Concurrent disasters: Perceived administrative burdens and household coping capacities

ABSTRACT

Weather-related disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the vulnerabilities of individuals and households, and concurrent disasters are becoming more of the norm as we face more extreme weather patterns. This study seeks to extend administrative burden scholarship to better understand the administrative burdens (real and perceived) that a citizen experiences when applying for disaster assistance while facing concurrent disasters. Using logistic regression analysis and Generalized Structural Equation Modeling, we analyze primary survey data from households in five Texas counties that were impacted by the 2021 Winter Storm Uri. Our findings indicate that learning, compliance, and psychological costs, disaster-related damages, and infrastructure losses, coping with concurrent disasters during the pandemic, and social vulnerability factors, such as age and the lack of insurance increase administrative burdens and difficulties for disaster aid applicants. Practical implications include recommendations to more effectively address concurrent disasters and reduce associated administrative burdens and inequities in disaster assistance programs. © 2023 American Society for Public Administration.