LA fire victims are getting cut off as $15B in recovery funds stall
Survivors of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires last year are losing access to a key resource earlier than expected after payments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to California stalled.The Disaster Case Management Program, which helps Eaton and Palisades fire survivors access recovery resources and navigate the federal emergency reimbursement process, will expire at the end of September instead of the intended 2028 end date.The program has been vital for many who are recovering from the fires, by helping with FEMA aid, Small Business Administration loans, insurance claims, temporary housing and more.The state blamed the federal government for the early termination, according to a letter by the California Department of Social Services to the nonprofit overseeing the program.“Unfortunately, the federal administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have not issued CDSS the funding necessary to support program operations beyond September 30, 2026, and have not been responsive to payment requests or inquiries on payment status,” said the letter, seen by the Los Angeles Times.A spokesperson for FEMA told the Times that California has plenty of disaster relief money.“As of June 12, 2026, FEMA awarded more than $177.1 million in assistance to 35,155 eligible individuals and households,” the spokesperson said.“This includes Continued Temporary Housing Assistance for 1,221 applicants, with 347 applicants currently receiving continued assistance and an additional 200 applicants pending assistance.”California has “over $2B in unspent disaster funds across all open disasters,” the federal agency added.California Gov.
Gavin Newsom and President Donald Trump have long tussled over the flow of federal aid to the state.Earlier this year, Newsom’s office begged Trump to do something about it.“Mr.
President, please actually help us.We are begging you.
Release the federal disaster aid you’re withholding that will help...