US FederalWhat moving costs does the government cover if I am forced to relocate?
The federal government covers moving expenses, replacement housing payments, and certain incidental costs for people displaced by federally funded or assisted projects under the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA).
What the Law Says
The Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA), codified at 42 U.S.C. § 4601 et seq., establishes minimum standards for relocation assistance when individuals or businesses are displaced by federal or federally assisted projects.
Under the URA, 'displaced person' means any person who moves from real property, or moves their personal property, as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition for a federal or federally assisted project. The law requires agencies to provide fair and equitable assistance to minimize hardship.
Eligible moving expenses include packing, transportation, unpacking, and insurance for household goods — up to $4,000 for households (or more in limited circumstances). In addition, qualified low- and moderate-income households may receive a replacement housing payment of up to $26,200 to help bridge the gap between old and new housing costs.
Relocation assistance must be offered before displacement begins, and displaced persons must be given at least 90 days’ notice to move — unless waived in writing with justification.
Statutory TextThe purpose of this chapter is to establish a uniform policy for the provision of relocation assistance to displaced persons, including businesses, nonprofit organizations, and farms, in order to ease the adverse impacts of displacement resulting from the acquisition of real property for Federal and federally assisted programs and projects.
— 42 U.S.C. § 4601 — Definitions
What to Do
Confirm your displacement is due to a federal or federally funded project (e.g., highway construction, HUD-funded redevelopment).
Contact the project’s designated Relocation Agent within 30 days of receiving notice to request assistance.
Submit receipts and documentation for moving expenses within 180 days of relocation.
Apply for replacement housing payment if purchasing or renting a new home that meets URA eligibility requirements.
Appeal in writing within 30 days if your claim is denied or reduced.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.