This bill ensures disaster survivors aren't denied FEMA temporary housing assistance due to insurance payments.
Julia Brownley
Representative
CA-26
The FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act amends the Stafford Act to ensure disaster survivors are not denied temporary housing assistance from FEMA due to insurance payments. This clarification prevents insurance payments from being considered a duplication of benefits, thereby expanding access to temporary housing for those in need after a disaster.
Bill Clarifies FEMA Housing Aid: Insurance Payouts Won't Block Temporary Shelter Access
This bill makes a targeted change to disaster relief rules, specifically tweaking how FEMA determines eligibility for temporary housing assistance. It amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Section 408(c)(1)) to state clearly that insurance payments received by disaster survivors cannot be counted as a 'duplication of benefits' when they apply for temporary housing help from FEMA.
Untangling the Aid Rules
Right now, there can be confusion about whether getting an insurance check affects your ability to get other forms of federal aid, under rules designed to prevent people from getting paid twice for the same loss. This legislation draws a clear line for temporary housing assistance provided under Section 408 of the Stafford Act. It says that money you get from your insurance policy – maybe for damage to your home or belongings – shouldn't disqualify you from getting help finding a temporary place to live through FEMA. The core idea is that needing shelter is a separate issue from compensation for property loss.
What This Means When Disaster Strikes
For people hit by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or other disasters, this change could mean faster access to stable, temporary housing. If your home is unlivable, getting an insurance payout for repairs or lost possessions won't automatically prevent FEMA from helping you secure a rental, trailer, or other short-term shelter. This aims to remove a potential hurdle during an incredibly stressful time, ensuring that having insurance doesn't inadvertently block access to essential housing support needed for recovery.