Is it true that people who are helped by the Red Cross are asked to
pay them back when they are able?

Hello happygranny5,

"There is absolutely no charge for any Red Cross disaster assistance. 
All disaster assistance is free -- a gift from the American people. 
No repayment is required or expected."

"Red Cross Service Centers Providing Emergency Assistance" (August 24, 2004)
American Red Cross
http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_3163,00.html

However, loans for certain emergencies are repaid:

"Emergency Financial Assistance - When urgent problems require the
presence of the service member or his or her family, the Red Cross may
provide an interest-free loan or a grant for travel expenses.  These
funds, which may be authorized for other emergencies as well, are
disbursed on the basis of need.  Ninety-five percent of all loans made
to military families are repaid."

"Emergency Services"
American Red Cross: Heart of Tennessee Chapter
http://hot.redcross.org/emergency.html

- justaskscott


Search strategy --

Searched on Google for the following terms in combinations:

site:redcross.org
repay
repayment
repaid
"pay back"
"paid back"

Thanks very much.

While the Red Cross may not charge the individual, in my former
occupation, I regularly received briefings which stated that Red Cross
charges states for the cost of disaster services provided, to include
blood and blood products.