Issue Brief 19-15
April 24, 2019
Summary 

Federal assistance for natural disasters comes in many forms, with different eligible funding activities, matching requirements, and funding streams coming into play under varying circumstances. Most funding to state and local governments is provided through the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF), generally after the president issues an emergency or major disaster declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Emergency Relief and Disaster Assistance Act (Stafford Act).

This Issue Brief describes major DRF programs for state and local governments and their relevant provisions for states.