Understanding the FEMA Eligibility Letter

RIDGELAND, Miss. – All applicants receive letters from FEMA explaining the status of their applications and whether or not they are eligible for assistance from FEMA. Some may receive text messages about their application.

Take the time to read the document thoroughly. Sometimes people do not immediately qualify for financial help and the reason may be fixed simply. The following are some common reasons for not qualifying:

  • The applicant did not sign the required documents;

  • Proof of ownership or occupancy was not supplied;

  • No proof the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.

  • Someone else in the household may have applied and received assistance.

  • No paperwork showing the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.

If questions arise, call the FEMA helpline (voice, 711 or relay service) at 800-621-3362. (TTY users should call 800-462-7585.) The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. You also can take the letter to a visit a disaster recovery center and talk with staff individually. To locate the nearest center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC or call the FEMA helpline.

FEMA can never duplicate insurance benefits or other government sources, but if insurance is not enough to cover all the eligible damage, FEMA’s initial determination of ineligibility may change.

Every applicant has the right to file an appeal. The original letter provides an explanation of what steps need to be taken to appeal FEMA’s decision. Bring the letter to a disaster recovery center for help with the appeals process or call the FEMA helpline. Appeals must be filed in writing within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. The letter must explain why the initial decision was wrong and provide any new or additional information.

Appeals can be mailed to:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

For more information on Mississippi’s disaster recover, visit FEMA.gov/Disaster/4268 and MSEMA.org.

###

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money to help business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters rebuild and recover after a disaster. SBA low interest disaster loans repair and replace property losses not fully compensated by insurance and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

 

 

 

 

See more here: 

Understanding the FEMA Eligibility Letter

S.C. Flood Survivors Can Appeal FEMA Aid Determination

Release Number:

FYSA-News Release NR062 for DR 4241 SC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina disaster survivors with questions about the assistance they received from FEMA or their eligibility determinations have the right to appeal the decision. Those who want to appeal should do so in writing within 60 days of the date of the determination letter.

Guidelines for appeals can be found on page 10 of the Applicant’s Guide, which is sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.

In the appeal letter to FEMA, an applicant should:

  • include full name, address, and date and place of birth;
  • include the last four digits of the applicant’s social security number; 
  • include FEMA registration number and the disaster number, DR-4241, on every page;
  • explain why you disagree with FEMA’s decision;
  • include any supporting documentation for the appeal;
  • include the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”;
  • sign the letter.

 

Appeal letters should be mailed to:

FEMA Appeals OfficerNational Processing Service CenterP.O. Box 10055Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

 

Appeal letters and supporting documents can also be faxed to:

800-827-8112Attn: FEMA Appeals Officer

For disaster recovery center locations, visit: http://asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

 

FEMA recognizes that varying circumstances may prevent an applicant from filing an appeal within the standard 60-day appeal period. However, applicants who miss the 60-day deadline must submit with their appeals an explanation stating why they did not apply by the deadline. Applicants whose appeal letters are submitted outside the 60-day appeal period are not automatically denied a review.

FEMA and the South Carolina Emergency Management Division are committed to providing all eligible assistance to those who were affected by the Oct. 1-23 storms and flooding. Applicants with questions about their eligibility determinations or their assistance can contact FEMA by phone or visit a disaster recovery center to speak with an applicant services specialist.

The last day to register for FEMA assistance is Jan. 4, 2016. Residents can call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585, 711/VRS 800-621-3362. Residents may also visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

FEMA is working with its federal, state and local partner agencies as well as private sector and voluntary agencies, and faith-based organizations to reach everyone who qualifies for disaster assistance under the Individuals and Households Program.

 

 

###

Link:  

S.C. Flood Survivors Can Appeal FEMA Aid Determination

Next Steps After Receiving a FEMA Determination Letter

SAIPAN – FEMA housing inspectors have been assessing damaged homes of applicants who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage sustained in Typhoon Soudelor. Once the inspection process is complete, your case will be reviewed by FEMA and you will receive a letter, or email if you signed up for E-Correspondence, outlining the decision:

  • If you qualify for a FEMA grant, FEMA will send you a check by mail or deposit it directly into your bank account. You will also receive a letter describing how you are to use the money.  You should only use the money given to you as explained in the letter and we suggest that you save receipts on how you spent the money.
  • If you do not qualify for a FEMA grant, you will receive a letter explaining why you were ineligible and will be given clear information on how to appeal the decision*. Your appeal rights will be described in this letter. Appeals must be in writing and mailed within 60 days of FEMA’s decision.
  • If you are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), you will receive an SBA application from SBA. The application must be completed and returned in order to be considered for a loan or for additional FEMA grant assistance. SBA representatives are available to help you with the application at local Disaster Recovery Center, at Pedro P Tenorio Multi-purpose Center in Susupe.  Normal hours of operation are Monday-Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sundays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Completing and returning the loan application does not mean that you must accept the loan.

*An appeal is a written request to review your file again with additional information you provide that may affect the decision.  You may appeal any decision provided by FEMA regarding your Individual Assistance. 

Appeals may relate to your initial eligibility decisions, the amount or type of assistance provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or a denial of Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.  Prior to requesting an appeal review, you should review your file with a FEMA helpline agent at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585, or request a copy of your file from FEMA so you can understand why you received the decision you want to appeal.

Follow these steps to appeal the decision.

  1. Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is not correct. You, or someone who represents you or your household, should sign the letter and have it notarized.  If the person writing the letter is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying that the person may act for you.
  2. Include the FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of your decision letter) in your letter of appeal.  You should also include the last four digits of your social security number, your full name, your address, and your date and place of birth.
  3. You may also want to include a copy of a government-issued identification card or include the following statement “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct”.
  4. If you have supporting documentation for your appeal, include that in your correspondence to FEMA.
  5. Mail your appeal letter to:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

or you can fax you appeal letter to:

(800) 827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program.

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the decision letter’s date. Remember to date your letters.

  • All appeals are reviewed.
  • Decisions usually are made within 30 days of receiving the request. 
  • Additional information may be requested from you if FEMA does not have enough information to make a decision.
  • You will be notified by mail of the response to your appeal.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners, and renters fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations. For more information, applicants may contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling (800) 659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call (800) 877-8339.

Taken from – 

Next Steps After Receiving a FEMA Determination Letter

Frequently Asked Questions on Letter of Eligibility

Why did I get a letter stating I’m ineligible?

FEMA routinely corresponds with applicants to let them know if they qualify for federal disaster assistance. The most common reasons for receiving a determination of ineligibility are:

  • Adequate insurance coverage.
  • Insufficient storm-related damage.
  • Missing documentation needed to complete the assistance evaluation process.

What are examples of missing documentation?

You may need to provide an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, or proof that the damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

What should I do if I receive a letter?

Please call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362), or (TTY) 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) to check the status of your application, update your contact numbers or ask any questions. Users of 711 or Video Relay Services should call 800-621-3362.

If instructed and needed, applicants can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

What if my insurance doesn’t cover all my needs?

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs:

  • If you are unable to live in your home due to disaster damage and your insurance policy does not cover temporary rental assistance, you may be eligible for rental assistance from FEMA.
  • If your home sustained property damage and you’re still waiting for an insurance settlement payment, you may be eligible for an advance from FEMA.

Why am I being contacted by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)?

Residents and business owners may automatically be referred to the SBA for possible low-interest disaster recovery loans to cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

You should not wait for your insurance settlement to apply for a low-interest disaster from SBA. In disaster recovery, SBA’s low-interest loans may be the primary source of the federal funds for the long-term repair and replacement of disaster-damaged private property for business of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.

What if I find more disaster-related damage?

Explain in your written appeal why you need additional home repair assistance. For instance, if you discover the costs of disaster-related home repairs exceeds your home repair grant, you can appeal the initial determination. To wage an effective appeal, include any supporting documentation, such as repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices. FEMA may send another inspector to your damaged property.

Can I appeal FEMA’s determination of eligibility?

You may appeal any decision made by FEMA. By doing so, you are asking FEMA to review your case. Appeals may relate to your initial eligibility determination, the amount or type of assistance received, the need for Continued Temporary Housing Assistance, or other disaster-related decisions.

How do I appeal the decision?

All formal appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of receipt of a letter denying assistance.

What else should I include in my appeal?

To ensure accuracy and help FEMA personnel process your appeal quickly, please include the following information in your letter of appeal:

  • Your full name
  • The address of your damaged property
  • Current contact information
  • Disaster number: DR-4223-TX
  • Last four digits of your Social Security number
  • Your birthdate and place of birth
  • Your 9-digit FEMA registration number on each page and on supporting documentation
  • Your letter must be either notarized, include a copy of a state issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • You must sign the letter

If someone other than you or the co-applicant is writing the letter, there must be a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf. You should keep a copy of your appeal for your records.

Where do I send my appeal letter?

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

By fax:

800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Continued here: 

Frequently Asked Questions on Letter of Eligibility