VBADISASTER LEGAL SERVICESASSISTANCEMANUAL TABLE OF CONTENTS


MESSAGE TOVOLUNTEERS............................................................................. I Sources of Legal Assistance.................................................................................................... ii Commitment............................................................................................................................ ii Limitations to Representation................................................................................................. iii Quick Summary of What You Should Do.............................................................................. iii


I. TYPICALLEGAL ISSUES AFTER ADISASTER............................................. 1


II. APPLYING FOR ASSISTANCE FROM FEMA:THE INDIVIDUALS AND HOUSEHOLDS PROGRAM................................................................................ 3 The First Step: Presidential Disaster Declaration........................................................................ 3 Overview of the Individuals and Households Program (IHP)..................................................... 4 The Registration and Application Process .................................................................................. 5 FEMA Response: Inspection & Notification of Eligibility........................................................ 8 The FEMA Inspection............................................................................................................. 8 Denial Notice........................................................................................................................... 9 Notice of FEMA Grant............................................................................................................ 9 Request for Additional Information ........................................................................................ 9


Program Eligibility Requirements............................................................................................... 9 Eligibility for Housing Assistance......................................................................................... 10 Eligibility for Other Needs Assistance .................................................................................. 10 Ineligibility Factors ............................................................................................................... 11 Duplication of Benefits and the Sequence of Delivery ......................................................... 11


Types of Losses Covered by IHP .............................................................................................. 12 FEMA Appeals.......................................................................................................................... 13 The Shared Household Rule.................................................................................................. 14 Duplication of Benefits.......................................................................................................... 14 Ineligibility Based on Program Requirements....................................................................... 15 Insufficient Documentation of Losses or Disputes as to the Value of Losses....................... 15 Appeal Response and Subsequent Appeals........................................................................... 16


Rental Assistance Recertification.............................................................................................. 16 Recordkeeping Requirements.................................................................................................... 17 Frequently Asked FEMA-Related Questions............................................................................ 17


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