Hurricane Katrina: Legal Issues - Columbus School of Law

Yes, FEMA is authorized to accept late registrations for an additional 60 days beyond the standard registration
period. However, FEMA rules require suitable documentation of the reasons for the delay. In light of the size of the
disaster resulting from Hurricane Katrina and the huge number of victims displaced from their homes, we would
expect (but there is no guarantee) that FEMA may well extend the period for individuals to register for disaster
assistance.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
How long does it take to get help from FEMA?
If you have damage to your home or its contents and you are uninsured or you have suffered damage due to a flood,
a FEMA inspector should contact you within 14 days of applying, to set up an appointment to assess your damage.
Typically, within about 10 days after the inspection, if FEMA determines that you qualify for help, you will receive a
direct deposit to your bank account or a check in the mail.
Once FEMA approves an application, how long will it take for an applicant to receive disaster funds?
Within about 10 days of an inspector’s visit to an applicant’s damaged residence, he or she should receive a check or
a direct deposit to a bank account.
In the case of ONA assistance for Hurricane Katrina victims, FEMA has also announced that it will distribute $2,000
in expedited cash assistance to eligible applicants who lived in disaster areas of Louisiana and Mississippi.
Am I Eligible For Aid With Housing Needs?
To be eligible for help or money for housing needs that are the result of a disaster, all of the following must be true:
You have losses in an area that has been declared a disaster area by the President, and your home is located in
that area.
The home in the disaster area is where you usually live and where you were living at the time of the disaster.
You are not able to live in your home now, you cannot get to your home due to the disaster, or your home
requires repairs because of damage from the disaster.
You have filed for insurance benefits and the damaged property is not covered by your insurance.
You or someone you live with is a citizen of the United States, a noncitizen national, or a qualified alien
Am I Eligible For Aid With NonHousing Needs?
You are eligible for aid if all of the following apply to you:
You have losses in the disaster area
You filed for insurance benefits, and the damage is not covered by the insurance
You or someone you live with is a citizen of the United States, a noncitizen national, or a qualified alien
You have necessary expenses or serious needs because of the disaster
You have accepted assistance from all other sources available, including insurance proceeds and SBA loans
When Will I NOT Be Eligible for Aid from IHP?
You will NOT be eligible for aid if you:
Have other, adequate rentfree housing that you can use (for example rental property not occupied)
The home damaged is a secondary or vacation residence