Public Law 114-4 requires that the FEMA Administrator provide a report by the 5th day of each month on the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), which includes a funding summary, a table delineating the DRF funding activities each month by state and event, a summary of the funding for the catastrophic events, and an estimate of the date on which the funds will be exhausted.
The Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) is an appropriation against which FEMA can direct, coordinate, manage, and fund eligible response and recovery efforts associated with domestic major disasters and emergencies that overwhelm State resources pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
Through the DRF, FEMA can fund authorized federal disaster support activities as well as eligible state, territorial, tribal, and local actions such as providing emergency protection and debris removal.
The DRF also funds:
- The repair and restoration of qualifying disaster-damaged public infrastructure
- Hazard mitigation initiatives
- Financial assistance to eligible disaster survivors
- Fire Management Assistance Grants for qualifying large forest or grassland wildfires
Immediate Needs Funding (INF)
When the DRF is projected to be insufficient to meet all Stafford Act requirements, FEMA must prioritize lifesaving and life-sustaining activities. Under INF, FEMA prioritizes response and urgent recovery efforts without interruption. However, new obligations not necessary for lifesaving and life-sustaining activities will be paused.
The Immediate Needs Funding guidance beginning on Aug. 7, 2024 is lifted as of Oct. 1, 2024.
Fact Sheet Frequently Asked Questions