DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/disaster-legal-services] 

The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program is authorized under section
415 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance
Act, Public Law 93-288, as codified at 42 U.S.C. § 5182, and may be
implemented upon issuance of a Presidentially declared major disaster
that includes Individual Assistance and authorizes DLS.

DLS provides confidential, free legal assistance to survivors who need
legal help due to a major disaster, but who do not have the means to
secure adequate legal services. For individuals seeking DLS, there is
no formal application process. Individuals can access these services
by contacting the phone number designated for the specific major
disaster, which is established once the program has been authorized.
In addition to this phone number, individuals can visit FEMA Disaster
Recovery Centers where DLS attorneys may be physically located. 

The program must be delivered in an equitable and impartial manner,
without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, religion,
nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic
status. Providers of DLS must plan to meet the needs of people with
access and functional needs, such as people with limited English
proficiency and individuals with disabilities who are deaf or hard of
hearing and may use sign language or captioning.

Attorneys are volunteers who provide survivors with legal counseling,
advice, and, when appropriate, legal representation in non-fee
generating cases that are not against the federal government. DLS
attorneys are not FEMA employees. Any services or conversations that
occur between a survivor and a DLS attorney are confidential and will
not be shared with FEMA. If volunteer attorneys are unable to assist
survivors with their legal needs due to the topic at issue and/or time
that would generate a fee, survivors will be referred to independent
attorneys who can provide pro-bono (without charge) or low-cost
services through the lawyer referral network in the impacted area. To
learn more about the DLS program, please visit the Disaster Legal
Services Program (americanbar.org)
[https://www.americanbar.org/groups/young_lawyers/projects/disaster-legal-services/].

Services typically provided through DLS include:

	* Help with insurance claims for doctor and hospital bills, loss of
property, loss of life, etc.
	* Drafting of new wills and other legal papers lost in the disaster.
	* Assistance with home repair contracts and contractors.
	* Counseling and advice about landlord/tenant matters.
	* Estate administration, including guardianships and
conservatorships.
	* Help with consumer protection matters, remedies, and procedures.
	* Preparation of powers of attorney and guardianship materials.
	* FEMA appeals support, such as identifying and gathering relevant
documentation.