The forms in this collection are used to obtain pertinent information to provide financial assistance, and if necessary, direct assistance to eligible individuals and households who, as a direct result of a disaster or emergency, have uninsured or under-insured, necessary or serious expenses they are unable to meet. To provide meaningful access to individuals with disabilities throughout FEMA programs, the revision to the collection will obtain pertinent disability-related information.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeks emergency approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to revise information collection 1660-0002 Disaster Assistance Registration to increase the types of documentation FEMA may accept from applicants for disaster assistance to demonstrate eligibility under the Individuals and Households Program (IHP). FEMA has recently become aware that current IHP requirements for verifying home ownership and occupancy pose a substantial barrier to underserved populations, including people of color and others adversely impacted by persistent poverty and inequality. These barriers often result in underserved applicants being denied for IHP assistance when they are unable to provide documentation verifying IHP eligibility within the current restrictions.
US Code:
8 USC 1601
Name of Law: Personnel Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996
US Code:
42 USC 5174
Name of Law: Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
PL:
Pub.L. 93 - 288 0000
Name of Law: Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
PL:
Pub.L. 116 - 260 133
Name of Law: Consolidated Appropriations Act, of 2021
There is an increase in of 19,323 burden hours to accommodate the RFI correspondence to verify ownership and/or occupancy. This change increases the types of documents FEMA will accept from applicants to verify their eligibility. This change will ensure access to assistance is equitably provided to all applicants through the expansion of acceptable documentation.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Disaster Assistance Registration