This bill enables individuals or households to receive temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following a disaster (i.e., funds for renting housing or housing provided by FEMA) regardless of the recipient’s insurance status.
Under current law, in determining whether an individual or household is eligible for temporary housing assistance, FEMA generally must determine whether the applicant has insurance that will cover those same expenses, to avoid a duplication of benefits. The bill prohibits FEMA from considering insurance a duplication of benefits when determining an individual or household’s eligibility for temporary housing assistance, removing the need for FEMA to determine insurance coverage prior to providing the assistance.