More Than 10,900 Homes and Counting as Stimulus Program Continues

NASHVILLE – Tennessee is a leader in the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP).  Nearly 11,000 homes have been weatherized across the state through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) since July of last year.  The state was recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy for its “dedication and extraordinary efforts” toward the goals of the Recovery Act.  Only eleven other states were recognized.  A network of 18 community and local government agencies has helped Tennessee reach its WAP goals.

NASHVILLE – Fraud is a rare occurrence during disaster recovery. However, if it does occur, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a responsibility to take action. People who intentionally try to defraud the government are taking money away from those who truly need assistance. FEMA must ensure that taxpayer dollars go only to people who incurred legitimate losses. This may include prosecuting anyone who makes a fraudulent claim.

Most cases of possible fraud are not deliberate attempts to defraud the federal government. FEMA recommends that applicants receiving grant money keep receipts to show how funds were used.

Anyone with information about an individual – maybe a contractor, an inspector, a disaster survivor or someone posing as any of these – who may have defrauded the government in connection with the Tennessee disaster, should call the FEMA Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. The call is completely confidential.

DHS Office of Inspector General Working to Fight Flood Fraud

NASHVILLE – Thousands of Tennesseans from 45 disaster-designated counties received millions of dollars in food and cash assistance from May 13 through May 28.  The DHS-administered programs have helped put food on the table of more than 9,600 families who were not previously enrolled in the Food Stamp (now called SNAP) program.  Nearly $4.4 million in Disaster SNAP benefits were distributed to these families.  In addition, more than 5,400 families already enrolled in the program received replacement benefits for food that was lost due to power outages or flood damage.  An additional 6,700 families were granted Disaster Supplemental SNAP benefits because of storm damage to their residences.  More than $1.4 million was issued to these households.

Food and Cash Assistance Programs for Eligible Flood Victims Starts Monday

WHAT:            The Tennessee Department of Human Services today received approval from  the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to operate the Disaster and Replacement Food Stamp programs for eligible flood victims in three recently declared disaster counties:  Cannon, Giles and Marshall.   Current Food Stamp Program beneficiaries may qualify for replacement benefits if they lost food due to power outages of 12 hours or more.   Residents NOT currently enrolled in the program may be eligible for disaster food stamps.