Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2025

Key Points

• The bill creates a single universal application for federal disaster aid so survivors only need to apply once instead of filling out separate forms for FEMA, the Small Business Administration, HUD, and USDA. This would save time and reduce stress for people already dealing with disaster damage.
• Homeowners could get federal repair money even if their home is still livable. Current law limits FEMA help to homes "rendered uninhabitable," but this bill changes the standard to any home "damaged by a major disaster." It also adds new funding for hazard mitigation so homes can be strengthened against future storms or fires.
• The bill addresses renters specifically by requiring FEMA to factor in local post-disaster rent increases when calculating rental assistance. It also orders a study on the unique challenges renters face when seeking disaster aid and any disparities between help given to homeowners versus renters.
• Emergency workers like firefighters, paramedics, and police whose homes are damaged during a disaster could have their temporary shelter costs covered for up to six months. This includes housing for their families and applies to both congregate and non-congregate settings.
• FEMA would be required to publish a public online dashboard within 90 days of each major disaster showing how many people applied for help, how many were approved or denied, the reasons for denials, and breakdowns by income level. This is meant to increase transparency and accountability in aid distribution.

Votes

No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.