FEMA expands aid for WTC area

NEW YORK -- Following criticism for its strict eligibility requirements, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is changing its housing aid program to help more people who lost income after the attack on the World Trade Center.

Previously, applicants for mortgage or rental assistance had to prove their income losses were a direct result of the disaster, and many were denied aid.

Under the new guidelines, announced Friday, anyone who lived or worked in Manhattan and was financially affected by the terrorist attack on the twin towers in lower Manhattan could collect assistance to prevent eviction or foreclosure.

Residents of outer boroughs who worked for businesses dependent on lower Manhattan could also receive aid.

"In the spirit of President Bush's call to do 'whatever it takes' to help New York recover, and after a midstream review of the program, I have directed the most creative and expansive use of the Mortgage and Rental Assistance Program in FEMA's history," FEMA director Joseph Allbaugh said in a statement.

Applicants must show that they have received a late payment or eviction notice and lost at least 25 percent of their income as a result of the disaster.

FEMA said it also is extending the application deadline until Jan. 30, and is streamlining the application process and providing forms in languages other than English.

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