Dear neighbor,
I went back to Washington this week to continue to fight for aid for those impacted by the devastating fires throughout the greater Los Angeles area. The federal government plays an important role in supporting our communities and providing disaster relief to our neighbors in need.
I want to ensure that no one is left behind in the recovery process. My colleagues and I are working to secure resources for individuals and local governments to support those affected by these wildfires. In addition to securing disaster relief, I am looking at legislation on long-term strategies to help prevent future fires, improve preparedness, and enhance climate resilience.
The path to recovery will take time, but I am committed to ensuring that no one faces this challenge alone. To assist Los Angeles County residents and businesses, I have compiled a list of resources below. If you or someone you know needs assistance, you can reach out to these organizations and services or call my district office at (323) 651-1040 for help.
LA COUNTY RELIEF: FUNDING AND RESOURCES PORTAL: Los Angeles County has launched a one-stop portal to connect the public with trusted organizations that are providing crucial relief and support in our communities. The portal hosts a range of funds dedicated to supporting first responders, offering housing assistance, providing relief for small businesses and workers, and removing barriers for students and communities.
For more information, please visit LA County Relief: Funding & Resource Portal.
DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER (DRC): DRCs have been set up to help affected individuals apply for aid. State, county, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), and other recovery specialists will be available to answer questions and provide assistance.
For a list of DRCs that are ready to assist, please visit this FEMA web page. To view the Menu of Services provided at DRC locations, please click here.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA): Renters, homeowners, and business owners who sustained losses in the designated Los Angeles County areas can apply for assistance and may be qualified for different types of disaster-related assistance. I understand that rebuilding homes after a fire will likely cost more than federal aid, and many victims lack sufficient insurance coverage to cover these expenses. If you have insurance, it is important to file a claim with your insurance company. Government disaster assistance only covers basic needs and may not fully reimburse you for your total loss. Furthermore, FEMA may not provide compensation for items already covered by your insurance.
Additionally, there is Clean and Sanitize Assistance available for Los Angeles County residents impacted by the wildfires. If your home was damaged by the wildfires but you can live in it safely, FEMA may be able to provide up to $300 in one-time financial assistance to help with cleanup. This assistance is for eligible homeowners and renters and is in addition to other FEMA grants you may be eligible for.
To apply for FEMA aid, please call (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov. You can also apply on the FEMA app on mobile devices.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE (IRS): The IRS is providing tax relief and deadline extensions of certain tax filings for all Los Angeles County taxpayers, businesses, and households. The IRS will automatically provide filing and penalty relief. There is also guidance to taxpayers on how to address disaster-related losses in their tax return, as well as how qualified disaster relief payments are generally excluded from gross income.
For a full list of extensions and their respective deadlines, please visit this IRS news release. For more information on tax treatment of disaster-related losses, please visit this IRS Publication 547 web page. For more information on tax treatment of qualified disaster relief payments, please visit this IRS Publication 525 web page. For additional questions, please contact the IRS Disaster Hotline at (866) 562-5227.
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA): The SBA is offering low-interest disaster-assistance loans for renters, homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations located in Los Angeles County. Candidates for this funding should consider simultaneously applying for FEMA grants and SBA disaster loan assistance to help with the recovery.
For applications online, please visit this SBA web page and use the Electronic Loan Application.
For in-person application and assistance, please visit one of the several Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOC) in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. DLOC specialists will assist small businesses, private nonprofit (PNP) organizations, and residents who sustained economic losses and physical damage in applying for disaster loans. Please click here to see a list of DLOCs that stand ready to assist as well as additional information.
DISASTER UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE (DUA): California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) announced federal DUA being available for LA County residents who lost work or self-employment as a direct result of the wildfires and who do not qualify for regular, state unemployment insurance benefits.
For additional information regarding qualifications and benefits, please visit this EDD news release. To apply for DUA benefits, please visit https://edd.ca.gov/en/myedd/.
REPLACING YOUR IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS: If you need to replace your passport due to the fires, the replacement fees may be waived until July 7, 2026. For guidelines on requesting a replacement of your passport, please visit the https://travel.state.gov/.
If you need to replace your Social Security Identification card, please click here to see the different ways you can replace your card online, by mail, or in person.
As always, my staff and I are ready to support you with federal agencies should you need it. As I shared last week, my office has also created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate seeking assistance. Please find that here or on our website at https://lieu.house.gov/fireresources.
Please call my Los Angeles office at (323) 651-1040 to see if we can help.
I look forward to updating you again soon.
Warmly,
Ted
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