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Direct Housing_Natural Disaster Loans and Grants
Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
For the purpose of administering these funds, natural disaster will only
Established in 1862, the Department of Agriculture serves all Americans through anti-hunger efforts, stewardship of nearly 200 million acres of national forest and rangelands, and through product safety and conservation efforts. The USDA opens markets for American farmers and ranchers and provides food for needy people around the world.
If no listing, contact appropriate RD State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or on the internet at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.
Program Accomplishments
In fiscal year 2005, the number of existing houses improved through Section 504 Natural Disaster Loans and Grants was 1,322.
Uses and Use Restrictions
To assist very-low income owner- occupants to repair or replace damaged property as a direct result of a natural disaster.
Loans are made in counties named by the Federal Management Agency as being eligible for Federal assistance under an emergency declaration by the President.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants must own and occupy the home in a rural area.
Loan recipients must have sufficient income to repay the loan.
Grant recipients must be 62 years of age or older and be unable to repay a loan for that part of the assistance received as a grant.
The applicant's income for a loan may not exceed the very low-income limit which can be obtained in any Rural Development (RD) field office.
Beneficiary Eligibility
Applicants/borrowers are the direct beneficiaries when they meet all eligibility criteria.
Credentials/Documentation
Natural disasters will only include those areas identified by a Presidential declaration. Funds are only available to the extent that funds are not provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Applicants must establish that physical damage was caused by natural disaster. For Section 504 loans/grants, there must be evidence of ownership and verification of income and debts. For grant recipients, evidence of age is required. The applicant must be unable to get credit elsewhere and demonstrate repayment for the loan.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No.
A-102 and E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
Applicants must file Form RD 410-4 at the Rural Development field office serving the county where the dwelling is located. This program is excluded from coverage under OMB Circular No. A-110.
Award Procedures
Final approval of the application is given by the local or area office loan approval official.
Deadlines
Applicants must file applications from the date of declaration/designation and until supplemental appropriated funds are exhausted.
Authorization
Housing Act of 1949, Title V, Section 504, as amended, Public Laws 89-117, 89-754, and 92-310, 42 U.S.C. 1474; Public Law 104-134.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
From 30 to 60 days subject to the availability of funds, from the time the application is filed if no backlog of applications exist.
Appeals
Applicants may request reconsideration at the local RD field office and may appeal adverse actions in accordance with 7 CFR Part 11. Appeals may be filed within 30 days after notification of the adverse decision is received by the loan/grant applicants.
Renewals
Not applicable.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no matching requirement or statutory formula.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
These funds are available only if the Supplemental Emergency Funding for Natural Disaster has been appropriated.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
None.
Records
Borrowers are not required to, but should retain copies of loan/grant related documents.
Financial Information
Account Identification
(Loans) 12-2081-0-1-371; 12-4215-0-3-371.
(Grants) 12-1953-0-1-999.
Obigations
(Loans) FY 07 $40,000; FY 08 est. not available; and FY 09 est. not available. (Grants) FY 07 $21,300; FY 08 est. $0; and FY 09 est. $0.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
(Loans) $6,167; (Grants) $5,241.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
7 CFR 3550.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
Consult your local telephone directory under United States Department of Agriculture for Rural Development field office number. If no listing, contact appropriate RD State Office listed in Appendix IV of the Catalog or on the internet at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/recd_map.html.
Headquarters Office
Director, Single Family Processing Division, Rural Housing Programs (RHP), Department of Agriculture, Washington DC 20250. Telephone: (202) 720-1474. Use the same number for FTS.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Not applicable.
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