FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Cape Horn Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Cape Horn Fire, burning in Bonner County and Kootenai County, Idaho.

FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Cape Horn Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on July 6, 2015 at 12:44 a.m. PDT. This is the first FMAG approved in Idaho this fire season.

The fire started on July 5, 2015, and had burned approximately 1,200 acres of federal, state and private land. At the time of the request, 6 homes had been destroyed and the fire was threatening 281 homes in the community of Bayview and to the east in the Cape Horn area. Approximately 300 people have evacuated the area. Sheltering operations are ongoing in a local school. The fire is burning in a high use recreation area on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. The fire threatens a high value marina, the Naval Acoustics Research Station and the heavily used Farragut State Park.  

Firefighting resources onsite include 8 air-tankers, 3 helicopters and 8 engines. A Type II Management Team will arrive Monday afternoon. The fire is at approximately 0 percent containment. There are 11 uncontrolled fires within the state.

The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Idaho’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.

Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

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.

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FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Cape Horn Fire

More Than $13 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to West Virginia

Charleston, W.Va. – State and federal officials say that more than $13 million in federal assistance has been delivered to the State to help cover the costs of the severe winter storm, flooding, landslides and mudslides March 3-14, 2015, that damaged infrastructure in 32 counties.

FEMA has provided a total of more than $13 million to the state thus far including roughly $85,000 for emergency protective measures to safeguard lives and property while responding to the disaster. More than $12 million of these funds are for permanent repair work, primarily to West Virginia Division of Highways.

“The severe weather in March had a significant impact on our state and our recovery continues,” said State Coordinating Officer Jimmy Gianato. “We are actively and consistently engaged with FEMA and all of our partners throughout this process.”

“We are continuing to work with eligible applicants to ensure projects are being completed,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Suzann Cowie. “This funding represents the strong partnership FEMA has with the state and our ongoing commitment to West Virginia’s recovery.”

FEMA’s Public Assistance Programs provide state and local governments and eligible private non-profit organizations, in designated counties, with federal funds to pay 75 percent of the approved cost of debris removal, emergency services related to the disaster, and for repairing or replacing damaged public facilities such as roads, bridges, buildings and utilities. Hazard Mitigation funding is for cost-effective measures that would prevent or reduce the threat of future damages.

The State, which distributes the FEMA funds to local governments and qualified non-profits, must review Public Assistance projects, along with FEMA, to ensure compliance with regulations.

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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. FEMA Region III’s jurisdiction includes Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.  Stay informed of FEMA’s activities online: videos and podcasts are available at fema.gov/medialibrary and youtube.com/fema. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion3.

 

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More Than $13 Million in Federal Assistance Provided to West Virginia

Free Legal Services Hotline Available to Texas Storm Survivors

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who have legal issues as a direct result of the May 4 through June 19 severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding may receive free legal information from the Texas State Bar Volunteer Lawyers Program Hotline.

Creation of a legal information helpline is part of a long-standing agreement between the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) through the Disaster Legal Services program (DLS).

Survivors who have legal questions can call 800-504-7030 for answers in English and Spanish. Callers can leave a message at any time. To assist survivors with basic legal questions, workers will connect callers with local legal service providers.

Designed for low-income individuals and families, the ABA/DLS program offers the services of attorneys who can advise on legal issues, including:

  • Assistance with insurance claims (life, medical and property).
  • Counseling on landlord/tenant problems.
  • Assistance with home repair contracts.
  • Assistance with consumer protection-foreclosure problems.
  • Replacement of wills and other important legal documents destroyed in the disaster.
  • Drafting powers of attorney.
  • Preparation of guardianships and conservatorships.
  • Referring individuals to local and state agencies that may be of further assistance.

Survivors should be aware that there are some limitations on disaster legal services. For example, assistance is not available for cases that will produce a fee (i.e., those cases where attorneys are paid part of settlement by the court). Such cases are referred to a local lawyer referral service.

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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). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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Free Legal Services Hotline Available to Texas Storm Survivors

Storm Survivors Can Register for Assistance Online 24/7; No Change to Holiday Hours for Phone Lines

NORTH LITTLE ROCK – Residents of nine Arkansas counties included in a federal disaster declaration can register for assistance anytime online. Recovery officials also announced phone lines will maintain regular hours during the July 4 holiday weekend.

Those affected by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding May 7 to June 15, 2015 in Crawford, Garland, Howard, Jefferson, Little River, Miller, Perry, Sebastian, and Sevier counties may be eligible for assistance.

Individuals and business owners can register online, 24/7 at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device, tablet or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to “Apply Online for FEMA Assistance.”

FEMA’s toll-free telephone line, 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), will remain open through the holiday, with no change in hours.  The lines are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual operators are available.

Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362.  

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the 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. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

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.

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Storm Survivors Can Register for Assistance Online 24/7; No Change to Holiday Hours for Phone Lines

How to Handle the FEMA Flood Insurance Claims Process

OKLAHOMA CITY – As the waters recede and Oklahomans begin to assess the damage caused by the severe storms and flooding that washed across the state this spring, questions start to arise about how and when those with National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policies should file claims.

The first step is notification. Homeowners, renters and business owners with NFIP coverage should immediately report flood damage to their insurance company or agent. A claims adjuster will inspect your damages, estimate the repair costs, and send an estimate to the insurance company for review and payment approval.

As part of their claim, policyholders are required to submit a “Proof of Loss” statement which includes an estimate of the damages on both your structure and its contents. Insurance companies usually provide this form and in most cases will help you fill it out. A “Proof of Loss” is not a release of claim, but a statement of loss facts and damages claimed.

Your claims package should be supported by photos of water in the structure and the resulting damage. You should also compile an itemized list of all flood damage and retain swatches of carpets or fabrics that were damaged. Be sure to make copies of the insurance claim, proof of loss and all other supporting documents for your own records.

An important point to keep in mind is that you do not have to accept the initial estimate of the damage prepared by the claims adjuster. All issues should be addressed with the adjuster and the company’s management. However, if you believe the claims adjuster did not address all of your flood damage in their estimate, you can file a supplemental claim for the additional damages. For example, there may have been hidden damage not detected by the claims adjuster during their property inspection. 

Be aware there are strict deadlines for filing flood insurance claims. Regardless of whether you agree with the claims adjuster’s estimate, your proof of loss statement must be submitted to the NFIP or the insurance company within 240 days of the loss. This extension of the 60-day policy wording is specific to the current Oklahoma flood.

If your claim is denied, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has established a formal appeals process. You can start this process as soon as the insurance company issues its final determination in the form of a written denial (in whole or in part) of your claim.

The written appeal must be filed within 60 days of the insurance company’s final claim determination. FEMA will acknowledge receipt of your appeal in writing and advise if additional information or documents are required for full consideration of your appeal. Next, FEMA will review your documentation and conduct any additional investigation needed. Finally, the policyholder and their insurance company will be advised of FEMA’s decision regarding the appeal.

Even if you file an appeal with FEMA, that does not relinquish or replace your right to file a lawsuit against the insurance company, nor does it expand or change the one-year statute of limitation to file suit against the insurer for the disallowed portion of your claim.

To avoid conflicting results and duplicated effort, a policyholder who files suit against an insurance company is prohibited from filing an appeal with FEMA under this process. As a result, homeowners are encouraged to file an appeal with FEMA first.

Oklahomans who don’t have NFIP insurance – and who sustained losses or damages in the May 5 through June 4 storms – may be eligible for state and federal assistance. You can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (Voice or 7-1-1/ Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585. For information about U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs, applicants should call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

Even if you have a NFIP policy, you may also be entitled to FEMA Individual Assistance payments for housing allowance, contents losses, or moving and storage expenses.

For more information about flood insurance, go to www.FloodSmart.gov. For more information on Oklahoma disaster recovery, click http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4222 or visit OEM at www.oem.ok.gov. 

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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). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

The Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management (OEM) prepares for, responds to, recovers from and mitigates against emergencies and disasters. The department delivers services to Oklahoma cities, towns and counties through a network of more than 350 local emergency managers.

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. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339.

 

Originally posted here:  

How to Handle the FEMA Flood Insurance Claims Process

New Mexico Awarded More than $3 Million for Road Repairs in Lincoln County

DENTON, Texas – On Oct. 6, 2014, at the request of Governor Susana Martinez, President Obama declared a major disaster for the state of New Mexico. In June 2015, the state of New Mexico was awarded more than $3 million in federal disaster assistance for repairs to roads in Lincoln County following severe storms and flooding in July and August 2014. The New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management continues to administer the funds and provide support to the county as it recovers.

The severe weather and floodwaters washed away a total of 15 roads. The funding covers the excavation of the roads; the hauling and replacement of gravel; the shaping and grading of the roads; and hazard mitigation measures to reduce the risk of future storm damage. 

The funding is made possible by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Public Assistance program. To date, FEMA has obligated more than $5.9 million in relation to the last year’s severe storms and flooding.

The funding represents a 75 percent federal cost share. FEMA awards funding for projects directly to the state of New Mexico; the state then disburses the grant to the eligible applicant.

It is important that citizens take appropriate measures to protect themselves and their families. There are actions that should be taken before, during and after an event that are unique to each hazard. Identify the hazards that have happened or could happen in your area and plan for the unique actions for each. 

Local emergency management offices can help identify the hazards in your area and outline the local plans and recommendations for each. Share the hazard-specific information with family members and include pertinent materials in your family disaster plan.

For additional information, visit www.ready.gov. Some basic protection actions are similar across many different hazards. They include:

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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. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/femaregion6 and the FEMA Blog at http://blog.fema.gov.

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New Mexico Awarded More than $3 Million for Road Repairs in Lincoln County

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Sleepy Hollow Fire

SEATTLE – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Sleepy Hollow Fire, burning in Chelan County, Wash.
FEMA Region X Regional Administrator, Kenneth D. Murphy determined that the Sleepy Hollow Fire threatened such destruction as would constitute a major disaster. Murphy approved the state’s request for federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) on June 28, 2015 at 10:45 p.m. PDT. This is the first FMAG approved in the state of Washington this fire season.
The fire started on June 28, 2015, and at the time of the request had burned approximately 2000 acres of private and state land including 6 residences. The fire threatened approximately 630 primary residences in and around the neighborhoods of Broadview, Horse Lake, and N. Western Avenue, in the area of West Wenatchee within the Wenatchee city limits, and to the northwest in the neighborhood of Sleepy Hollow Heights, approximately one mile from Monitor, Wash. Approximately 230 people evacuated from the area. Sheltering operations are ongoing for both community members and livestock.
Firefighting resources onsite include fire suppression crews, engines, overhead supervision, and aircraft support with additional resources on order. The Federal Principal Advisor confirmed the threat to community and homes due to favorable burning conditions and extreme fire behavior, including rapid spread rates, spotting and high resistance to control. The fire was at 0 percent containment.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state of Washington’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants provide reimbursement for firefighting and life-saving efforts. They do not provide assistance to individuals, homeowners or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible
www.fema.gov
items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.

Originally posted here – 

FEMA provides federal funds to help fight Sleepy Hollow Fire

FEMA Seeks Texans to Work at Disaster Recovery Offices

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans will have the opportunity to assist with the state’s disaster recovery from the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that occurred from May 4 to June 19. Dozens of qualified Texans will be offered temporary jobs as local hires of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in its Austin, Denton, and Houston offices.

FEMA has partnered in this venture with the Texas Workforce Commission. Those interested may go to http://www.workintexas.com and create an account. Once logged in, click on “Search All Jobs” and type “FEMA” into the search bar.

Currently, there are six job categories posted:

  • Administrative/Clerical
  • Customer service
  • Logistics
  • Report writing
  • Switchboard/Help desk
  • Technical/Architecture/Engineering

FEMA positions with detailed job descriptions will remain posted through July 24 or until the jobs are filled.

Candidates must be 18 years of age or older and must be a U.S. citizen. Qualified applications will be forwarded to FEMA staff, who will select candidates for interviews. Selected candidates should have a valid government identification card, such as a driver’s license or military ID. Candidates will be required to complete a background investigation, which includes finger printing, and additional ID, such as Social Security card, birth certificate or passport. The hiring process may take up to 15 days from the date of application.

FEMA is committed to employing a highly qualified workforce that reflects the diversity of our nation. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, political affiliation, non-disqualifying physical handicap, sexual orientation, and any other non-merit factor. The federal government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

More positions may be posted on the TWC webpage as the disaster recovery continues.

All are encouraged to visit https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4223 for news and information about this disaster.

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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). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger

Source article – 

FEMA Seeks Texans to Work at Disaster Recovery Offices

Frequently Asked Questions on Disaster Assistance for Noncitizens

What is disaster assistance?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide grants to help pay for rent, emergency home repairs, personal property replacement, and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other sources.

Low-interest disaster recovery loans may be available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

 Who is eligible?

A federal disaster declaration made Individual Assistance available to homeowners and renters who live in designated counties in Texas and had damages from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds and flooding from May 4 to June 19, 2015.

To be eligible for assistance from FEMA, at least one person in the household must be a U.S. citizen, Qualified Alien or noncitizen national with a Social Security number.

Disaster assistance may be available to a household if a parent or guardian applies on behalf of a minor child who is a U.S. citizen or a Qualified Alien. The adult must provide the child’s birth certificate and Social Security card.

Who is a Qualified Alien?

The most common type of Qualified Alien is a Lawful Permanent Resident, defined as someone holding a “Green Card.” Green Card holders have been granted authorization to live and work in the United States on a permanent basis.

Others include those to whom the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has granted legal resident status because of:

  • Asylum
  • Refugee status
  • Parole into the U.S. for at least one year
  • Withholding of deportation
  • Immigration from Cuba or Haiti
  • Severe forms of human trafficking, including persons with “T” and “U” visas
  • Domestic violence

To confirm your immigration status, consult an immigration expert. Other immigration information can be found online at http://www.uscis.gov/.

How do I apply?

FEMA offers several ways to apply for assistance:

  • What documents do I need to apply? Go online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish.
  • Call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone number will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice. Multilingual specialists are available.
  • Disaster assistance applicants who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY should call 800-462-7585 directly.
  • For those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.
  • Visit a FEMA Mobile Disaster Recovery Intake Center or state-FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in your area.

To apply for help from FEMA, homeowners and renters may need to provide:

  • A general description of their damages from the severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding from May 4 to June 19, 2015.
  • The address where the damages occurred.
  • If you are a homeowner, proof of ownership.
  • Current contact information.
  • A utility bill to show proof of occupancy.
  • The Social Security number of someone in your household who is an eligible U.S. citizen, Qualified Alien or noncitizen national. FEMA does NOT collect information on the immigration status of other household members.
  • Any insurance policy that covers your losses, such as homeowners, flood or automobile, and proof of any settlements.

Financial information, such as total annual household income at the time of the disaster.

What is the deadline to apply?

  • The registration deadline is July 28, 2015.

Original link: 

Frequently Asked Questions on Disaster Assistance for Noncitizens

Letter on Eligibility May Not Be Last Word on Disaster Assistance for Texans Affected by Storms, Floods

AUSTIN, Texas – A letter stating a household is ineligible for disaster assistance may not be the final word on a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) application.

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.

Examples of missing documentation may include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property, and proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster. If instructed and needed, applicants can simply submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.

“We want to ensure everyone eligible for disaster assistance receives as much help as possible,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin L. Hannes. Disaster assistance for homeowners and renters may include grants to help pay for temporary housing, essential home repairs or other serious disaster-related needs. “But remember – grants only cover uninsured or under-insured losses.”

If you receive a letter of ineligibility, 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.

Applicants ineligible for FEMA grants may still be eligible for other programs, such as disaster unemployment assistance. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters to pay for repair or replacement costs not covered by insurance or other sources.  

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

You should not wait for your insurance settlement to begin an application 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.

If an applicant has insurance, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, under-insured applicants may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

“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,” said Hannes. “If you suffered damage and you’re still waiting for an insurance settlement payment, you may be eligible for an advance from FEMA.”

When requesting an increase in a FEMA grant award for home repairs, applicants should submit repair estimates, receipts or invoices to wage an effective appeal.

Applicants may appeal any FEMA decision. By doing so, they are asking FEMA to review their case again. “For instance, if you discover you need more disaster-related home repairs than first projected, you can appeal the initial determination,” said Hannes.

All appeals must be filed in writing to FEMA. Applicants should explain why they think the decision is not correct. 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.

To file an appeal, letters must be postmarked, received by fax, or personally submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center within 60 days of the date on the determination letter.

By mail:

FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

By fax:

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

Applicants may check the status of their applications or update their contact information online at www.disasterassistance.gov or by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The toll-free phone lines remain open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time), seven days a week until further notice. 

More information on filing an appeal can be found online at www.disasterassistance.gov or in the Help After a Disaster that FEMA mails to each applicant.

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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). For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

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.  Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/femaregion6.

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. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call 800-877-8339.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for childcare, medical, dental expenses and/or funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, those who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, transportation, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

Visit www.fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation for publications and reference material on rebuilding and repairing safer and stronger.

Taken from – 

Letter on Eligibility May Not Be Last Word on Disaster Assistance for Texans Affected by Storms, Floods

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