FEMA releases COVID-19 Public Assistance guidance on duplication of benefits

The Federal Emergency Management Agency this week released guidance outlining the process the agency will use to identify and reduce COVID-19 Public Assistance funding for any expense for which funding has already been received from another program or source. Federal law and FEMA guidance prohibit FEMA from covering costs that are eligible for coverage by another source, referred to as “duplication of benefits.” During the COVID-19 pandemic, funding from numerous sources has complicated FEMA’s ability to reimburse expenses while also ensuring that benefits are not duplicated.