Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025

This bill aims to speed up disaster recovery and help families fix their homes faster. It creates a reserve fund so FEMA can give grants to states and Tribes to cover needs that other aid doesn’t meet, like home repairs, help for families who can’t get enough aid elsewhere, and local economic recovery. The President can also set aside up to 10% of disaster grant funds for these unmet needs without cutting other FEMA programs, and states and Tribes must follow basic spending controls and file regular reports on how the money is used.

Housing help gets stronger. FEMA could provide more repair aid for owner-occupied homes—including utilities and private access routes—and give direct help when money alone isn’t enough, including building permanent housing when that’s the cheaper fix. It also changes the rule so damage, not only a home being “uninhabitable,” can qualify for help. A new emergency home repair option would pay for small fixes so people can safely stay in their homes, and FEMA must list all sheltering and housing options for state leaders within 15 days of a disaster. The time limit for direct housing help rises from 18 to 24 months, and appeals get clearer: FEMA must share the documents it used, explain any denial, and tell you how to fix it. FEMA must also weigh severe local impacts and the last five years of events when it recommends a disaster declaration or cost share, and report to Congress on denials, appeals, legal help, and disaster recovery center access, with outside reviews to keep the program fair and fast.

• Who is affected: People in disaster areas; homeowners (including people with disabilities); states and Tribes.
• What changes: More home repair aid (including minor fixes so you can shelter in place); direct housing help can last up to 24 months; cost‑effective permanent housing allowed; “damaged” homes can qualify; FEMA must consider local impact and recent disasters; better appeal rights.
• How funding works: The President can set aside up to 10% of disaster grants for unmet needs; states and Tribes can use these grants for home repair, family support when other aid falls short, and local economic recovery.
• When: Many changes apply after the law takes effect; within 15 days of a disaster, FEMA must list housing options; FEMA has up to 2 years to finish rules for the emergency repair program.