Application Deadline Extended for Discrimination Financial Assistance Program

Applications to be Accepted Through January 17, 2024

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced an extension for the deadline to submit applications to the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, now allowing submissions through Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024. This decision arrives after unforeseen disruptions on January 13, which included severe winter weather conditions affecting the Midwest and a temporary e-filing system outage.

This extension is aimed at ensuring that individuals who were barred from submitting their applications due to these disruptions are given an additional opportunity to seek financial assistance. The program has been actively receiving applications for the past six months through diverse channels such as mail, e-filing, and in-person submissions at local offices, recording tens of thousands of applications nationwide.

With inclusivity as the heart of the program, administrators are committed to making sure every potential applicant has a chance to partake. The extension includes two additional business days after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Federal Holiday, providing a crucial period for applicants to compile and file their requests for aid.

Prospective applicants should note the following submission methods and corresponding deadlines:

• Mail Submissions: Must be postmarked by Jan. 17, 2024.

• In-Person Submissions: Must be handed in by 8 p.m. local time on Jan. 17, 2024, at any Discrimination Financial Assistance Program office.

• E-Filing: Applications must be fully submitted via the online portal by midnight PST on Jan. 17, 2024 / 3 a.m. EST on Jan. 18, 2024. Emailed applications are not considered valid.

The program stresses that all deadlines are unequivocal and final. Applicants can find a comprehensive list of local offices, their operational hours, FAQs, and additional program details at [22007apply.gov](http://22007apply.gov). There are no fees associated with applying to this program, and free technical assistance is offered for those who need it.

The call center, available at 1-800-721-0970, will operate on an adjusted schedule:

• Sunday, Jan. 14: From 8 a.m. EST to 8 p.m. PST

• Tuesday, Jan. 16: Regular hours

• Wednesday, Jan. 17: Extended hours from 8 a.m. EST to midnight PST to aid with online filings

However, it will remain closed on Jan. 15 in observance of the Federal holiday. Post-deadline, the call center will continue its service with availability seven days a week (except on Federal holidays) until after the payments are processed, and on weekdays after February 18, 2024.

Applicants are reminded that claims of discrimination eligible under this program may stem from unjust treatment on the grounds of race, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, marital status, disability, or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. The submission of a complete application form is vital, as there will be no hearings or appeals offered.

Due to the strict nature of the deadline, potential applicants are encouraged to apply promptly, allowing sufficient time to clarify any inquiries regarding their application. After the extended deadline, all customer offices will cease operations on January 18, 2024.

This extension is a critical measure to guarantee equal access to assistance for those who have faced discrimination, emphasizing the program's commitment to fairness and equity.

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