FEMA Advisory: Updates to FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance Policy (July 27, 2021)

FEMA Advisory


Updates to FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance Policy


FEMA updated its Transitional Sheltering Assistance policy to make it easier for eligible disaster survivors to receive assistance by providing safe temporary shelter after a major disaster.

This policy defines the framework, policy details and requirements to provide temporary non-congregate sheltering for eligible survivors when necessary to prevent human suffering or to protect and preserve public health or safety in response to a Presidentially declared emergency or major disaster declaration. The updated policy standardizes activation timelines, initial and continuing eligibility criteria, and eligibility review periods. It also provides clear guidance for state, tribal, and territorial governments on the activation request process.


Key updates to the program include:

  • People staying in tents when they apply for FEMA assistance may now be eligible for TSA.
  • FEMA will ensure people with disabilities have equal access to its services and programs, which may include taking appropriate steps to ensure effective communication and complying with applicable physical accessibility requirements, such as those identified under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Architectural Barriers Act.
  • FEMA will provide timely communication and program access to individuals with language barriers.

When requested by the state and approved by FEMA, the TSA program provides temporary, short term hotel stays for eligible survivors when other sheltering options are not available after a presidentially declared disaster. FEMA may authorize TSA under any of the following conditions:

  • The current shelter capacity does not meet the sheltering needs of the displaced population.
  • Congregate sheltering support resources are inadequate to sustain existing shelter needs.
  • There is a need to return facilities serving as congregate shelters to their pre-disaster use.
  • Rental resources are not sufficiently available and/or priced within fair market rent standards to meet the needs of the displaced population within the affected area.

TSA may be authorized for registrants who have a documented need. Eligible survivors will be notified by FEMA. The initial period of assistance is 30 days. TSA may last up to 180 days, when requested by the state, tribal or territorial government. Continued eligibility reviews will determine how long an individual will remain eligible for TSA.

The continued eligibility requirements for TSA are based on a registrant's continued need for sheltering assistance. Survivors will be notified seven days before their eligibility for TSA expires through phone call, alternative forms of communication, or face to face visits from field teams.

FEMA will clearly communicate information about this assistance to survivors in a simple, accessible, and effective manner and promote the understanding of the assistance's scope, benefits, limitations, and costs.

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