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FEMA, Oklahoma State Grants Won't Affect Social Security

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. - Some Oklahoma disaster aid recipients have expressed concern that their state and federal grants might cause them to lose Social Security benefits, pay additional taxes, or give up income-based benefit programs. Officials with the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) say those concerns are unfounded.

In most cases, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Social Security Administration do not count federal or state disaster aid as income.

Here are answers to the most common questions:

Question: If I earn more than a certain amount each year, I must repay $1 of my Social Security payment for every $2 earned. Will FEMA grants add to my income and require me to repay Social Security?

Answer: No. FEMA grants for housing and Other Needs Assistance (ONA) are not counted as income.

Question: Will receiving a grant cause my income to increase to the point that I am no longer eligible for Medicaid, welfare assistance, food stamps or Aid to Families with Dependent Children?

Answer: No. Grants for housing and ONA are not counted as income in determining eligibility for any income-tested benefit programs funded by the U.S. government.