Disaster Legal Services
The Department of Homeland Security has three primary missions: Prevent terrorist attacks within the United States, reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism and minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.
Program Accomplishments
None.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Free legal services, including legal advice, counseling, and representation in non-fee-generating cases are provided, except as provided in paragraph (b) in Part 206.164.
Fee- generating cases (i.e., part of a settlement awarded by the court) shall not be accepted by lawyers operating under these regulations, and will be referred by the Regional Director through existing lawyer referral services.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Low-income individuals, families, and groups.
Beneficiary Eligibility
When the President declares a major disaster in which individual assistance programs are triggered, legal services and advice are made available to victims who are unable to secure such services as a result of the disaster.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
None.
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
None.
Award Procedures
None.
Deadlines
None.
Authorization
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, Section 415, Public Law 93-288, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 5182.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
None.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
None.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
None.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
None.
Audits
None.
Records
None.
Financial Information
Account Identification
70-0702-0-1-453.
Obigations
(Salaries and Expenses); FY 07 $41,242; FY 08 $48,553 and FY 09 est not available.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
None.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
Federal Disaster Assistance Regulations, 44 CFR 206.164; DOM Chapter 11; and Disaster Legal Services Handbook.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
See Appendix IV of the Catalog for a listing of addresses for FEMA's Regional Offices.
Headquarters Office
Department of Homeland Security 245 Murray Lane - Bldg. #410, Washington, DC 20528.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
None.
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