Updated 4/2/2023
What is Restore Louisiana?
Restore Louisiana helps Louisiana homeowners rebuild if their homes were destroyed or nearly destroyed by one of these three Hurricanes: Ida, Laura, or Delta. The Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD) runs this federal disaster relief program.
Am I eligible?
All of these things must be true for you to get this aid.
Any one of the three things listed here should mean your home had “major and severe” damage:
How do I apply for help from Restore Louisiana?
STEP 1: Complete the Restore Louisiana survey that is administered by the Louisiana Office of Community Development (OCD)
You must complete the survey to qualify for the program.
Is there a deadline to complete the survey?
The survey is separate from the full application.
It’s easy to confuse the survey with the full application.
The survey is a required first step to see if you will be allowed to file a full application.
Don’t wait to send in your survey.
The program could decide in the future to set a deadline for surveys.
Again, the program uses the survey to see who will be allowed fill out a full application.
Keep the account ID, last name, and password you used when filling out the program survey in a safe place. You may have to use them for years.
After you do the survey, Restore Louisiana should start to send you text and email messages about your request for aid.
STEP 2: Completing the Restore Louisiana application.
If your survey is approved Restore Louisiana will text or email you to apply for aid from Restore Louisiana. That means you have been asked to send in a full application for aid.
You can fill out the Restore Louisiana full application on a computer tablet, or mobile device.
The application will ask you to log onto something called a “portal.”
You will enter the same account ID, last name and password you used when filling out the program survey.
At this stage you will need to give the program documents that show you qualify for aid.
Before you start your application learn more about what it takes to qualify for aid.
You may qualify for free legal aid from SLLS.
To see if you qualify for free legal aid from SLLS, call our Disaster Legal Services Hotline at: 1-800-310-7029, or apply through our website by clicking here.
For example, the Restore Louisiana program will look for a homestead exemption in the property tax records.
*For more information, see Restore Louisiana’s Flood Insurance Requirements flyer.
This means if you choose Solution 1: Program-Managed Construction, then you must allow the Restore Program to elevate your home.
If you choose one of the other Solutions, then you have to make sure your home is elevated.
* Call Restore Louisiana at (866) 735-2001 to learn more about elevation requirements.
What flood zone am I in?
See steps below.
Go to:
You can also find this chart information on FEMA’s website at: https://www.fema.gov/glossary/flood-zones.
Here, you can find out what flood zone that you are in.
Here are the next steps once your application is accepted:
During the application process, you can choose a solution based on the progress in the rebuilding process and your capacity to complete the work.
○ If you have remaining work to be completed, then you will be asked to choose between Solution 1: Program -Managed Solution or Solution 2: Homeowner- Managed Construction.
○ If you have a mobile home unit (MHU) that needs to be replaced, you will be asked to consider Solution 2: Manufactured Housing Replacement Assistance.
○ If you seek reimbursement costs for partial or full repairs on your home, or if you replaced your MHU before applying to the Restore Program, you may be eligible for Solution 3: Reimbursement of expenses that you incurred before the application process and up to completion of the Program’s Damage Assessment.
○ For more information, see the Restore Program’s Homeowner Journey Guide or Choosing your Solution video.
Still have work needed on your home? You may want to look at the pros and cons of Solution 1 and 2 below:
SOLUTION 1: Program-Managed
Pros: If all this is overwhelming and you want someone to take the lead, then you may want to consider Solution 1.
Solution 1 will assign a licensed and insured contractor who will handle the demolition, planning, reconstruction, and permitting through completion of the project.
If you struggle with keeping track of deadlines, managing your own money, or if you have other problems that will make it hard for you to keep up with a repair or construction project, or if it is hard for you to find a contractor then Solution 1, then this option may help you.
Cons: If you chose Solution 1, you will be required to move out of your home. You cannot move back into your home until notified by the program in writing. If you do not want to be displaced from your home, then this Solution may cause difficulty, or discomfort, for you. Also, you will be required to move out your belongings, otherwise it will be disposed of as part of the demolition. If you do not have a place to store your belongings, then this option may not be for you. Unfortunately, the Restore program does not provide moving and storage assistance. But it does cover rent.
SOLUTION 2: Homeowner-Managed
Pros: If you want to choose your own licensed and insured contractor and want to take more control over your home reconstruction decisions, you may want to consider Solution 2.
Cons: This option may not work for someone who has trouble keeping track of deadlines, managing money, or has other problems that would make it hard to deal with a repair or rebuilding project.
You must do some things to keep your grant under either Solution 1 or Solution 2:
You could lose your grant or be asked to pay it back if you do not follow the rules of the program.
* For more information about Solutions 1 and 2, see our flyer found here or Contact Restore Louisiana at (866) 735-2001.
La Comisión de Seguros de Luisiana creó un programa de mediación para reclamos de $50,000.00 o menos.
La mediación es una manera de resolver una disputa sin ir al tribunal.
Piense en estas cosas para decidir si mediar en su reclamo.
Aquí hay cosas que debe saber sobre el programa de mediación del huracán Ida del Comisionado de Seguros de Luisiana:
Para iniciar la mediación, llame o envíe un correo electrónico a una de estas empresas :
La mediación no es la opción correcta para todos.
** Los Servicios Legales del Sudeste de Luisiana no representan a personas en disputas de reclamos de seguros.
¿Más preguntas? Vaya al sitio web del Departamento de Seguros de Luisiana:
The Louisiana Insurance Commission created a mediation program for claims of $50,000.00 or less.
Mediation is a way to work out a dispute without going to court.
Think about these things to decide whether to mediate your claim.
Here are things to know about the Louisiana Insurance Commissioner’s Hurricane Ida mediation program:
To start mediation you call or email one of these companies:
Mediation is not the right choice for everyone.
** Southeast Louisiana Legal Services does not represent people for insurance claim disputes.
More questions? Go to the Louisiana Department of Insurance’s website:
¿Qué limita lo que puede obtener de FEMA para reparaciones de su vivienda?
Tres cosas limitan lo que FEMA puede darle para reparaciones a la vivienda.
Primero, el intento de FEMA es solo regresa las casas a “condiciones seguras, sanitarias y funcionales”. Un hogar es más que ser seguro, sanitario, y funcional. Pero, FEMA no paga el resto de lo que hace que un hogar sea cómodo para nosotros.
Segundo, FEMA solo paga hasta $36,000.00 para reparaciones de la vivienda. Este límite es para el huracán Ida; y la cantidad cambia anualmente.
Tercero, un error limitará lo que FEMA le page. Alguien podría olvidar de incluir algunas de las reparaciones necesarias. O no se dan cuenta del costo actual de las reparaciones de la vivienda. Estos errores se pueden corregir presentando una apelación.
¿Quién puede apelar los fondos de FEMA para las reparaciones de la vivienda?
Puede apelar si-
¿Cuáles son los pasos para apelar mis fondos de FEMA por mi reparación de la vivienda?
“Por la presente declaro bajo pena de perjurio que lo anterior es verdadero y correcto”.
Debe guardar sus fotografías en un formato en blanco y negro para enviarlas a FEMA. Asegúrate de que las fotos sean claras. FEMA solo conserva fotografías en formato blanco y negro.
No es requerida, pero se recomienda que envíe 2 o 3 presupuestos de contratistas.
FEMA necesita documentos que demuestren que lo que hicieron estuvo equivocado. Su descripción de los daños e incluso las fotografías no les dicen cuánto dinero necesita para las reparaciones. Un presupuesto les dice cuánto dinero necesita.
Su presupuesto de contratista debe tener lo siguiente:
Como parte de su apelación, también puede escribir a FEMA solicitando una segunda inspección.
Puede solicitar una segunda inspección en su carta de apelación si:
¿Hay una fecha límite para presentar mi apelación?
Sí, hay una fecha límite para enviar una apelación.
Tiene 60 días a partir de la fecha de su carta de determinación de FEMA para enviar por correo, fax o cargar su carta de apelación y tus documentos de apoyo.
Pero si no cumplió con el plazo de 60 días, FEMA puede aceptar apelaciones tardías si demuestra una “buena causa”.
Su apelación y la documentación de respaldo pueden enviarse por correo, por fax o cargarse en su cuenta en línea de FEMA utilizando la información a continuación.
¿Necesita ayuda para apelar sus fondos de FEMA?
Todo esto podría ser complicado. Alguien con experiencia en el trato con FEMA puede ayudarlo a saber qué más se necesita para su apelación.
Puede calificar para asistencia legal gratuita de SLLS.
Vea si califica para recibir asistencia legal gratuita de SLLS, llame a nuestra Línea Directa de Servicios Legales para Desastres al: 1-800-310-7029, o puedes solicitar en línea en nuestro sitio web www.slls.org, haciendo clic aquí.
¿Qué sucede si las reparaciones de mi hogar cuestan más de lo que proporcionó FEMA?
Si las reparaciones de su hogar cuestan más que el límite de FEMA, es posible que pueda solicitar otra ayuda.
Pronto un nuevo programa ayudará a las personas reconstruir del huracán Ida. Se llamará Restaurar Luisiana (Restore Louisiana).
Este otro programa podría requerir que los propietarios tengan al menos uno de los siguientes para obtener más ayuda:
Los fondos de FEMA para reparaciones de la vivienda de al menos $8,000.00,
O los fondos de FEMA por propiedad personal de al menos $3,500.00,
O, inundando más de un pie.
Updated 9/12/2022
What limits what you can get from FEMA for home repairs?
Three things limit what FEMA can give you for home repairs.
First, FEMA only tries to get homes back to a “safe, sanitary, and functional condition.” There is more to a home than being safe, sanitary, and functional. But FEMA does not pay for the rest of what makes a home comfortable to us.
Second, FEMA can only pay up to $36,000.00 for home repairs. This limit was for Hurricane Ida; the amount changes yearly.
Third, mistakes limit what FEMA pays. Somebody along the way does not count some of the repairs needed. Or they don’t realize how much the repair costs. These mistakes can be corrected by filing an appeal.
Who can appeal a FEMA home repair award?
You can appeal if-
What are the steps to appeal my FEMA home Repair Award?
“I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
You should save your photographs in a black and white format to send them to FEMA. Make sure the photos are clear. FEMA only keeps photos in black and white format.
It’s not required, but it’s recommended that you send 2-3 contractor estimates. FEMA needs documents that show them what they did was wrong. Your description of damage and even photographs do not tell them how much money you need for the repairs. An estimate tells them how much money you need.
Your contractor estimate should have the following:
As part of your appeal, you can request a second inspection.
You can request a second inspection in your appeal letter if -
Is there a deadline to submit my appeal?
Yes, there is a deadline for sending in an appeal.
You have 60 days from the date on your FEMA determination letter to either mail, fax or upload your appeal letter and supporting documents.
But if you missed your 60-day deadline, late appeals may be accepted by FEMA if you show a “good cause.”
Your appeal and supporting documentation can be either mailed, faxed, or uploaded to your FEMA online account using the information below.
Do you need help appealing your home repair award?
This can all be complicated. Someone experienced in dealing with FEMA can help you know what else is needed for your appeal.
You may qualify for free legal aid from SLLS.
See if you qualify for free legal aid from SLLS, call our Disaster Legal Services Hotline at: 1-800-310-7029, or apply online at our website www.slls.org, by clicking here.
What if my home repairs cost more than FEMA provided?
If your home repairs cost more than FEMA’s limit, you may be able to apply for other help.
A new program will soon help people rebuild from Ida. It will be called Restore Louisiana.
This other program might require that homeowners have at least one of the following to get more help:
A FEMA award for home repairs of at least $8,000.00,
OR FEMA Award for personal property of at least $3,500.00,
OR, flooding over one foot.
El verano pasado ocurrió el huracán Ida. Algunas personas todavía tienen problemas legales relacionados con el huracán.
Hay buenas noticias: ofrecemos asistencia legal gratuita para ayudar con problemas relacionados con el desastre.
Los abogados de Southeast Louisiana Legal Services (“SLLS”) le podemos ayudar con asuntos legales después de tormentas y otros desastres.
Vea si califica para recibir ayuda con problemas como estos:
Tal vez ¡SLLS podría ayudar!
Puede aplicar para asistencia legal gratuita en Internet aquí—https://slls.org/get-help/
Puede aplicar para asistencia legal gratuita por teléfono aquí—1-844-244-7871.
Esté listo para describir qué tipo de problema legal tiene.
Esté listo para responder a algunas preguntas sobre su situación financiera. Eso ayudará a SLLS a averiguar si califica para recibir ayuda legal gratuita.
Información importante para apelar reclamos rechazados por FEMA: Se tiene 60 días para apelar la decisión de FEMA, pero en algunas situaciones es posible que aún pueda enviar su apelación después de 60 días.
Llámanos hoy al SLLS para obtener más información.
Hurricane Ida happened last summer. Some people still have storm-related legal problems.
Good news: there is free legal aid to help.
Southeast Louisiana Legal Assistance (“SLLS”) attorneys help with legal issues after storms and other disasters.
See if you qualify for help with problems like the ones listed here:
SLLS may be able to help!
You can apply for free legal aid online here: https://slls.org/get-help/
You can call to ask about free legal aid here: 1-844-244-7871.
Be ready to say briefly what kind of legal problem you have.
Be ready to answer some questions about your money situation. That helps SLLS find out if you qualify for free legal help.
Here’s more information about appealing a FEMA decision on your claim.
You have 60 days to appeal FEMA’s decision .
Depending on your situation you may still be able to appeal for more help after the 60-day deadline.
Contact SLLS today to learn more.
Updated on 9/12/2022
Do you think your FEMA personal property or home repair amounts are too low? You can ask for a second FEMA inspection, even if you have already appealed.
Write to FEMA to ask for the second inspection as part of your appeal.
Updated 3/15/2022
The information below tells you what kind of FEMA help you may be able to get after you have used up the first round of rent help FEMA gave you.
FEMA gave people up to two months of rent money after Hurricane Ida.
Two months of rent may not be enough for some people.
People who need more months of help may be able to get more aid from FEMA.
FEMA can give continued rental assistance for up to 18 months of rent help. This help can be for renters and homeowners.
FEMA can only help people who qualify for more aid.
One of two things must be true to get extra aid.
and
1. If possible, plan ahead
Get your paperwork and other information together now.
FEMA may take at least 30 days to review your request for more aid after FEMA gets your paperwork.
Apply will before your rent is due. If you delay, FEMA may not get aid to you before your rent is due.
2. Fill out a Declaration of Continuing Need for Temporary Rental Assistance
This form asks about these things:
Make sure you give FEMA all of the information they ask for!
The application must not have any missing information.
Any blanks on the form will slow down your request for rent aid.
FEMA will ask for information for any missing details.
Important: Make sure you sign the declaration!
FEMA will not process your form unless you sign it.
FEMA also needs paperwork from you to show that the declaration is true.
3. Get together paperwork FEMA needs
FEMA wants paperwork to show you qualify for more aid.
Here is a list of the paperwork FEMA needs:
FEMA must have a copy of your current lease or rental agreement. FEMA will not give for more aid without this. The lease must include the name and phone number of the landlord.
If you were a pre-disaster renter, you must give FEMA a copy of your pre-disaster lease.
FEMA needs to know you spent all of the first round of rent aid.
You must submit a copy of all rent receipts, cancelled checks, or money orders to prove that the earlier FEMA rent aid was spent on rent. This includes hotel receipts.
FEMA needs proof of income for all family members over age 18 living in the home.
This proof of income for each household member must show income before Hurricane Ida and after Hurricane Ida.
Proof of income may include:
FEMA needs proof of utility bills dated before and after Hurricane Ida.
People with homeowner’s insurance cannot get rental assistance if their insurance covers either “Additional Living Expenses” or “Loss of Use” claims.
If your homeowner’s insurance does not cover “Additional Living Expenses” or “Loss of Use”, you MUST include a copy of your policy or your declaration page so FEMA can see this.
4. Send Your Application and Paperwork to FEMA
Put all of your paperwork for your application for more rent aid together in one packet to send to FEMA.
5. Put the following information on every page of the papers you send to FEMA:
Keep copies of everything you send to FEMA! Keep these copies in a safe place! That way you have a backup in case FEMA misfiles what you submit.
You can send information to FEMA online, by FAX, or by mail.
You can upload your paperwork for FEMA to your disasterassistance.gov account.
You can FAX your paperwork to FEMA at 1-800-827-8112.
You can mail your packet to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
If you are missing anything FEMA will usually take much longer to decide your claim or may deny it. So it is best to think of other ways to get what you don’t have. You might ask your old landlord for the old lease. For income documents you might ask an employer or use bank records that show the deposits.
If you can’t get anything, write a statement that includes:
For Hurricane Ida FEMA can give up to 175% of its normal rent amounts if convinced you need more to find a place to live.
If you applied for continued rental assistance and you did not get enough to afford a place to rent, you may be able to get free legal aid from Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. Call our Helpline at 1-844-244-7871 to apply or fill out our online application here.
Even if FEMA gives you more rent aid, it does not mean you will keep getting aid for 18 months.
If you own your home, FEMA expects you to return to your home as soon as repairs are done.
If you rent a place to live FEMA expects you to find a place you can afford without FEMA help as soon as possible.
FEMA will stop giving aid if it thinks you could have gotten back into an affordable home.