Grant Compliance

Duplication of Benefits

Detailed Discussion

An applicant may not receive funding from two sources for the same item of work. This is called a Duplication of Benefits. If an applicant can obtain assistance for a project  from another Federal  agency, then  FEMA cannot provide  funds for that project (see Other Federal Agencies).

Grants and cash donations received from non-Federal sources designated for the same purpose as public  assistance funds are generally  considered a duplication of benefits.  However, these  funds  may be applied towards the non-Federal cost share.  Grants  and  cash donations that  are received  for unspecified purposes or ineligible  work do not constitute a duplication of benefits.

A duplication of benefits  most  commonly occurs  with insurance settlements. If a damaged facility is insured, FEMA is required to reduce the  amount of the  grant  by any insurance proceeds that  the  applicant anticipates or receives for the insured facility, even if the applicant has not completed negotiations with the insurer. The applicant is required to provide information concerning insurance recoveries  to FEMA, including copies of all applicable policies. FEMA will review the insurance information and determine whether the settlement appears proper in terms of the provisions of the policy (see Insurance). The  retention of duplicated funds  is illegal and duplicated funds must be returned to FEMA.


Related Guidance Categories

This website  is intended as a national source of information about  the delivery of  financial recovery services. It includes resources on eligibility, procurement, grant management delivery, and issues related to various Federal Programs currently supporting FEMA  Public Assistance program  financial recovery for governments and non-profits. This website is not affiliated or endorsed or sponsored  by  FEMA  or any other Federal grant program. The information provided in various webpage documents is derived largely from Federal  published materials. In general, under section 105 of the Copyright Act, such works are not entitled to domestic copyright protection under U.S. law and are therefore in the public domain.  The goal is to help navigate the various Federal websites and summarize grant information and requirements. It does not constitute legal advice or grant management advise and is provided for general informational purposes only. Only the Federal Agency responsible for grants can make determinations on eligibility and grant amounts. You should consult with your professional services advisors and State and Federal Grant Coordinators for more detailed guidance on specific FEMA Public Assistance financial recovery issues.

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