FEMA May Audit, So Save Those Receipts

It's very important to save all  of your receipts relating to disaster spending, whether or not you have yet been approved for FEMA or SBA funding.
 
When it comes to FEMA grants, keep receipts for at least THREE YEARS, because FEMA may conduct random audits.
 
If you have not been approved for FEMA funding, keep your receipts anyway, as you may qualify at a later date.
 
There has been some confusion, because people are receiving  FEMA checks but aren't sure what they can or can't spend it on.
 
This is because the checks are sent by the U.S. Department of Treasury, while the letters come directly from FEMA - and not necessarily at the same time.     
 
Housing funds are for residents to meet basic disaster-related needs, such as temporary repairs on damaged homes, temporary housing, or other disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources.

 
FEMA said if a recipient receives an insurance settlement to cover the same expenses, he or she must reimburse FEMA.
 
If an applicant spends the money on anything other than the purpose for which it is intended, no additional assistance may be granted.

 
To clarify the reason you received a check and to verify your eligiblity status call FEMA at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA).