Federal Flood Program Shuts Down for Weeks

As many feared, Congress adjourned until April 12 after failing to agree on an unemployment benefits bill that included a provision with an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program.

As a result, the federal flood insurance program’s authority to write new policies ended on March 28 at midnight. No new policies can be issued during a lapse in NFIP authorization, consumers with current flood insurance policies remain covered. Claims payments are not affected.

Congress could reinstate the NFIP and other affected programs retroactively when it returns on April 12.

The NFIP has issued guidance for operating during an interruption. FEMA is expected to issue updated guidance soon.