Just two days before FEMA hotel stays were scheduled to end for Hurricane Irma victims on Dec. 3, the agency has extended the deadline though Jan. 6.
Those receiving Transitional Sheltering Assistance may get the hotel extension while they look for an alternative place to live. Participants in the program will get a phone call telling them whether they are eligible for the extension and what they need to do to remain at their current hotel or find a new one.
Hurricane Irma survivors who are not currently in the program but who may be eligible are notified automatically if they are registered with FEMA.
All participants will have to check out on Jan. 7.
FEMA pays directly for the room and applicable taxes. Applicants must still pay for their other expenses (meals, transportation, etc.)
A household of four or fewer members is authorized one hotel room and a household of five or more is authorized additional rooms based on a limit of four people per room. One member of each household 18 or older must reside in each room.
TSA-eligible applicants must find and book their own hotel rooms. The list of participating hotels is on DisasterAssistance.gov, under the link Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585. For 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.