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Understand FEMA Designations

When disaster strikes and the President of the United States issues a Major Disaster Declaration for a designated area, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will indicate what type(s) of assistance residents of specific areas are eligible for.

  • Individual Assistance- Assistance to individuals and households
  • Public Assistance- Assistance to State and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities
  • Individual and Public Assistance- The county qualifies for both individual assistance and public assistance

Freddie Mac's special disaster relief policies for borrowers impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita are categorized and applied based on the location of the property securing a mortgage, and

  • If it is located in an area included in a Major Disaster Declaration, and
  • The type of assistance the property's county is eligible for, as indicated by FEMA.

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