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Federal Disaster Assistance Response and
Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries

Carolyn V. Torsell
Information Research Specialist
Jared C. Nagel
Information Research Specialist
July 1, 2015
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
RL31734

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Federal Disaster Assistance Response and Recovery Programs: Brief Summaries

Summary
This report is designed to assist Members of Congress and their staff as they address the needs of
their states, communities, and constituents after a disaster. It includes a summary of federal
programs that provide federal disaster assistance to individual survivors, states, territories, local
governments, and nongovernmental entities following a natural 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 disaster situations. Most of these programs are administered by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 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 (HHS) and Housing
and Urban Development (HUD), administer programs that may be included in the second
category.
The programs in the report are primarily organized by recipient: individuals, state and local
governments, nongovernmental entities, or businesses. These programs address a variety of short-
term needs, such as food and shelter, and long-term needs, such as the repair of public utilities
and public infrastructure.
The report also includes a list of Congressional 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
Physical Disaster Loans—Residential SBA Disaster Loans Available to
Homeowners and Renters ................................................................................................ 4
Personal Property Loans ...................................................................................................... 4
Real Property Loans ............................................................................................................ 4
Cora Brown Fund ................................................................................................................ 4
Crisis Counseling ................................................................................................................ 5
Disaster Legal Services ....................................................................................................... 5
Tax Relief ............................................................................................................................ 6
Assistance for State, Territorial, and Local Governments ......................................................... 6
Public Assistance Grants ..................................................................................................... 6
Hazard Mitigation Grants .................................................................................................... 7
Pre-Disaster Mitigation Grants ............................................................................................ 8
Community Disaster Loans ................................................................................................. 8
Reimbursement for Firefighting on Federal Property ......................................................... 9
Fire Management Assistance Grant Program ...................................................................... 9
Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund .............................................................................................. 9
Assistance for Small Businesses & Nonprofit Organizations ................................................. 10
Economic Injury Disaster Loans ....................................................................................... 10
Physical Disaster Loans .................................................................................................... 10
Emergency Loans for Farms ............................................................................................. 11
National Flood Insurance Program ................................................................................... 11
General Assistance Programs ............................................................................................ 12
Other Sources of Information ........................................................................................................ 12
Selected CRS Reports .............................................................................................................. 12
Disaster Assistance ............................................................................................................ 12
Disaster Assistance to Individuals, Families, and Businesses ........................................... 14
Federal Agency Websites ......................................................................................................... 14

Contacts
Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 15
Acknowledgments ......................................................................................................................... 15

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Introduction
Federal agencies provide a range of assistance to individual survivors; state, territorial, and local
governments; and nongovernmental entities after major disasters, including natural disasters and
terrorist attacks. Types of aid can include, but are not limited to, operational, 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 the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)
authority.1 More limited aid is available under a Stafford Act emergency declaration,2 a
declaration issued by a department or agency head, or on an as needed basis.3
This report only identifies programs frequently 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
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 operational 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 to provide financial assistance for
disaster relief or recovery.
• 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 to 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).

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 and Transportation, within statutory limitations, may issue disaster declarations for purposes of providing
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
particular program, please contact the CRS analyst or department or agency program 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; and uninsured medical, dental, or other personal needs
(generally referred to as Other Needs Assistance [ONA]). 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 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
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/recovery-
directorate/assistance-individuals-and
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.048 (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 self-
employed individuals rendered jobless as a direct result of a major disaster, and who are not

5 44 C.F.R. §206.110 (b).
6 42 U.S.C. §5174 (B)(iii).
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eligible for regular federal or state unemployment compensation (UC). In certain cases,
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 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 is available to eligible individuals as long as the major disaster continues, but no longer
than 26 weeks after the disaster declaration. For more information, see CRS Report RS22022,
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 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)
CRS Contact:
Julie Whittaker, 202-707-2587
Dislocated Worker Activities
The dislocated worker program helps fund training and related assistance to persons who have
lost their jobs and are unlikely to return to their current jobs or industries. Of the funds
appropriated, 80% are allotted 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 be
employed for up to six months.9 There are no matching requirements for Workforce Innovation
and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs.
Agency: Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
Authority:
29 USC 2918
Regulation:
20 C.F.R. §671
Contact: See listings 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.
8 42 U.S.C. §5177(a).
9 29 USC 2918 (d)(3).
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Physical Disaster Loans—Residential SBA Disaster Loans Available to
Homeowners and Renters

The majority of disaster loans provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA),
approximately 80%, are made available to individuals and households. 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 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)
Regulation: 13 C.F.R. §123.200–.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. A 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-training-
program
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/recovery-
directorate/disaster-legal-services
CFDA Program Numbers: 97.033 (http://cfda.gov/programs/97.033)
CRS Contact: Francis X. McCarthy, 202-707-9533

14 44 C.F.R. §206.164(c)(2).
15 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.
17 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.
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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).
24 P.L. 109-295 Title VI, Subtitle E, §684, 120 Stat. 1447.
25 P.L. 114-4, General Provisions, Section 570.
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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 Pre-
Disaster 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).
27 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).
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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.
32 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).
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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.
37 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.
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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 (e.g., repairing or replacing damaged or
destroyed structures or equipment, or replanting 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. 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–.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)
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 ordinances 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. 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 7 C.F.R. §1945.2.
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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)
CRS Contact: Rawle O. King, 202-707-5975
General Assistance Programs
In addition to programs described above 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
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
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
extent that federal agencies have discretion in the administration of programs, some agencies may
choose to adapt these non-targeted programs for use in disaster situations. Also, Congress may
choose to provide additional funds through emergency supplemental appropriations for 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. 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 CRS appropriations and budget reports can be found at http://www.crs.gov/Pages/clis.aspx?cliid=73&preview=False.
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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 Brown.
CRS Report RS22254, The Americans with Disabilities Act and Emergency Preparedness and
Response
.
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 R42839, 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.
CRS Report R42839, Tax Provisions to Assist with Disaster Recovery, by Erika K. Lunder, Carol
A. Pettit, and Jennifer Teefy.
CRS Report R41309, 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 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 for 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 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/
DisasterAssitance.gov provides information on how help might be obtained from the U.S.
government before, during, and after a disaster. The 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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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
http://www.cfda.gov
The CFDA posts official descriptions of more than 2,200 federal assistance programs, 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
Jared C. Nagel
Information Research Specialist
Information Research Specialist
ctorsell@crs.loc.gov, 7-7888
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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