EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT association OF TEXAS

On September 2, 2021, FEMA implemented three changes to the Individual Assistance (IA) program. These policy changes apply to all disasters declared on or after August 23, 2021. These changes will expand the types of documents to prove ownership/occupancy for homeowners and renters and, if survivors have successfully verified occupancy from a disaster within the past two years, they do not need to do it again. FEMA will now provide limited Other Needs Assistance (ONA) grants to survivors whose homes were not rendered uninhabitable. The agency has also revised its inspection procedures and training to better identify and address disaster-caused mold. Finally, FEMA is amending its current policy to provide assistance to survivors who incur a disaster-related disability to make their damaged home safe and functional. The changes were made to ensure equal access is available to all disaster survivors.

• Effective date: Monday, August 23, 2021
• To access the FEMA IA Program and Policy Guide (IAPPG), click here.