FEMA CAUTIONS ABOUT MONEY USE

  

For those residents of Washington and surrounding counties who may receive money as a result of damage from the recent floods, FEMA officials have a word of caution.

FEMA says the money is to be used for its intended purpose, and residents should keep receipts for three years.  Disaster assistance is to help residents meet basic disaster-related needs and funds are distributed by check or direct deposit.  A letter explaining what the payment is to be used for arrives within a day or two of the money.  If an applicant spends the payment 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.

FEMA’s top official in Texas, William J. Doran III, says “Money from FEMA is not like a tax refund from the IRS, so please don’t treat it as such.  These funds are to help survivors in their disaster recovery and shouldn’t be used for anything else.”

Those receiving assistance are urged to keep receipts of their disaster spending for three years to document the money was used for disaster-related needs.  If an insurance settlement covers the same expenses, that person must reimburse FEMA.  Random audits are conducted to confirm that funds were spent properly.  Disaster assistance can include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners.

Twenty-four counties are included in the May 26th through June 24th federal disaster declaration, including Austin, Brazos, Burleson, Fayette, Grimes, Lee, Waller and Washington counties.

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2 Comments

  1. It’s sad how people have to lie about what happened to their apartments knowing nothing was wrong with them. Pleasant View apartments never had carpet so why do e just to get FEMA money when it’s others out there that really need it. So sad

  2. Too bad our politicians in Washington don’t treat the tax money we send them the same way FEMA is asking disaster victims to spend theirs!!! Imagine if we made congress follow these same FEMA rules and only spend tax money for it’s designated purpose?

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