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RELOCATION ASSISTANCE SERVICES Any individual, family, business or farm displaced by a Federal or Federally assisted program shall be offered relocation assistance services for the purpose of locating a suitable replacement property. Relocation services are provided by qualified personnel employed by the Agency. It is their goal and desire to be of service to you, and assist in any way possible to help you successfully relocate.Remember--they are there to help and advise you; be sure to make full use of their services. Do not hesitate to ask questions, and be sure you understand fully all of your rights and benefits. Any individual who has a disability will be provided assistance needed to locate and move to a replacement dwelling or site. The individual should notify the Agency of any special requirements for assistance. Residential Assistance
A relocation counselor from the Agency will contact you personally. Relocation services and payments will be explained to you in accordance with your eligibility. During the initial interview your housing needs and desires will be determined as well as your need for assistance. You cannot be required to move unless at least one comparable replacement dwelling is made available to you. When possible, comparable housing will be inspected prior to being made available to you in order to assure that it meets decent, safe, and sanitary standards.In addition, if you desire, the relocation counselor will give you current listings of other available replacement housing. Transportation will be provided to inspect available housing, especially if you are elderly or handicapped. The agency will also provide counseling or help you get assistance from other available sources as a means of minimizing hardships in adjusting to your new location. You will also be provided with information concerning other Federal, State, and local housing programs offering assistance to displaced persons. Business and Farm Assistance
The relocation counselor will maintain listings of commercial properties and farms whenever businesses and farms are displaced. Steps will be taken to minimize economic harm to displaced businesses and to increase the likelihood of their being able to relocate back into the affected community. The counselor will also explore and provide advice as to possible sources of funding and assistance from other local, State, and Federal agencies. Social Services Provided by Other Agencies Your relocation counselor will be familiar with the services provided by other public and private agencies in your community. If you have special problems the counselor will make every effort to secure the services of those agencies with trained personnel who have the expertise to help you. Make your needs known in order that you may receive the help you need.In Addition to Personal Contacts
In addition to personal contacts by the relocation counselor, the Agency may establish a relocation office on or near a project. Project relocation offices are usually open during hours convenient to those persons being displaced, including evening hours when considered necessary by the Agency. The persons employed in the project relocation office will be happy to assist you. The office maintains a variety of information that should be helpful to you, such as:
· Listings Of Available Replacement Properties
· Local Housing Ordinances
· Building Codes
· Social Services
· Security Deposits
· Interest Rates And Terms
· Typical Downpayments
· VA and FHA Loan Requirements
· Real Property Taxes
· Consumer Education Literature On Housing
Visit your relocation office if one has been established—you will be more than welcome. Relocation advisory assistance
Checklist. This checklist is a summary of the relocation advisory assistance you may reasonably expect to receive if you are displaced by a Federal or federally assisted project. In addition to the services listed, the Agency is required to coordinate its relocation activities with other agencies causing displacements to ensure that all persons displaced receive fair and consistent relocation benefits.
The Relocation Counselor Must Personally Interview Displaced Persons to:
1.) Determine their needs and preferences. 2.) Explain relocation benefits. 3.) Offer assistance. 4.) Offer transportation if necessary. 5.) Assure the availability of a comparable property in advance of displacement. 6.) Provide current listing of comparable properties. 7.) Provide the amount of the replacement housing payment in writing. 8.) Inspect houses for DSS acceptability. 9.) Supply information on other federal and state programs offering assistance to displaced persons. 10.) Provide counseling to minimize hardshops.
Another Important Benefit
No Adverse Effects on:
· Social Security Eligibility
· Welfare Eligibility
· Income Taxes
· Etc.
No relocation payment received will be considered as income for the purpose of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 or for the purposes of determining eligibility or the extent of eligibility of any person for assistance under the Social Security Act or any other Federal law (except for any Federal law providing low-income housing assistance).Your Right of Appeal
Any aggrieved person may file a written appeal with the head of the Agency if the person believes the Agency has failed to properly determine his or her eligibility for relocation assistance advisory services, or the amount of a relocation payment.
If you have a grievance, you will be given a prompt and full opportunity to be heard. You will also have the right to be represented by legal counsel or other representative in connection with the appeal, (but solely at your own expense).
The Agency will promptly review your appeal and consider all pertinent justification and information available to ensure a fair and full review. The Agency will provide you with a written determination as well as an explanation of the decision. If you are still dissatisfied with the relief granted, the Agency will recommend that you seek a judicial review.Next
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