Use FEMA Grants for Intended Purpose

Disaster assistance from FEMA is intended to help residents pay for damage and losses from Tropical Storm Debby, damage Aug. 4-20, 2024, and Hurricane Helene. Georgians who apply for and receive FEMA assistance will receive a letter from FEMA explaining what the payment is for.

As you start to receive funds for rental assistance, home repairs and more, you can be assured that federal disaster assistance funds are tax-free and do not need to be repaid. FEMA's notification letter will inform you of the proper uses for the disaster assistance funds you are eligible for. FEMA urges you to use the funds as stated in your award letter and be sure to only use them for disaster-related expenses.

FEMA will send you a notification letter informing you of the types and amount of assistance you are eligible to receive. These may include:

• Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems);
• Rental assistance for a different place to live temporarily;
• Repair or replacement of a disaster-damaged primary vehicle;
• Uninsured out-of-pocket medical expenses for an injury caused by the disaster;
• Repair or replacement of occupational specialized tools;
• Essential educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies);
• Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster; or
• Other disaster-related expenses.

If you spend the grant on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, you may not be eligible for future disaster assistance. FEMA assistance is not a loan and does need to be paid back. In some cases, however, FEMA may ask that the money be returned. For example, if you have insurance that covers your temporary housing costs, but you ask FEMA to advance you some money to help you pay for those costs while your insurance is delayed, you will need to pay that money back to FEMA after you receive your insurance settlement.

It's very important to keep receipts for your disaster spending for three years. This is to make sure you document that the money was used to meet disaster-related needs. If you receive an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, you must reimburse FEMA. Audits are conducted to confirm funds were spent properly.

FEMA cannot seize your property or land, even if you are unable to repay the agency for any duplicated benefits. Applying for disaster assistance does not grant FEMA or the federal government authority or ownership of your property or land.

For the latest information about Georgia's recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4821 and fema.gov/disaster/4830. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.