Federal Stafford ACT Disaster Assistance: Presidential Declarations, Eligible Activities, and Funding

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (the Stafford Act) authorizes the President to issue major disaster or emergency declarations in response to catastrophes that overwhelm state and local governments. Such declarations result in the distribution of a wide range of federal aid to individuals and families, certain nonprofit organizations, and public agencies. The forms of assistance authorized by the Stafford Act include temporary housing, grants for personal uninsured needs of families and individuals, repair of public infrastructure, emergency communications systems, and other forms of assistance. Congress appropriates money for activities authorized by the Stafford Act to the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Appropriations to the DRF remain available until expended.