The Stafford Act

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) authorizes the president to issue a major disaster declaration to provide federal aid to states overwhelmed by disasters. The Act also defines FEMA’s authority to coordinate disaster and emergency assistance to individuals, households, state and local governments, tribes, businesses, and certain nonprofit organizations.

Overall, the Stafford Act:

  • Establishes the Presidential Disaster Declaration process
  • Defines the relationship among federal, state, local, tribal, and voluntary agencies for disaster efforts
  • Authorizes various types of federal assistance from FEMA, depending on the event
  • Defines the cost-sharing arrangements between federal, state, local, and tribal governments
Collage of the U.S. Capitol building, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal, and the FEMA logo