IA Reform Basics
What year and month did the IA reform take effect?
March 22, 2024
How long does a survivor have to submit a late application?
60 days after the registration period closes
What is the current SNA award amount?
$750
What are the 4 main steps in the individual assistance aplication process?
Registration, inspection, determination and appeal
What does FEMA now consider when assessing home repair assistance?
Pre-existing conditions worsened by a disaster (Deferred Maintenance)
What is the main goal of IA reforms?
To reach more survivors and deliver assistance faster.
True or False: Late applications require supporting documents.
False! Verbal explanations are acceptable.
What type of expenses can SNA cover?
Food, water, first aid, baby formula, diapers, personal hygiene products, fuel for transportation
Applications are now automatically sent to eligible applicants after receiving initial rental assistance.
How does FEMA define a home as uninhabitable?
It is not safe or sanitary
Name two new benefits introduced in the reform.
Displacement assistance and Serious Needs Assistance
What are two examples of acceptable late application reasons?
Hospitalization, illness, disability of self or family, Death of immediate family, Incarceration, Victim of human trafficking, Personal or business travel, Domestic situation/separation of family unit due to immediate threat, Major life events like birth, adoption, marriage, gender transition
What did serious needs assistance (SNA) replace?
Critical Needs Assistance (CNA)
60 days from the date the county was added.
What program automatically sends applications to eligible applicants after receiving initial rental assistance?
Continued Temporary Housing Assistance (CTHA)
What does ONA stand for?
Other Needs Assistance
FEMA now allows appeals without a signed letter if supporting documents are submitted.
True or False: Serious Needs Assistance is available for all IA declared disasters.
True
What is the key difference between Lodging Expenses Reimbursement (LER) and Displacement assistance?
LER requires applicants to submit receipts for hotel stays, while displacement assistance is a one-time lump sum payment that does not require receipts.
True or False: FEMA now provides accessibility improvements for disaster survivors with disabilities.
True
How did FEMA simplify the appeals process?
Applicants no longer need a signed appeal letter if they provide verifiable supporting documents.
True or False: A survivor can submit an appeal in person at a Disaster Recovery Center?
True!
What is the difference between standard SNA and expedited SNA?
Standard SNA requires an inspection and meeting eligibility requirements while expedited SNA is processed automatically if authorized by the assistant administrator for recovery.
What two reasons would an applicant's FEMA assistance application possibly be deemed ineligible or require additional review?
1.) Missing or incorrect documentation.
2.) Insurance coverage that hasn't been settled or is expected to cover the damages.
What kind of Documentation is needed for accessibility-related home repairs?
A signed statement from a medical or rehabilitation professional.