FEMA Now Requires Disaster Victims to Have an Email Address
4 days ago
- #digital divide
- #FEMA
- #disaster relief
- FEMA now requires disaster survivors to register for federal aid using an email address, making it mandatory instead of optional.
- The new policy risks excluding individuals with limited or no internet access from receiving crucial financial assistance.
- FEMA justifies the change as a step toward digital payment methods and better communication, aligning with an executive order to phase out paper-based payments.
- Internal documents reveal that over 80% of survivors already apply for aid online, but concerns remain about accessibility for offline households.
- FEMA workers report issues with the new policy, including turning away survivors without email addresses and providing inadequate support for setting up new accounts.
- Data shows that 17-20% of households in Missouri and Tennessee lack internet access, disproportionately affecting low-income and minority groups.
- FEMA's internal FAQ suggests setting up a new email is 'quick and easy,' but workers argue it’s a significant barrier, especially for elderly survivors.
- The agency is modernizing its disaster aid system (NEMIS), but current and former employees express concerns about excluding vulnerable populations.
- FEMA has introduced a 'Status Tracker' for survivors to monitor their applications, but reliance on digital communication remains problematic for many.
- The shift to digital aid coincides with broader efforts to transfer disaster response responsibilities from federal to state governments, raising concerns about accessibility.