ALBANY, N.Y. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the state of New York, has activated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which allows eligible evacuees from Hurricane Sandy, who cannot return to their homes, to stay in hotels or motels until more suitable housing accommodations are available.
This federal assistance is intended to provide a place to stay for a longer period of time for evacuees whose neighborhoods are not accessible or whose houses have been destroyed.
The period of assistance is from November 3rd through November 17th.
This federal program will not reimburse applicants for previously incurred hotel expenses.
Applicants are responsible for their own meals and for any lodging costs above the authorized allowance.
You can register for FEMA assistance online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smart phone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
Applicants can also call 1-800-621-FEMA.
Eligible evacuees must fit the following criteria:
- FEMA must be able to verify the identity of the evacuee;
- The primary residence of the evacuee must be in one of the counties that has been designated a disaster area; and
- The primary residence is inaccessible or unlivable due to damage or lack of power.
TSA allows eligible individuals or families to stay in a hotel or motel for a limited time and have the cost of the room and taxes paid directly to the hotel by FEMA.
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