SUBJECT:
EVACUEE POLICY FOR HURRICANE RITA
DISCUSSION:
Hurricane Rita is fast approaching the Gulf Coast of the United States. In preparation for Hurricane Rita reaching land, sections of the Gulf Coast are being evacuated. Some of the evacuees have already made their way to the central states.
Effective immediately, a new living arrangement code NR – Natural Disaster (Rita) has been developed to track the evacuee applications in FAMIS for food stamps, Temporary Assistance, and Child Care. The description for living arrangement code ND has been updated to Natural Disaster (Katrina).
Food Stamp Policy
Food Stamp Evacuee policy implemented for evacuees of Hurricane Katrina also applies to evacuees of Hurricane Rita. To identify an evacuee of Hurricane Rita, the individual must have been evacuated from the Gulf region of Louisiana and Texas.
A FOOD STAMP GUIDANCE ON VICTIMS OF HURRICANES KATRINA & RITA was developed, incorporating the policy and procedures referenced in all the Food Stamp Policy Memorandums issued for Hurricane Katrina, which also applies to Hurricane Rita.
Temporary Assistance and Medicaid Policy
Temporary Assistance and Medicaid Evacuee policy implemented for evacuees of Hurricane Katrina also applies to evacuees of Hurricane Rita. Refer to Memorandum IM-#104, dated September 8, 2005.
Child Care Policy
Child Care Evacuee policy implemented for evacuees of Hurricane Katrina also applies to evacuees of Hurricane Rita. To identify an evacuee of Hurricane Rita, the individual must have been evacuated from the Gulf region of Louisiana and Texas. Refer to Memorandum OEC-#9, dated September 19, 2005.
NECESSARY ACTION:
- Review this memorandum with appropriate staff.