Frequently Asked Questions  (Download FAQ as PDF)  
     
  The Program
Qualified Check-Ins
Guest Extensions
Reservations and Check-In
Guest Relations
Billing
Login Information
ELA Terms and Conditions Form
 
     
 

The Program

Qualified Check-Ins

Guest Extensions

Reservations and Check-In

Guest Relations

Billing

Login Information

ELA Terms and Conditions Form

 
     
 

The Program

What does the program provide?
The program covers hotel lodging (room charges and applicable taxes only) for FEMA qualified individuals from designated disaster areas. All other expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.

Who pays for the program?
The program is managed and funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) www.fema.gov. Corporate Lodging Consultants acts as a paying agent on behalf of FEMA.

How does a hotel participate in the program?
Hotels wishing to participate in the ELA program can enroll via our website (http://ela.corplodging.com.) Upon successful enrollment, hotels can immediately bill for qualified applicant stays.

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Qualified Check-Ins

How do displaced individuals qualify for assistance?
All displaced individuals needing assistance must contact FEMA for ELA qualification. If necessary, instruct non-qualified individuals to call FEMA [1-800-621-3362 or for the TTY caller at 1-800-462-7585] for further assistance.

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Guest Extensions

Are guests eligible to stay beyond the initial authorized date?
In certain cases, FEMA will provide extended hotel lodging assistance to qualified guests on a case-by-case basis. A guest's extension information will be provided on CLC's ELA website.

The Guest Alerts feature allows CLC to issue hotel specific applicant extension information via the ELA website.

Simply access your online ELA account to view any/all extensions issued to applicants currently checked into your hotel.

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Reservations and Check-In

Will reservations be made for guests?
Guest reservations are not required for this program. However, FEMA may make applicant reservations at their discretion.

Are additional rooms available for family use?
At FEMA’s discretion, additional rooms may be provided on a case-by-case basis. CLC’s ELA website alerts a hotel on how many rooms each registered guest is eligible to receive.

How long are guests allowed to stay in a hotel paid by FEMA?
Each qualified guest is assigned a registration number with an authorized start and end date. After the registration end date, all charges are the responsibility of the guest. There is NO ADVANCE BILLING, only billing for stays that already occurred.

Does the ELA website display the guest's authorized length of stay?
Yes, authorized length of stay is obtainable through the Check Guest Qualification process.
To complete the Check Guest Qualification process, complete the following:

  • On your ELA Homepage, enter the guest’s personal information and Registration ID in the Check Guest Qualification form
  • Click the Submit button
  • Upon successful verification of the Registration ID, the ELA website displays the guest’s qualification information, including authorized length of stay

What if a guest doesn't have a government-issued photo ID?
All qualified guests requesting lodging must provide a government-issued photo ID at check in. If unable to provide a valid photo ID, the guest is ineligible for lodging assistance under the terms of this program. For further assistance, instruct the applicant to call FEMA [1-800-621-3362 or for the TTY caller at 1-800-462-7585.]

How long am I required to keep a copy of the guest’s government-issued photo ID?
FEMA requires all hotels retain a physical copy of a qualified guest's government-issued photo ID for two-years.

How do I check a guest in?

  • On your MyELA Homepage, enter the guest’s personal information and Registration ID in the Check Guest Qualification form
  • Click the Submit button
  • On the Guest Check In screen, enter complete hotel accommodation information in the fields provided and click the Check In button

NOTE: VALID GUEST IDENTIFICATION IS MANDATORY FOR ALL QUALIFIED GUESTS PARTICIPATING IN THE EMERGENCY LODGING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Can I retroactively check in a guest?
Yes, CLC allows hotels to backdate a guest check in up to 48 hours prior to the current date. However, CLC strongly recommends that hotels qualify and check in guests before lodging is provided.

Can I cancel a guest check in?
Yes, hotels may cancel a guest check in. Perform the following to cancel an unbilled guest check in:

  • On your MyELA homepage, click the Guest Summary link
  • Locate the appropriate guest on the Guest Summary screen and click the Details button
  • On the Guest Details screen, click Cancel Check In to remove the guest

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Billing

How do I bill for a guest stay?

  • On your MyELA Homepage, click the Submit Billing link
  • Locate the appropriate guest on the Guest Available for Billing screen and click the Bill button
  • On the Bill Stay screen, enter complete billing information in the fields provided and click the Submit button
    • CLC's billing system allows you to decide when to submit a bill. Bill multiple days at a time or bill daily.
    • Each guest stay can only be billed once per day
NOTE: BILLING IS AVAILABLE FOR PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION DATES ONLY. ADVANCED BILLING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.

How often will I get paid?
Currently, CLC issues ELA payments in regular billing cycles. All stays billed during a consecutive cycle are invoiced on each payment for your convenience.

Does CLC offer ELA payments via ACH?
No, CLC does not offer ELA payments through ACH at this time.

How much am I allowed to charge?
Lodging rates for the ELA program are established and governed by FEMA. Applicants are responsible for any room charges exceeding the maximum lodging rate as defined by FEMA. CLC’s ELA website calculates and displays any rate overages for your convenience.

How do I know CLC received my bills?
CLC’s ELA website provides detailed inquiry options. To view the status of a submitted billing, complete the following:

  • Click the Billing History link on the ELA Homepage
  • The Billing History screen provides an overview (including status) of all billings submitted by your hotel

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Login Information

How do I locate my ELA Username and/or Password?
To retrieve your ELA Username and/or Password, complete the following:

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Guest Relations

How do I respond to a guest who violates hotel rules and policies?
ELA guests must obey the same rules and policies that apply to traditional hotel guests. Any ELA guest who violates your hotel rules and policies should be subject to the same disciplinary action as traditional guests.

Does ELA pay for guest damages?
No, ELA guests are solely responsible for damages incurred and liable for any additional costs that may result.

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ELA Terms and Conditions Form

Is the ELA Terms and Conditions form required?
Yes, FEMA qualified guests must agree to and sign the ELA Terms and Conditions form to receive lodging assistance.

What if the guest refuses to sign the ELA Terms and Conditions form?
If the guest refuses to sign the ELA Terms and Conditions form, lodging assistance can not be provided under the terms of the program.

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