How long can Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER) generally be awarded?

Lodging Expense Reimbursement (LER) is designed to assist individuals and families who have had to evacuate their homes due to a disaster and need temporary accommodation. The general guideline for the duration of LER is up to 30 days, which allows evacuees to secure essential lodging while they find more permanent solutions or await repairs to their homes. This timeframe ensures that assistance is realistic and focuses on helping individuals transition back to stability while managing limited resources effectively.

The options related to unlimited duration or durations beyond 30 days could lead to extended financial burdens and challenges in managing the assistance program, as these scenarios could result in higher costs and potential misuse of funding. The option suggesting reimbursement for as long as repairs are needed seems beneficial but does not align with the structured guidelines of FEMA’s assistance program, which typically has set limits to encourage timely recovery efforts. Thus, the 30-day limit is a strategic decision to promote a balance between providing immediate relief and supporting the recovery process through adherence to planned timelines.