The Disaster Case Advocacy (DCA) program becomes available after a disaster when the Governor issues a disaster proclamation that activates the DCA program. The DCA program runs for 180 days following the disaster proclamation. Residents of the county impacted by the disaster are eligible to sign up for this assistance anytime during the 180 day period to support their individual and household disaster recovery. Following large scale, major disaster events the program may be extended.
What is Disaster Case Advocacy (DCA)?
Disaster Case Advocacy is a supportive program involving a partnership between a disaster-impacted household and a disaster case advocate. Disaster case advocates walk beside households through the disaster recovery process. They serve as a primary point of contact assisting households in coordinating necessary services and resources to address the household’s complex disaster recovery needs. In this partnership, advocates and households assess the family’s disaster-related unmet needs, build a recovery plan, and access available resources.
What are disaster-related unmet needs?
Disaster-related unmet needs are those things households need to recover from the disaster. Examples may include navigating through insurance, financial resources, and application processes; locating housing options, advocating and supporting through the rebuild process; may also include basic and immediate needs such as food, clothing, shelter or first aid, and long term needs such as financial, physical, emotional or spiritual well-being.
Am I eligible to sign up?
Residents of the county impacted by the disaster are eligible to sign up for this assistance to support their individual and household disaster recovery if they meet the following:
- Household’s primary and occupied residence is in the county indicated in the disaster proclamation
- Household has disaster related needs that represent a burden that the family is unable to resolve
- Household members are legally residing in the United States
There are no income eligibility requirements for this program.
For questions or assistance submitting your inquiry email
DisasterCaseAdvocacy@iowa.gov.