Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2025

Improved Application Process: The establishment of a "unified disaster application system" is intended to help disaster assistance programs work more swiftly and efficiently (Section 2).

Better Communication: The new system will allow applicants to receive status updates, update their information during recovery, and receive information about additional resources (Section 2).

Expanded Repair Assistance: Assistance for repairs will now cover residences or infrastructure damaged by a major disaster, rather than only those rendered "uninhabitable" (Section 4).

Hazard Mitigation Support: The President may provide financial assistance for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures to reduce threats to life and property for damaged residences, utilities, or infrastructure (Section 4).

Direct Assistance for Those in Need: The bill allows for direct assistance for repairs when there is a lack of available resources for individuals or households (Section 5).

Sheltering for First Responders: State, tribal, or local governments can be reimbursed for the costs of sheltering emergency response personnel and their households during a major disaster (Section 11).

Rental Assistance Updates: The bill includes local post-disaster rent increases as part of accommodation provisions (Section 12).

Privacy and Data Risks: While the bill includes security requirements, the Administrator has the authority to waive certain information collection requirements upon declaring a major disaster (Section 2).

Potential for Data Misuse: The bill allows the Administrator to permit other Federal agencies to use the unified disaster application system, which requires an agreement to ensure compliance with security policies (Section 2).

Uncertainty in Information Collection: The GAO is tasked with reviewing the risks associated with the authority to waive information collection requirements, including potential effects on the consistent application of privacy and security laws (Section 2).