What GAO Found The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individual Assistance helps survivors of major disasters cover necessary expenses and serious needs that insurance or low-interest loans do not cover. This may include reimbursing survivors for temporary lodging or providing assistance with rental housing and home repairs. In response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, the 2025 Los Angeles (LA) wildfires, and the 2025 Texas floods, FEMA provided over $3 billion to 1.2 million individuals and households, according to agency data. FEMA has made changes to improve the implementation of its assistance to survivors. For example, FEMA has simplified application requirements and increased eligibility for certain assistance. However, GAO found that survivors continued to face challenges communicating with FEMA and securing post-disaster housing. For example: Reaching FEMA's helpline. FEMA data show that most survivors affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and the Texas floods faced long wait times and could not reach a representative when trying to apply for assistance through FEMA's helpline. Understanding FEMA's letters. Some survivors faced challenges interpreting letters from FEMA regarding their eligibility for assistance. For example, some survivors thought letters requesting more information were denial letters, according to FEMA and state officials. FEMA revised its letters…
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Disaster Assistance High-Risk Series: FEMA Assistance for Disaster Survivors
Source: US GAO Reports — US Government, Public Domain