DHAP FAQ

Disaster Housing Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I sign up for the DHAP program?
2. What if my landlord does not want to participate in the new DHAP program?
3. When does the program end and what happens after that?
4. Who is responsible for collecting the tenant co-payments once they go into effect?
5. What type of case management is required under DHAP?

1. How do I sign up for the DHAP program?

   If you are currently enrolled in the FEMA rental-assistance program, you do not have to go through a new application and approval process – the transition to the DHAP program will be done automatically. However, you will need to register with the new program and agree to case management. Landlords who become part of the program will ask you to sign an addendum to your current lease, which will show that you and your landlord have agreed to the terms of the new program.

2. What if my landlord does not want to participate in the new DHAP program?

   HUD believes that most landlords who participate in the FEMA program will want to continue with the new DHAP program. If your landlord chooses not to participate, then you cannot continue to live at your residence and still have your rent paid through the program. You will have to find an apartment residence that participates in the DHAP program or you will not have your rent paid for you.

3. When does the program end and what happens after that?

   The DHAP program will pay your full rent benefits through February 2008. Starting in March 2008, you will have to pay $50 of your total monthly rent payment directly to the landlord out of your own pocket. The amount that you pay directly to the landlord will increase by $50 each month after that. So, you can expect to pay $100 in April 2008, then $150 in May 2008, and so on, until the end of the program in March 2009.

4. Who is responsible for collecting the tenant co-payments once they go into effect?

   Landlords will be responsible for collecting all co-payments directly from their tenants each month.

5. What type of case management is required under DHAP?

   During the time that families are assisted under DHAP, each family is required to participate in case management services. All family members listed under an active DHAP lease are eligible for and should be provided with case management services.

   The objectives of these services are greater self-sufficiency and permanent housing for participating families. This will include assisting families to identify non-disaster supported housing solutions such as other affordable housing options that may be available for income eligible families. Families and individuals in the program will be given information, supportive services, resources and ample time to prepare themselves for the end of temporary, subsidized housing.

For the latest information on the Disaster Housing Assistance Program (DHAP), click here .