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Information on how to register with FEMA as well as daily updates and press releases pertaining to the affected Gulf Region.

Housing Assistance Extended for Gulf Coast Hurricane Victims for Another 18 Months(NEW)
Federal Coordinator for Gulf Coast Rebuilding Donald E. Powell, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson and FEMA Administrator R. David Paulison announced today that the temporary housing assistance programs for Gulf Coast hurricane victims have been extended by 18 months until March 1, 2009. A Fact Sheet has also been released to explain the types of assistance that have been extended.

All-Inclusive Appeal Form and Instructions for filing your own FEMA appeal.

FEMA Halts Evictions From Trailers in Mississippi
the Federal Emergency Management Agency has suspended the eviction of 3,000 families who are living in government trailers in Mississippi.

FEMA Appeals Frequently Asked Questions Guide
Prepared by Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, this guide provides answer to questions such as: Why was my application denied? What is a Small Business Administration (SBA) Loan? Do I have to seek reimbursement from my insurance company before FEMA will approve my application? What is a "delay of settlement" letter? How do I appeal?

FEMA to Extend Payments Under the Section 403 Apartment Program
On March 26, FEMA issuedDisaster-SpecificGuidance detailing how the transition from 403 (vouchers) to 408 (individual assistance) would be handled and extended the timetable for completing the transition to May 31, 2006. This corrects earlier letters sent to about 60,000 evacuee families in early March stating that FEMA would end the program as of March 31. FEMA also issued a March 27 Letter to cities and states administering the program to explain the transition.

FEMA Introduces Web-Based Long-Term Planning Tool March 20
The Web tool, developed by Louisiana parishes, not only outlines suggested parish-level plans, but addresses recovery projects in Environmental Management; Housing and Community Development; Economic and Workforce Development; Public Health and Healthcare; Transportation and Infrastructure; Education; Public Safety; Human Services; Flood Protection and Coastal Restoration. The information that they have compiled can now be viewed online at www.louisianaspeaks.org.
Tax Help for Louisianans after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita March 17
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State of Louisiana want residents affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to apply for disaster assistance without fear of future penalties to any income-based benefits, such as social security. Louisianans should also take advantage of specific rules designed to make tax filing easier this year like the deadline extension, deductions for demolition costs, and tax breaks for those who housed evacuees.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Extended For Additional 13 Weeks March 14
Louisiana residents and displaced evacuees who are unemployed because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have been granted an additional 13 weeks to receive disaster unemployment assistance (DUA). Benefits for individuals who were affected by Hurricane Katrina are extended to June 4th and Hurricane Rita affected individuals until June 24th.

Katrina and Rita Application Registration Deadline Extended To April 10 March 10
To ensure all victims are able to register for assistance, David Paulison, Acting Director of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), today announced that the deadline for registering for assistance as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas has been extended 30 days to April 10, 2006.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance Benefit Period Extended for AlabamaThrough June 3, 2006March 10
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have announced that benefits in the form of Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) will be available through June 3, 2006. This 13-week extension is available to those who have already filed for disaster unemployment assistance with the state. On March 6, President Bush signed legislation that extended the benefit period for nearly 400,000 affected individuals nationwide.

FEMA Offers Limited Hotel/Motel Extensions in Louisiana and Mississippi February 23
In Louisiana and Mississippi, where housing stock has been severely depleted due to hurricane damage, FEMA has extended all remaining hotel/motel authorization codes for evacuees occupying rooms in those two states to March 15, 2006.


FEMA Answers Website
This site is dedicated to help the survivors of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita obtain adequate assistance from FEMA. Other federal agencies providing direct assistance to survivors, like HUD, may also be discussed here. The goal of this site is to provide information about FEMA programs and what benefits survivors should receive.
This page has Survivor Testimony, information on FEMA Litigation, a place for Survivor Questions, News and Links & Assistance.

Important Dates And Information On FEMA's Hotel/Motel Program For Katrina/Rita Evacuees January 23
On January 9, 2006, FEMA announced that evacuees staying in hotel or motel rooms would be required to obtain an authorization code from FEMA by January 30, 2006, in order to continue to receive the subsidy beyond February 7, 2006. Authorization codes are issued on a case-by-case basis, and are obtained by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (for the TTY caller, 1-800-462-7585). If evacuees have not received an eligibility decision on temporary housing assistance by Jan. 30, 2006, and have obtained an authorization code by that date, FEMA will continue to pay for that hotel room with an authorization code through March 1, 2006, or two weeks after receiving eligibility determination, whichever is later. In every case, FEMA will fund the hotel or motel room for evacuees for two weeks after they have received a determination on their request for assistance from FEMA.

Deadline To Request Public Assistance Extended To Jan. 29 January 18
JACKSON , Miss. -- Government agencies and private non-profit organizations damaged by Hurricane Katrina may still be eligible for federal or state financial assistance. The deadline for requesting Public Assistance from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been extended to Jan. 29, 2006. This allows cities, counties, utilities, schools, hospitals, other government agencies and private non-profit organizations that provide important services to the community, the opportunity to apply for Public Assistance reimbursement grants.

Disaster Outreach Coming to Alabama State Fairgrounds in Birmingham January 10
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will host a fifth disaster outreach event to assist evacuees and Alabama residents affected by Hurricane Katrina in developing long-term housing solutions.
When: Saturday, January 21
Where: Alabama State Fairgrounds
Fair Park Arena
2331 Bessemer Rd.
Birmingham
Time: Noon to 5 p.m.

FEMA/HUD Program Deadline Extended January 10
Displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina who still need permanent, long-term housing now have more time to sign up for a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) housing program. The previous deadline of December 31, 2005 was extended to March 11, 2006.

State/FEMA Disaster Assistance Housing Outreach in Jasper, Alabama January 6
The state of Alabama and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have a Disaster Assistance Outreach unit in Jasper from Monday, January 9 through Saturday, January 14. The hours are 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The week-long event will be held at the Parkland Shopping Center, 593 Highway 118 West (formerly Highway 78) in Jasper.

Application Deadline For Disaster Assistance Extended To January 19 for Florida Residents Affected by Hurricane Wilma January 5
The deadline for Florida residents affected by Hurricane Wilma to apply for federal/state disaster assistance has been extended to Thursday, January 19 , say officials from the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Florida 's State Emergency Response Team (SERT).

Gulf Coast Residents Can Apply For Disaster Aid Until March 11 January 4
Disaster officials are urging residents of disaster-designated counties and parishes in the Gulf Coast states to take advantage of the 60 additional days they've been given to register for federal and state financial assistance to help them recover from uninsured or under-insured losses caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The extension to March 11 was granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

A Letter of Denial from FEMA may not be the Last Word: Missing Information is one of the Main Reasons for Denial December 29
An applicant for disaster assistance may receive a letter from FEMA denying their request for aid. But that letter may not be the last word. There are several easily-fixed reasons why an applicant may receive a denial letter, according to the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

More Time Given for Katrina Disaster Registration December 28
Disaster officials are urging residents of Alabama's eleven disaster-declared counties and evacuees to take advantage of the 60 additional days they've been given to register for federal and state financial assistance in recovering from losses caused by Hurricane Katrina. The extension to March 11 was granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at the state's request, as calls to the toll-free registration line continue to be made daily since it opened four months ago. Registration is in its second extension.

Louisiana Disaster Victims May Be Eligible For Special Tax Relief December 28
Louisiana residents who suffered losses from Hurricane Katrina may be eligible for special tax relief under legislation passed earlier this year. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Department of Revenue urge Louisiana taxpayers to contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or a local tax professional to take advantage of these benefits.

50,000 New Orleans' Homes Still Eligible For Blue Roofs December 23
Thousands of New Orleans' residents could still qualify for the federally- funded Blue Roof Program, if they apply before January 7, 2006. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has directed residents with homes assessed as category "1" or "2" in St. Bernard Parish, or designated as a green or yellow in Orleans Parish, to apply at one of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Right of Entry (ROE) collection sites if they need a blue roof.

Floridians Urged to Apply for Disaster Assistance before January 5 Deadline December 22
Only two weeks remain until the Jan. 5 deadline to apply for federal and state disaster assistance in the wake of Hurricane Wilma, according to the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Emergency Response Team (SERT).

NFIP Policyholders May Be Eligible For $30,000 in Rebuilding Aid December 20
MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Property owners with flood insurance polices who are required to meet costly new codes when rebuilding may be eligible to seek $30,000 from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to help pay for measures that will reduce the risk of future flood damage.

Mississippi Disaster Victims May Be Eligible For Tax Relief December 20
Mississippi taxpayers who experienced disaster-related losses as a result of Hurricane Katrina may be eligible for tax relief from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) urges those impacted by the disaster to seek tax counseling this year to take advantage of all available tax relief through the IRS's programs. The Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 also gives taxpayers in the hardest-hit counties until February 28, 2006 to file quarterly estimated taxes due September 15, 2005 and January 15, 2006 for individuals and September 15, 2005 and December 15, 2006 for corporations. The IRS will waive the usual fees and expedite requests for copies of previously filed tax returns for affected taxpayers who need them to apply for benefits or to file amended returns claiming casualty losses.

Affected by Hurricane Katrina? Remember to Claim Those New Tax Benefits December 16
It's the time of year when we begin to think about filling out tax forms and what our tax liabilities might be. Fortunately, for Alabamians who suffered losses from Hurricane Katrina, there is tax relief. There are some important new benefits under the Hurricane Katrina relief bill passed on September 23, 2005. Taxpayers who itemize should plan to take full advantage of the changes by carefully reviewing the instructions and by discussing them with their tax consultants or an Internal Revenue Service representative.

Other Needs Assistance Program Available For Mississipians December 15
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency want to help Hurricane Katrina survivors cover the costs of necessary and serious expenses related to the disaster. Uninsured or under-insured Mississippians still struggling to pay for disaster related needs may be eligible to receive help from the Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program. If household income is below a certain level or an applicant doesn't qualify for a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA), they may become eligible for ONA.

FEMA Extends Hotel Aid to January 7th (December 12)
People who sought refuge outside the 10 states that absorbed most of the evacuees from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina can remain in hotels at the government's expense while their applications for rental assistance are processed, officials announced Saturday. Outside the 10 states, roughly 2,000 families still faced a Dec. 15 hotel assistance cutoff. However, FEMA said Saturday it will extend the hotel program to Jan. 7 for those evacuees who are eligible for cash aid but have yet to apply for or receive it.

FEMA Funds Disaster Housing Assistance Program (December 12)
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are helping individuals and families with rental assistance who were previously a resident of HUD-assisted housing prior to Hurricane Katrina. Through a new FEMA-funded housing assistance program called the Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program (KDHAP), families will be able to settle in areas, across the United States, that were not affected by the disaster. FEMA will relocate families to the area of their choice. The families may return to their home state as housing is rebuilt or repaired.

FEMA Extends Free One-Way Transportation Offer To Dec. 31 (December 12)
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita evacuees and their dependents living in Alabama hotels and motels, who wish to relocate, have until Dec. 31 to take advantage of free one-way airplane, train or bus tickets. Applicants may apply for the program by calling FEMA's toll-free number at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired. Travel is restricted to the lower 48 states.

Flood Insured Victims May Be Eligible For Up To $30,000 In Additional Aid (December 10)
Owners of homes and businesses who have been declared substantially damaged by their community from flood damages caused by Hurricane Katrina or Rita and who have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) may be eligible for an additional $30,000 in Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) funds to bring their home or business into compliance with floodplain ordinances.

Hurricane Victims Have One Month Left To Apply For Disaster Assistance - Deadline Is January 11 (December 10)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to register for disaster assistance by Jan. 11, 2006. The deadline is important for anyone planning to take advantage of FEMA's programs to assist individuals and households.

Advisory Maps Now Available At Seven Disaster Recovery Centers In Mississippi Coastal Counties (NEW)
The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that the Katrina Flood Recovery maps are now available at seven Disaster Recovery Centers in Mississippi Gulf Coast counties. Due to the large number of disaster victims without access to the advisory maps online, FEMA has responded by setting up computers dedicated to providing the new Advisory Base Flood Elevations (ABFE) to individuals visiting one of the seven coastal DRCs.

Residents In 17 Orleans Parish Zip Codes May Return Home To Inspect Damage (NEW)
Infrastructure is in place for the residents of 10 zip codes in the city of New Orleans to return to their homes and remain there according to New Orleans city officials. Residents in seven other zip codes may return to their homes for a dawn-to-dusk "look and leave." These citizens may return each day for further inspection or repair but must not spend the night. The "look and stay" zip codes include 70112, 70113, 70114,70115,70116,70118, 70119, 70125, 70130 and 70131. "Look and leave" zip codes are 70117, 70122, 70124, 70126, 70127, 70128 and 70129.

Important Information For Louisiana Evacuees Seeking FEMA Assistance (NEW)
Some Louisiana residents who were affected by Hurricane Katrina and chose to evacuate to Texas should be aware that the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is planning to provide assistance to eligible applicants based on damage information obtained through satellite images. These images provide geospatial mapping data as to the depth of water in a particular area. The maps can also view the location and condition of individual homes by zip code.

New Mobile Disaster Recovery Center Opening In Iberia Parish (NEW)
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are opening a new Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in New Iberia. The new DRC will open on Mon., Dec. 5.

Iberia Parish
303 French St.
New Iberia, LA 70560

FEMA Holding Seminars to Announce Contracting Opportunities for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses December 1
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will hold a pre-proposal contracting seminar in Montgomery on December 8th to encourage local businesspersons to apply for contracting opportunities that are now available. As part of its effort to encourage small businesses, a series of four seminars will take place throughout the Gulf Coast.

Public Assistance Request Deadline Extended to Dec. 30, 2005 December 1
Government agencies and private non-profit organizations damaged by Hurricane Katrina may still be eligible for federal or state financial assistance. The deadline for requesting Public Assistance has been extended to Dec. 30, 2005, allowing cities, counties, utilities, schools, hospitals, other government agencies and private non-profit organizations that provide important services to the community, the opportunity to apply for Public Assistance reimbursement grants.

Mobile County DRCs Transition to SBA Workshops on December 5 November 30
There are just two days left to visit State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) located in Bayou La Batre, Mobile and Birmingham. The Birmingham DRC will close its doors permanently on Friday, December 2. Hours through Friday for all three DRCs are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The two DRCs in Mobile County will re-open December 5 as U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) workshops, assisting people with SBA disaster loan questions. Their hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

FEMA's Other Needs Assistance Program (ONA) for Katrina Survivors November 30
The Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program may pay for items and services such as medical and dental care, funeral costs and transportation expenses. An individual may receive ONA if they are uninsured or under-insured and unable to meet such expenses through any other means. If household income is below a certain level or an applicant doesn't qualify for a low-interest loan from the Small Business Administration (SBA), they may become eligible for ONA.

Katrina Survivors Win Stay of Evictions November 28
Advancement Project, on behalf of several New Orleans renters, ACORN, Peoples Hurricane Relief Fund, UNITE HERE and SEIU, obtained a very favorable settlement in a lawsuit (Sylvester v. Bossiere, et al.) challenging evictions of tenants from rental properties in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes. The parties agreed to a stay of all evictions for renters in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes, pending mail notification to addresses provided by FEMA and hearings 45 days later.

Two New Disaster Recovery Centers Opening Monday November 28
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announced today the opening of two additional Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in New Orleans and Metairie on Monday, Nov. 28.

Extended Families Living Together May Be Eligible For FEMA Disaster Assistance November 26
Some extended families may not be receiving all the aid they are eligible for because they are living together temporarily and have applied from the same address according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Franklinton DRC To Suspend Operations November 26
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness announced today the closing of a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) in Franklinton on Wednesday, Nov., 30 at 7 p.m. Resources and personnel from this DRC will be shifted to other sites throughout Louisiana.

FEMA Extends Hurricane Hotel Program November 22
Stung by charges it is pushing hurricane victims out before the holidays, FEMA extended its hotel housing program Tuesday by a month in 10 states that have received victims of Katrina and Rita.

On President Bush Signing Flood Insurance Act November 22
Tonight, President Bush signed legislation allowing the National Flood Insurance Program to borrow up to $18.5 billion to settle flood insurance claims during the unprecedented 2005 claims year.

FEMA Representatives Meet With Disaster Victims To Plan Long-Term Housing November 22
As the deadline approaches for disaster victims to transition from FEMA-funded hotel rooms to its rental assistance program, representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have begun an extensive outreach effort to provide information to make this important and necessary transition to rebuild their lives.

Five Disaster Recovery Centers To Suspend Operations November 21
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness are closing five Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) in Coushatta, St. Joseph, Columbia, Hodge, and Winnfield at the close of business, 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 22.

FEMA Extends Short-Term Lodging Program In Louisiana November 21
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LOHSEP) have announced an extension of the funding for FEMA's short-term lodging program to Dec. 15.

Application Deadline For Disaster Unemployment Assistance Nears November 19
People who are unemployed because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita have less than two weeks to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. Federal and state officials urge those in need of disaster-related employment assistance to contact the Louisiana Department of Labor before the Nov. 30 deadline.

Law Students and Attorneys Offer Legal Assistance November 18
Residents and evacuees affected by Hurricane Katrina can now take advantage of free legal assistance offered by the University of Alabama, the Alabama State Bar Association (ABA) and Legal Services Alabama (LSA).

FEMA Announces Longer-Term Housing Program for Texas Evacuees November 17
FEMA will continue to fund approved apartment placement programs coordinated by and/or co-signed by state and local authorities through Nov. 30. FEMA will discontinue emergency housing assistance reimbursements to state and local governments on March 1, 2006.

Long Term Care Recovery Committees November 16
The Long Term Care Recovery Committee (LTRC), composed of local volunteer agencies, helps disaster survivors over the long haul. They can also provide help with needs not met by the State/FEMA programs.

Disaster Assistance Available For Non-Citizens November 12
Regardless of immigration status, all individuals impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are eligible for non-cash emergency food, water, medical care, shelter, clothing and other urgent disaster-related needs from FEMA.

More Disaster Recovery Centers To Close On Sundays November 10
State and federal officials announced three Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will close on Sundays beginning Nov. 13 in Port Allen, Greensburg and Jennings.

Disaster Recovery Centers Available in Clarke, Lowndes, Noxubee and Smith Counties November 8
Federal and state officials announced the schedule of two Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers operating in Clarke, Lowndes, Noxubee, and Smith counties. The mobile Disaster Recovery Centers will start by visiting Macon and Raleigh. The centers serve individuals and families affected by Hurricane Katrina.

National Flood Insurance Program: Required Permits November 8
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Louisiana Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness remind Louisiana residents considering new construction and repairs on property located in flood-hazard areas to consult local building officials to obtain floodplain development permits. Additional information on the NFIP can be found by visiting in the Internet at www.fema.gov/NFIP.

Evacuees Should Use FEMA Rental Assistance To Pay Rent November 3
Disaster victims who have exhausted the rental assistance funds received from FEMA, may submit rent receipts to be recertified for additional rental assistance. The program gives applicants the flexibility to choose the location and housing solution that best serves the needs of their family, job situation and future plans.

FEMA Frequently Asked Questions in Vietnamese (NEW)
Helpful Phone Numbers,Information, and and Disaster Assistance Tips for Hurricane Katrina Victims written in Vietnamese.

FEMA and Other Benefits for Katrina Survivors (NEW)
A Powerpoint presentation prepared by the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles, the Children's Defense Fund of CA, and Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid. Includes information regarding FEMA benefits, Small Business Administraion laws, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Social Security Benefits, etc.

Updated FEMA Flyer (NEW)
Helpful Phone Numbers,Information, and and Disaster Assistance Tips for Hurricane Katrina Victims.

FEMA Appeals Process October 23
FEMA Denial Letter may not mean Denial of Assistance

FEMA Deadline Extended October 15
The FEMA registration deadline has been extended to January 11, 2006 for both Katrina and Rita declaration.

FEMA: The Disaster Assistance Process for Individuals
Response and recovery information for individual persons impacted by Hurricane Katrina, with information on Types of Assistance, Eligibility and Process