HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-27 FEMA Duplication of Benefits --Fact Sheet
JuneXX, 201
FEMA
DR-4366-HI FS 002
June 27, 2018
HI-EMA PIO: 808-733-4300
NEWS DESK: 808-851-7928
Fact Sheet
Duplication of Benefits
Disaster assistance from other sources—such as insurance—is considered when determining the amount of
aid given by FEMA to those affected bythe Kilauea volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Hawai‘i
County. This avoids “duplication of benefits” and FEMA cannot provide aid that duplicates what a
survivor receives from other sources.
Applicants eligible for federal assistance that does not duplicate another benefit receive their funds by
check or direct deposit. A letter explaining the type and amount of assistance and what it must be used
for arrives within a day or two of the check or direct deposit payment.
Aid from FEMA may include the following.
FEMA’s Rental Assistanceis provided to the survivor to temporarily rent housing for their entire
household. The amount received isbased on local fair market rates determined by FEMA and the
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
FEMA’s Home Repair Assistancehelpswith essential repairs to ensure the home is safe, sanitary
and functional.The amount provided is based on disaster-related damage and the estimated cost of
repairs,or the program’s maximumof $34,000 for 2018.Destroyed Home Replacement
Assistanceis provided towards a home destroyed by the disaster. The award is cappedat$34,000
for 2018.
Personal PropertyAssistanceis to repair or replace items damaged by the disaster. The amount
provided is based on the damage caused by the disaster and the estimated cost of
repairs/replacement.
Other Need Assistanceprovides funding for necessary expenses and serious needs caused by the
disaster. This includes medical, dental, childcare, funeral, essential needs expenses, group flood
insurance policy (when applicable), personal property, transportation, and moving and storage.
If an applicant spends their FEMA aid on anything other than the purpose for which it is directed, he or
she may be denied assistance the next time a disaster strikes. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the
money be returned.
Some survivors are offered low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
While no one is required to take the loan (or any portion of that loan),the full amount offered may be
considered a benefit—that cannot be duplicated—whether accepted or not.
Other disaster-related funding providers—such as HUD and other long-term sources—may look at the
amount of aid a survivor receives from FEMA aid its intended uses. They will also look at the amount
offered by the SBA. This is also to prevent duplicating benefits.
Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to
document the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If a recipient receives an insurance
settlement to cover the same expenses, he or she must reimburse FEMA. Random audits are conducted
to confirm funds were spent properly.
Questions on FEMA assistance may be answered by calling FEMAs Helpline at 800-621-3362.
###
The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of
disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and
renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These
disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other
agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service
Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at
www.sba.gov/disaster.Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.