FEMA Updates Disaster Aid Math to $5.03 Per Person
Published Date: 11/6/2026
Notice
Summary
Starting October 1, 2026, FEMA is raising the countywide per person impact indicator to $5.03 for disaster aid calculations. This change affects counties hit by major disasters and reflects a 3.4% rise in living costs. It means disaster help amounts will better match current prices, helping communities recover faster and fairer.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Per-Person Disaster Indicator Raised to $5.03
FEMA raised the countywide per capita impact indicator to $5.03 for disasters with an incident start date on or after October 1, 2026. The indicator is used when evaluating county-level disaster impact under 44 CFR 206.40(b).
Indicator Will Be Adjusted Annually by CPI-U
FEMA will adjust the countywide per capita impact indicator to reflect annual changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The current adjustment is based on a 3.4 percent CPI-U increase for the 12 months ending August 2026 (BLS release September 11, 2026).
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