Sept. 13, 2021
DR-4611-LA NR-005
FEMA News Desk: (225) 389-2408
FEMA-NewsDesk-Louisiana-Disasters@fema.dhs.gov
Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4611 September 2021 1
News Release
Spend Your FEMA Grant Wisely and Only on Disaster-Related
Expenses
BATON ROUGE, La. – As Louisiana homeowners and renters affected by Hurricane Ida begin receiving their FEMA
disaster funds, it is important to use the money for specified disaster-related expenses.
FEMA helps survivors keep their spending on track by sending a determination letter stating what the funds are for
and listing the ways the money can be used. Disaster grants are not for regular living expenses.
Some examples of approved expenses include:
▪ Home repairs (e.g., structure, water, septic and sewage systems)
▪ Rental assistance for rent and/or deposit
▪ Repair or replacement of an essential vehicle
▪ Medical or dental care for an uninsured injury caused by the disaster
▪ Necessary educational materials (e.g., computers, schoolbooks, supplies)
▪ Moving and storage expenses related to the disaster
▪ Replacement of essential personal property such as appliances or bed from an occupied bedroom
▪ Increased childcare expenses
It’s important to read the determination letter carefully. Receipts for all expenses should be kept for at least three
years, as disaster funding may be subject to audit. If you have spent the payment on anything other than its
intended purpose, you may be denied disaster assistance in the future. In some cases, FEMA will ask that the
money be returned.
In addition, it’s important for applicants to make sure that FEMA has their most up-to-date contact information,
including addresses, phone numbers and bank accounts. If FEMA does not have the correct contact information,
survivors may miss letters or phone calls about their application for assistance or payment status.
For any questions, call the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. Those who use a relay
service such as a videophone, InnoCaption or CapTel should update FEMA with their specific number assigned to
that service.
Survivors Affected by Hurricane Ida Can Apply
Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4611 September 2021 2
For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4611. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at
twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.
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