and their communities
with the mitigation, management, and control of fires burning on publicly or privately owned
forests or grasslands. The federal government provides 75% of the costs associated with fire
management projects,32 but funding is limited to calculations of the “fire cost threshold” for each
state.33 No time limitation is applied to the program.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. §5187
Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §204.1–.64
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/fire-management-assistance-grants-program-details
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.046 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.046)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund
Congress created the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (OSLTF) in 1986,34 and the Oil Pollution Act
of 1990 (OPA)35 authorized its use and provided funding to support it. The OSLTF may be used,
among other purposes, to fund oil spill response activities and to compensate individuals,
31
44 C.F.R. §151.
44 C.F.R §204.61.
33
44 C.F.R §204.51.
34
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-509).
35
P.L. 101-380, primarily codified at 33 U.S.C. §2701 et seq. OPA amended other sections of the U.S. Code, including
the Clean Water Act (e.g., 33 U.S.C. §1321) and portions of the tax code (26 U.S.C. §4611 and §9509).
32
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businesses, and governments for applicable economic damages resulting from an oil spill.36
Potential damages include injury or loss of property and loss of profits or earning capacity. OPA
established a claims process for compensating parties affected by an oil spill. In general, claims
must be presented first to the party responsible for the spill, but specific circumstances (e.g., the
responsible party is unknown) allow persons to present a claim directly to the OSLTF.37
Agency: National Pollution Funds Center (part of the U.S. Coast Guard)
Authority: 26 U.S.C. §9509 and 33 U.S.C. §2712.
Regulation: 33 C.F.R. §136
Contact: Office of Legislative Affairs, 202-245-0520
Website: http://www.uscg.mil/npfc/
CRS Contact: Jonathan L. Ramseur, 202-707-7919
Assistance for Small Businesses & Nonprofit Organizations
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
This program assists small businesses and nonprofits suffering economic injury as a result of
disasters by offering loans and loan guarantees. Businesses must be located in disaster areas
declared by the President, the Small Business Administration, or the Secretary of Agriculture.38
There is no matching requirement in this program. The maximum loan amount is $2 million.
Loan terms may extend for up to 30 years.39 The application period is announced at the time of
the disaster declaration. For more information, see CRS Report R41309, The SBA Disaster Loan
Program: Overview and Possible Issues for Congress, by Bruce R. Lindsay.
Agency: Small Business Administration
Authority: 15 U.S.C. §636(b)
Regulation: 13 C.F.R. §123.300–.303
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-205-6700
Website: http://www.sba.gov/content/economic-injury-disaster-loans
CFDA Program Numbers: 59.008 (http://cfda.gov/programs/59.008)
CRS Contact: Bruce R. Lindsay, 202-707-3752
Physical Disaster Loans
This program provides loans to businesses and nonprofits in declared disaster areas for uninsured
physical damage and losses. The maximum loan amount is $2 million.40 Loan terms may extend
for up to 30 years.41 There is no matching requirement in this program. For more information, see
CRS Report R41309, The SBA Disaster Loan Program: Overview and Possible Issues for
Congress, by Bruce R. Lindsay.
36
For more information, see CRS Report RL33705, Oil Spills: Background and Governance, by Jonathan L. Ramseur.
44 C.F.R §136.105.
38
13 C.F.R. §123.300.
39
13 C.F.R. §123.302.
40
13 C.F.R. §123.202.
41
13 C.F.R. §123.203.
37
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Agency: Small Business Administration
Authority: 15 U.S.C. §636(b)
Regulation: 13 C.F.R. §123.200–.204
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-205-6700
Website: http://www.sba.gov/content/business-physical-disaster-loans/
CFDA Program Numbers: 59.008 (http://cfda.gov/programs/59.008)
CRS Contact: Bruce R. Lindsay, 202-707-3752
Emergency Loans for Farms
When a county has been declared a disaster area by either the President or the Secretary of
Agriculture, agricultural producers in that county may become eligible for low-interest
emergency disaster (EM) loans available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm
Service Agency. Producers in counties that are contiguous to a county with a disaster designation
also become eligible for an EM loan. EM loan funds may be used to help eligible farmers,
ranchers, and aquaculture producers recover from production losses (when the producer suffers a
significant loss of an annual crop) or from physical losses (such ase.g., repairing or replacing
damaged or
destroyed structures or equipment, or for the replanting ofreplanting permanent crops, such as
orchards).42 A qualified
applicant can then borrow up to 100% of actual production or physical
losses (not to exceed
$500,000) at a below-market interest rate (which is currently 3.75%). For more information see CRS Report RS21212,
Agricultural Disaster Assistance, by Dennis A. Shields.
Agency: Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency
Authority: 7 U.S.C. § 1961
Regulation: 7 C.F.R. §§ 1945.1 to1945.45
Phone–.45
Contact: Legislative Liaison Staff, 202-720-3865
Website: http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=efl
CFDA Program Numbers: 10.404 (http://cfda.gov/programs/10.404): 10.404 and others
CRS Contact: Dennis Shields, 202-707-9051
National Flood Insurance Program
Since 1968, the federal government has pursued a comprehensive flood risk management strategy
designed to (1) identify and map flood-prone communities across the country (flood hazard
mapping); (2) encourage property owners in NFIP participating communities to purchase
insurance as a protection against flood losses (flood insurance); and (3) require communities in
designated flood risk zones to adopt and enforce approved floodplain management ordinanceordinances to
reduce future flood risk to new construction in regulated floodplains (floodplain management).
The Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration (FIMA), a part of the FEMA in the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), manages the NFIP.
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Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.
Regulation: 44 CFR § 59.1 – § 82.21
Phone For more information, see CRS
Report R42850, The National Flood Insurance Program: Status and Remaining Issues for
Congress and CRS Report R43395, Efforts to Delay the Gradual Elimination of Flood Insurance
Premium Subsidies, both by Rawle O. King.
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authority: 42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.
42
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Regulation: 44 C.F.R. §59.1–§82.21
Contact: Office of Congressional Affairs, 202-646-4500
Website: http://www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.022 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.022): 97.022
CRS Contact: Rawle O. King, 202-707-5975
General Assistance Programs
In addition to programs described above, which that provide targeted assistance to individuals, states,
territories, local governments, and businesses specifically affected by disasters, other general
assistance programs may be useful to communities in disaster situations. For example, individuals
who lose income, employment, or health insurance may become eligible for programs that are not
specifically intended as disaster relief, such as cash assistance under the Temporary Assistance
for for
Needy Families (TANF) program, job training under the Workforce Investment Act,
Medicaid, or
the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP). Likewise, state or local
officials have
the discretion to use funds under programs such as the Social Services Block Grant
or or
Community Development Block Grant to meet disaster-related needs, even though these
programs were not established specifically for such purposes. Other agencies may offer assistance
to state and local governments, including the Economic Development Administration and the
Army Corps of Engineers. For businesses, however, only the disaster programs administered by
the Small Business Administration are generally applicable.
There are numerous federal programs that potentially offer disaster relief. However, specific
eligibility criteria or other program rules might make it less likely that they would actually be
used. Moreover, available funds might already be obligated for ongoing program activities. To
the the
extent that federal agencies have discretion in the administration of programs, some agencies
may may
choose to adapt these non-targeted programs for use in disaster situations. Also, Congress
may may
choose to provide additional funds through emergency supplemental appropriations for
certain certain
general assistance programs, specifically for use after a disaster.
CRS analysts and program specialists can help provide information regarding general assistance
programs that might be relevant to a given disaster situation. CRS appropriations reports may
have information on disaster assistance within particular federal agencies.7 These reports also
contain a list of key policy staff at CRS, and identify the staff by their program area and agency
expertise.
7
See CRS website at http://www.crs.gov/Pages/clis.aspx?cliid=73&preview=False for CRS appropriations reports.
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Other Sources of Information
Selected CRS Reports
Disaster Assistance
CRS Report R41981, Congressional Primer on Major Disasters and Emergencies, by Francis X.
McCarthy and Jared T. Brown.
CRS Report RL33053, Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations,
Eligible Activities, and Funding, by Francis X. These reports also list
CRS’s key policy staff by their program area and agency expertise.43
Other Sources of Information
Selected CRS Reports
Disaster Assistance
CRS Report R41981, Congressional Primer on Responding to Major Disasters and Emergencies,
by Francis X. McCarthy and Jared T. Brown.
43
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CRS Report RL33053, Federal Stafford Act Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations,
Eligible Activities, and Funding, by Francis X. McCarthy.
CRS Report R41101, FEMA Disaster Cost-Shares: Evolution and Analysis, by Francis X.
McCarthy.
CRS Report RS22266, The Use of Federal Troops for Disaster Assistance: Legal Issues, by
Jennifer K. Elsea and R. Chuck Mason.
CRS Report RL33330, Community Development Block Grant Funds in Disaster Relief and
Recovery, by Eugene Boyd.
CRS Report R43990, FEMA’s Public Assistance Grant Program: Background and
Considerations for Congress, by Jared T. Brown and Daniel J. Richardson
CRS Report RL34585, The Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC): An Overview,
by Bruce R. Lindsay.
CRS Report RL33579, The Public Health and Medical Response to Disasters: Federal Authority
and Funding, by Sarah A. Lister.
CRS Report RL34131, Flood Damage Related to Army Corps of Engineers Projects: Selected
Legal Issues, by Cynthia BrougherBrown.
CRS Report RS22254, The Americans with Disabilities Act and Emergency Preparedness and
Response, by Emily C. Barbour.
CRS Report R40650, National Flood Insurance Program: Background, Challenges, and
Financial Status, by Rawle O. King.
CRS Report R43395, Efforts to Delay the Gradual Elimination of Flood Insurance Premium
Subsidies, by Rawle O. King.
CRS Report R41884, Considerations for a Catastrophic Declaration: Issues and Analysis, by
Bruce R. Lindsay and Francis X. McCarthy.
CRS Report R42527, FEMA’s Community Disaster Loan Program: History, Analysis, and Issues
for Congress, by Jared T. Brown.
CRS Report RL33642, Permanent Tax Relief Provisions for Disaster Victims as Presented in the
Internal Revenue Code, byR42839, Tax Provisions to Assist with Disaster Recovery, by Erika K. Lunder, Carol
A. Pettit, and Jennifer Teefy.
CRS Report RL34146, FEMA’s Disaster Declaration Process: A Primer, by Francis X.
McCarthy.
CRS Report RL34537, FEMA’s Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program: Overview and Issues, by
Francis X. McCarthy.
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Disaster Assistance to Individuals, Families, and Businesses
CRS Report RS22022, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA), by Julie M. Whittaker.
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CRS Report RL33642, Permanent Tax Relief Provisions for Disaster Victims as Presented in the
Internal Revenue Code, byR42839, Tax Provisions to Assist with Disaster Recovery, by Erika K. Lunder, Carol
A. Pettit, and Jennifer Teefy.
CRS Report RL33243, Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs, by Robert Jay
Dilger and Sean LowryR41309, The SBA Disaster Loan Program: Overview and Possible Issues for
Congress, by Bruce R. Lindsay.
CRS Report RS21212, Agricultural Disaster Assistance, by Dennis A. Shields.
CRS Report RS22945, Flood Insurance Requirements for Stafford Act Assistance, by Edward C.
Liu.
Federal Agency Websites
Note: Because of limited information available on the Internet, congressional users of this report
are encouraged to contact not all agencies have complete, up-to-date information available on the Internet, in
particular during and immediately after a disaster, congressional users are encouraged to contact
the appropriate CRS program analysts or department or agency
program officers for more
complete, timely information.
USA.gov
http://www.USA.gov/
Many federal agencies have established websites specifically to respondfor responding to disasters. Some
agencies maintain websites with comprehensive information about their disaster assistance
programs, whereas other agencies supply only limited information; most list contact phone
numbers. An A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agenciesindex of U.S. government departments and agencies is available at the website
above.
FEMA Website
http://www.fema.gov
From its website, FEMA offers regular updates on recovery efforts in areas under a major disaster
declaration. Information on a specific disaster may include a listing of declared counties and
contact information for local residents.
Disaster Assistance.gov
http://www.disasterassistance.gov/
This websiteDisasterAssitance.gov provides information on how to obtain helphelp might be obtained from the U.S.
government before,
during, and after a disaster. DisasterAssistance.gov also provides news, information, and
resources to prepare for a disaster, to use during an emergency, and to recover afterwardThe website includes tools to find, apply for, and
check the status of assistance by category or agency. The website also includes disaster-related
news feeds and information on community resources.
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Federal Disaster Assistance Response and Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries
.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
http://www.cfda.gov
The CFDA describesposts official descriptions of more than 2,200 federal assistance programs. CFDA program numbers are
given in each program summary included in this report. For current appropriations and additional
information users should contact departments and agencies.
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Federal Disaster Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries, including
disaster and recovery grants and loans. For programs summarized in this report, CFDA program
numbers and links are given. Full CFDA program descriptions, updated continuously by
departments and agencies, cover authorizing legislation, objectives, uses and restrictions, and
eligibility requirements. For current appropriations and additional information, users can contact
CRS analysts, or departments and agencies.
National Disaster Recovery Program Database
https://asd.fema.gov/inter/ndhpd/public/searchHousingProgramForm.htm
The NDRPD is a tool for state, local, tribal governments, emergency managers, and planners to
find what disaster recovery resources are available from federal, state, for-profit, nonprofit and
charitable entities.
Author Contact Information
Carolyn V. Torsell
Information Research Specialist
ctorsell@crs.loc.gov, 7-7888
Acknowledgments
Ralph Chite (RSI), Nathan James (DSP), Natalie Keegan (G&F), Francis X. McCarthy (G&F), Robert Jay
Dilger (G&F), Blake Naughton (DSP), Sarah A. Lister (DSP), Eric Weiss (G&F) Bruce R. Lindsay (G&F)
Jared C. Nagel
Information Research Specialist
jnagel@crs.loc.gov, 7-2468
Acknowledgments
David Bradley (DSP), Jared Brown (G&F), Rawle King (G&F), Bruce R. Lindsay (G&F), Sarah A. Lister
(DSP), Erika Lunder (ALD), Francis X. McCarthy (G&F), Jonathan Ramseur (EP), Molly Sherlock (G&F),
Dennis Shields (RSI), and Julie Whittaker (DSP) were consulted in the preparation of this report.
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