This bill would make it easier and faster for people to get federal help after disasters. It tells FEMA to build one simple, unified application so survivors don’t have to fill out multiple forms for different programs. Through this system, people could apply once, check their status, update their information, and get connected to other local, state, tribal, or federal resources. Agencies would also be able to coordinate and communicate with survivors more directly to speed up aid and cut down on red tape .

The plan includes strong privacy and security steps. FEMA can share only the information needed to run assistance programs and must publicly explain what data is collected, why, and which agencies can see it. Sending an application through the unified system counts as giving consent for those agencies to share data to deliver aid. FEMA must meet federal cybersecurity standards, do a privacy review, and set rules for handling data. If a breach happens, agencies must quickly notify, cooperate on the fix, and take responsibility, including offering credit monitoring when needed. During declared disasters, FEMA can temporarily skip certain paperwork steps to speed help, but must post a public notice explaining why. Congress will get updates and reports to track how this is working for survivors .

Key points

• Who is affected: Disaster survivors applying for federal help; FEMA and other federal disaster aid agencies .
• What changes: One consolidated application with status updates, easier data sharing among agencies for faster aid, stronger privacy and security rules, and clear breach response duties .
• When: FEMA must stand up the unified system within about a year of the law taking effect, and provide regular briefings and reports after that .