State Department Seeks Input on Crisis Form Renewal
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of State wants your thoughts on renewing the Crisis Assistance Request Form, used by U.S. citizens and eligible family members facing emergencies abroad. They’re asking for comments by August 17, 2026, to make sure the form is clear and not too time-consuming. This form helps about 120,000 people a year get quick help during disasters or conflicts, and filling it takes just 5 minutes.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Electronic crisis help form
The Department of State is renewing the Crisis Assistance Request Form used by U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (LPRs), and eligible family members to request consular help during disasters or armed conflict abroad. The collection is completed 100% electronically at https://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake (the link is activated when needed), covers an estimated 120,000 respondents, and takes about 5 minutes per response.
May enable government-arranged departures
The Department may use information entered on the form to arrange U.S. government‑coordinated departures (including chartered or non‑commercial transportation) in extreme situations where local infrastructure is damaged but safe movement is possible. Availability of U.S. government‑coordinated departure assistance can vary depending on the nature of the crisis.
LPR and family options may be delayed
U.S. citizens are always eligible to complete the form when it is activated, but the Department will decide at the time of a crisis whether to activate the form options for LPRs and eligible family members; those options may be activated later rather than in the initial stage. Completion of the form is voluntary.
Identity verified via passport records
The Department verifies identity information provided in the crisis form by checking Department of State passport records before approving eligibility for assistance. The Department stated this verification is part of how it evaluates submissions.
Minimal time burden to respond
The Department estimates the form will be completed by about 120,000 respondents, with an average time of 5 minutes per response and a total hourly burden of 10,000 hours; responding is voluntary. Comments on this collection are due by August 17, 2026.
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Key Dates
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