H.R. 2914 — what changed

Financial assistance— Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals and households described in subsection (c) may be eligible for assistance made available under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) in connection with a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), including Hurricane Maria of 2017.

Use of funds— Any assistance provided pursuant to subsection (a) may include costs relating to obtaining title for a property described in subsection (c)(1), including the cost of land surveys and any other taxes or fees associated with obtaining the title for such property.

Eligible individuals or households— With respect to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), an individual or household described in this subsection is an individual or household who—

is residing on a property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to such property and is not renting such property; or

is or was residing in an area for which a major disaster has been declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), during the designated incident period, including residing in any housing accommodation or property upon which a housing accommodation is located, including any living quarters, boardinghouse, bunkhouse, manufactured home, mobile home, or travel trailer.

Consideration— In making a determination to provide assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall consider a wide range of evidence.

Alternative forms of evidence— In determining if an individual or household is eligible for assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall accept either a declarative statement or the presentation of at least one item of alternative evidence, including the following:

A utility (including gas, electric, sewer, or water) bill with the name and address of the individual.

A merchant’s statement (including a credit card, delivery notice, or first class mail) with the name and address of the individual.

A pay stub from an employer with the name and address of the individual.

A current driver’s license or State-issued identification card of the individual.

The deed or title for the applicable property.

A mortgage payment booklet or another mortgage document.

Property title of mobile home certificate of title.

A real estate property tax receipt.

A school registration containing the address of self, child, or children.

A will and testament with the name and address of the individual.

In a State that does not require a will and testament for the transfer of immovable property, a death certificate and birth certificate that establishes an automatic transfer of legal ownership.

Medical records that list the name and address of the individual.

A charitable donation receipt that list the name and address of the individual.

Any other documentation, certification, identification, or proof of occupancy or ownership not included on this list that can reasonably link the individual requesting assistance to the applicable property.