AUSTIN, Texas – Hurricane Harvey survivors who need more time to find housing are getting an extension to stay temporarily in hotels while they look for an alternative place to live.
The Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program, which pays for short-term hotel stays, has been extended. The new checkout date is two weeks away on Nov. 7. Participants eligible to continue in the program will receive a phone call telling them what they need to do to remain at their current hotel or find a new hotel. Applicants must meet certain requirements to remain eligible.
Hurricane Harvey survivors who recently applied for assistance will be notified automatically of their eligibility. To be considered for TSA eligibility disaster survivors must be registered with FEMA for disaster assistance.
FEMA pays the hotel for the room and any applicable taxes (including non-refundable pet fees – up to the maximum allowable room night charge). Applicants are responsible for all other incidental costs (meals, transportation, etc.). Hotels require a government issued photo ID at time of check-in, survivors must adhere to any hotel check-in requirements and may be required to provide a credit card for incidental expenses.
A household of four or fewer members is authorized one hotel room and a household of five or more will be authorized additional rooms (limit four people per room). One member of each household, 18 years or older, must reside in each room.
TSA-eligible applicants must find and book their own hotel rooms. The list of participating hotels is available at DisasterAssistance.gov under the Transitional Sheltering Assistance Program link or by calling FEMA at 800-321-3362. For 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.
Applicants with disabilities or who have access and functional needs should check with hotels to ensure appropriate accommodations are available. Those with pets must check with the hotel to see if the hotel accepts pets.
For more information on Hurricane Harvey and Texas recovery, visit the Hurricane Harvey disaster web page, the FEMA Harvey Facebook page, the @FEMARegion6 Twitter account and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website.
