Recertify to Remain Eligible for Rental Help from FEMA

Stay in informed on California’s wildfire recovery by visiting: caloes.ca.gov and fema.gov/disaster/4240.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Survivors of the Butte and Valley fires who are receiving rental assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and whose home repairs are taking longer than expected should notify the agency of their continuing need.

Recertification is needed every 60 days for eligible renters and homeowners. FEMA can provide up to 18 months of rental assistance for both homeowners and renters if they need to relocate while repairs are being made to their disaster-damaged residences.

To date, FEMA has approved $7.3 million in rental assistance.

An application for continued temporary housing is sent from FEMA to applicants approximately two weeks after the first rental award.

The recertification reaffirms that applicants have an ongoing financial need for temporary housing, either because disaster-related repairs are not completed or they have been unable to find permanent replacement housing.

Documents required for recertification include:

• The completed application,   
• A copy of the current lease or rental agreement signed by the applicant,
• Rental receipts, canceled checks or money orders showing proper use of previous rental assistance,
• Current income statements from family members living in the household.

This form must be completed in full and turned in on time for each rental cycle to apply for continued assistance. FEMA will evaluate the information each cycle to determine if the applicant qualifies for ongoing federal rental assistance, based on financial need.

An applicant’s current monthly rent is compared to the person’s housing costs before the disaster. Income for all household members, ongoing homeowner mortgage (or rent) insurance and utility costs for the damaged home and other housing commitment costs are all taken into consideration when determining continued eligibility.

Those with questions can call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 or @Cal_OES and at Facebook.com/FEMA  or Facebook.com/California OES.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.