FEMA Tweaks Disaster Aid Math: Now $189 Per Person for 2026
Published Date: 4/28/2026
Notice
Summary
FEMA updated the statewide per person amount to $189 for deciding if a state can get more federal help after big disasters in 2026. This means states or tribes with higher disaster costs might get up to 90% of expenses covered, instead of 75%. The change reflects a 2.7% rise in living costs and applies to disasters declared from January 1 through December 31, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Per‑Capita Indicator: $189 for 2026
FEMA set the statewide per capita indicator at $189 for disasters declared January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026. That indicator is used to recommend increasing the Federal cost share of eligible permanent work (section 406) and emergency work (sections 403 and 407) from 75% up to not more than 90%. The indicator reflects a 2.7% increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the 12-month period ending December 2025.
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