Louisiana Disaster Assistance Applicants: Understand FEMA Determination Letters and How to Appeal Them

BATON ROUGE, La.— A quick fix may change your decision if you applied for FEMA help following Louisiana’s August severe storms and floods and you disagree with your determination letter.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Everybody has a right to appeal. Read your determination letter carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and know exactly what you need to do for your appeal.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Many times applicants just need to submit some extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA can reconsider you in some cases if you:

  • Submit insurance documents. Provide documents from your insurance company that detail your coverage or settlement is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.
  • Prove occupancy. Provide documents that prove the damaged home or rental was your primary residence by supplying a copy of utility bills, driver’s license or lease.
  • Prove ownership. Provide documents such as mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you don’t have a deed handy, contact your local or parish officials about obtaining a copy.

There are many other reasons you may disagree with FEMA’s decision. If you feel the amount or type of assistance is incorrect, submit an appeal letter and any documents to support your claim, including a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You should have received a booklet called “Help After a Disaster” that explains what you need to provide for your situation. The booklet is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

Your letter should also include:

  • Your full name
  • Your registration number on all pages
  • The FEMA disaster declaration number—DR-4277-LA—on all pages
  • Your signature

Mail documents and your letter within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

You can also submit them online at disasterassistance.gov or fax them to 800-827-8112.

If you have any questions about submitting insurance documents, proving occupancy or ownership, or anything else about your determination letter, you may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service can call 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. You can also visit a Louisiana disaster recovery center and speak with a disaster assistance representative. Locate your closest center by going online to fema.gov/drc or by calling the FEMA helpline.

What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter1. Read the letter carefully to find out why the decision was made.Do you need to provide additional information?• Insurance determination letter.• Proof of occupancy or ownership.• Proof of ID.• Applicant’s signature.Common reasons for the initial decision:• The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.• Someone else in the household applied and received assistance.• Disaster-related losses could not be verified.• Insurance covered all losses.2. Contact FEMA for help with filing an appeal or any questions.Call800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service available)800-462-7585 (TTY)VisitA Disaster Recovery Center3. File a written appeal.Explain why you think the decision was not correct.• Provide supporting information and documents.• Include your FEMA registration number on all documents.• Sign the letter.Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days of the decision letter date, or drop it off at a Disaster Recovery Center.

This graphic explains the appeals process for individuals who’ve applied for disaster assistance.

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Louisiana Disaster Assistance Applicants: Understand FEMA Determination Letters and How to Appeal Them

Federal Disaster Assistance Includes Right to Appeal

AUSTIN, Texas – Not every Texan who registered for federal disaster assistance following the April storms and flooding will qualify for aid. However, an appeal process can ensure those affected by the storms will receive all aid for which they are legally eligible.

People who live or work in the following 12 counties may be eligible for assistance for the April 17-24 storms: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton.

Applicants from those counties have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s determination letter to file their appeal. The FEMA letter describes the amount and type of assistance being offered.

Applicants who are dissatisfied with FEMA’s decision may call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585 for information on how to file an appeal. Specialists are available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

Additional information is available on pages 9-10 of the FEMA booklet, “Help after a Disaster: Applicant’s Guide to the Individuals & Households Program.” This free booklet is available in multilingual formats as a PDF to download at fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

To appeal FEMA’s decision, write a letter explaining why the amount or type of assistance authorized is not correct. The letter should also include:

  • applicant’s full name

  • last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number

  • applicant’s FEMA registration number

  • the disaster number (DR-4269-TX)

  • address of the damaged property

  • current contact information

  • signature of the applicant

Sign, date and mail the letter to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Letters may also be faxed to 800-827-8112 with a cover sheet marked: Attention – FEMA.

Texans can register the following ways:

  • online at DisasterAssistance.gov

  • phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA) or TTY 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may call 800-621-3362. Multilingual operators are available. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

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Federal Disaster Assistance Includes Right to Appeal

Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the May flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration may lose income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit the SBA loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they complete and return the SBA loan application.

Applicants from Austin, Brazoria, Brazos, Fort Bend, Grimes, Hidalgo, Hood, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Travis, Waller and Washington counties should complete the application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“The SBA loan application is used to review an applicant’s eligibility for additional assistance,” said Federal Coordinating Officer William J. Doran III, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “For that reason, complete the application even if you don’t plan to accept the loan.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent, and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts. The application is not required for survivors seeking temporary rental assistance.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors may apply online using the electronic loan application via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s customer service center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster.

Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX  76155.

SBA loan applications can be submitted even as disaster survivors await an insurance settlement. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

  • Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence.

  • Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal property.

  • Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans—called Economic Injury Disaster Loans—to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes.

For more information on the Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the May storms at fema.gov/disaster/4272; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

# # #

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.

Download fema.gov/mobile-app to locate open shelters and disaster recovery centers, receive severe weather alerts, safety tips and much more.

Link: 

Complete an SBA Loan Application to be Considered for Other Assistance

Cư Dân của 4 Quận Khác Ở Texas Đủ Điều Kiện Đăng Ký Nhận Trợ Cấp Khắc Phục Thảm Họa

AUSTIN, Texas – Các cá nhân và gia đình ở các quận Fort Bend, Liberty, Montgomery và San Jacinto hiện nay có thể đăng ký xin trợ cấp khắc phục lũ tháng 4 sau khi FEMA đáp ứng yêu cầu của tiểu bang là bổ sung các quận đó vào tuyên bố thảm họa.

Các quận đó được thêm vào 8 quận đã được duyệt nhận trợ cấp cá nhân theo tuyên bố thảm họa liên bang ngày 25 tháng 4: Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Harris, Parker, Waller và Wharton.  

Người dân Texas nào bị thiệt hại hoặc tổn thất do bão và lũ nghiêm trọng gây ra trong khoảng 17-24 tháng 4 nên làm đơn xin trợ cấp. Trợ cấp khắc phục thảm họa dành cho chủ nhà và người thuê nhà có thể gồm có trợ cấp giúp trả tiền nhà ở tạm thời và sửa nhà thiết yếu, cũng như các nhu cầu khác liên quan đến thảm họa nghiêm trọng, chẳng hạn như chi phí y tế và nha khoa.

Người dân Texas ở 12 quận có thể đăng ký trực tuyến tại DisasterAssistance.gov hoặc qua điện thoại số 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Người khiếm thính, nặng tai hoặc khiếm thanh và sử dụng máy TTY có thể gọi số 800-462-7585. Đương đơn nào sử dụng dịch vụ 711 hoặc Video Relay Service cũng có thể gọi số 800-621-3362. Các số miễn phí này hoạt động từ 7 giờ sáng đến 10 giờ tối, 7 ngày mỗi tuần. Có các tổng đài viên đa ngôn ngữ.

Người dân nào bị thiệt hại do lũ hoặc bão nên đăng ký với FEMA ngay cả khi họ có bảo hiểm. FEMA không thể thực hiện thanh toán bảo hiểm trùng lặp, nhưng đương đơn có bảo hiểm thấp có thể đủ điều kiện được sự giúp đỡ sau khi đã giải quyết yêu cầu bồi thường bảo hiểm của họ.

Trước khi bắt đầu sửa chữa hay tái thiết nhà hoặc công ty, điều quan trọng là quý vị phải liên lạc với viên chức địa phương về luật xây dựng hoặc người quản lý vùng lũ. Truy cập fema.gov/texas-disaster-mitigation để biết các ấn phẩm và tài liệu tham khảo miễn phí về tái thiết và sửa chữa an toàn hơn và hiệu quả hơn.

Cũng có các khoản vay khắc phục thảm họa lãi suất thấp của Cơ Quan Quản Lý Doanh Nghiệp Nhỏ Hoa Kỳ dành cho người sống sót đủ điều kiện. SBA giúp các doanh nghiệp mọi quy mô (bao gồm các chủ nhà), tổ chức bất vụ lợi tư nhân, chủ nhà và người thuê nhà được tài trợ để sửa chữa hoặc tái thiết, và trang trải chi phí thay thế tài sản cá nhân bị mất hoặc thiệt hại do thảm họa. Các khoản vay khắc phục thảm họa để trang trải những tổn thất không được bảo hiểm bồi thường đầy đủ hay được tài trợ khắc phục thảm họa khác.

Người sống sót cũng có thể làm đơn trực tuyến, sử dụng Đơn Xin Vay Điện Tử qua trang web bảo mật của SBA tại https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Có thể tìm hiểu thông tin và nhận mẫu đơn xin vay khắc phục thảm họa từ Trung Tâm Dịch Vụ Khách Hàng của SBA bằng cách gọi số 800-659-2955 hoặc gửi email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Người khiếm thính hoặc nặng tai có thể gọi số 800-877-8339. Để biết thêm thông tin về trợ cấp khắc phục thảm họa hoặc để tải đơn xuống, hãy truy cập sba.gov/disaster. Phải gửi đơn đã điền đến: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

Để biết thêm thông tin về hoạt động phục hồi sau thảm họa của Texas, truy cập trang web khắc phục thảm họa bão tháng 4 tại fema.gov/disaster/4269; hoặc truy cập trang web của Ban Kiểm Soát Khẩn Cấp Texas, txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Theo dõi chúng tôi trên Twitter tại twitter.com/femaregion6.

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Nhiệm vụ của FEMA là hỗ trợ người dân và những nhân viên ứng phó đầu tiên đảm bảo rằng với tư cách một quốc gia, chúng ta cùng nhau xây dựng, duy trì và cải thiện khả năng chuẩn bị ứng phó, phòng chống, ứng phó, phục hồi và giảm thiểu mọi mối nguy.

 

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Cư Dân của 4 Quận Khác Ở Texas Đủ Điều Kiện Đăng Ký Nhận Trợ Cấp Khắc Phục Thảm Họa

Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

AUSTIN, Texas – Texans who suffered damage or loss from the April flooding and were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration could lose some income-based FEMA grants if they don’t complete and submit SBA’s loan application.

Other Needs Assistance grants may cover uninsured losses for furniture, appliances and other personal property, even vehicles. Survivors will not be considered for this type of assistance unless they have completed and returned the SBA loan application.  The information on the application is used to determine eligibility for income-based assistance.

Applicants from Austin, Colorado, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Parker, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties should complete the SBA loan application, even if they don’t want a loan.

“If you don’t complete the SBA loan application, you could be leaving ‘money on the table’ for your recovery,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Kevin Hannes, who is in charge of FEMA’s operations in Texas. “We use that application to check eligibility for additional grants.”

Some types of Other Needs Assistance—medical, dental and funeral expenses—are not SBA dependent and completing the loan application is not required. However, it is always recommended by recovery experts.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property, offering low-interest disaster assistance loans to businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners and renters.

Survivors should start the loan process as soon as possible, and those who qualify for an SBA loan are under no obligation to accept it.  If approved and the loan is not accepted, the survivor may be ineligible for additional federal assistance.

Submit an SBA loan application even if you are waiting for an insurance settlement.  You may be able to begin your recovery immediately with a low-interest SBA disaster loan. The loan balance will be reduced by the settlement from your insurance. SBA loans may also be available for losses not covered by insurance.

Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 from SBA to replace personal property.

Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury. SBA offers low-interest working capital loans (called Economic Injury Disaster Loans) to small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations of all sizes having difficulty meeting obligations as a result of the disaster.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. For more disaster assistance information or to download applications, visit sba.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX  76155.

Texans can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY, should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service, call 800-621-3362.Toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage for the April storms at fema.gov/disaster/4269; or visit the Texas Division of Emergency Management website at txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Follow us on Twitter @femaregion6.

# # #

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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Fill Out an SBA Loan Application or You Could be Leaving Money on the Table

How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

RIDGELAND, Miss. – Some survivors, who registered for federal disaster assistance after the March storms and flooding, may have received a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that says they are ineligible. However, the reason for the decision may be something that can be easily fixed, such as providing insurance documents or new contact information.

Applicants can appeal any FEMA decision.

The first step is to look at the specific reason the letter was sent. If it isn’t clear, or more information is needed, a specialist at the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711, video relay service) can help. TTY users can call 800-462-7585. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Information is also available online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail or fax to FEMA within 60 days of receiving the letter.

Mail appeals to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

Appeals and documents can be faxed to 800-827-8112.

Information on how and where to file an appeal is included with the letters and in the “Help After a Disaster” booklet, which can be downloaded at FEMA.gov/help-after-disaster.

Effective appeal letters should follow these procedures:

  • In the first paragraph, list the applicant’s full legal name used on the aid application, along with Social Security number and the FEMA case number. Include a personal phone number as well as a back-up phone number where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a correct mailing address.
  • Write an explanation of events that provides evidence to support the appeal. Summarize changes in circumstances or needs, additional damage to property discovered after the registration was filed or higher-than-anticipated costs for repairs.
  • Include photocopies of receipts for materials and labor as well as up to three written bids for repair work if those costs exceed the award amount. Submitting repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices is recommended.
  • Keep a copy of the appeal letter and supporting documentation as a record.

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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.

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 (voice, 711 or video relay service). TTY users can call 800-462-7585.

 

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How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

Disaster Assistance Is for Texas Renters, Too

AUSTIN, Texas – Renters in Texas counties whose homes and property were damaged by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding may be eligible for federal disaster assistance. Aid is available to residents of Erath, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Hood, Jasper, Limestone, Marion, Newton, Orange, Parker, Shelby and Tyler counties.

Federal grants can help pay for temporary housing not covered by insurance. These rental grants are initially for two months.

Also, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers low-interest disaster loans to help Texas renters repair or replace disaster-damaged personal property, including automobiles. Loan rates are as low as 1.813 percent; terms can be as long as 30 years and survivors may be eligible for up to $40,000, depending on their losses. 

Both renters and homeowners may qualify for grants for other disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, such as clothing, child care, room furnishings and appliances, medical and dental costs, vehicles and moving and storage expenses. Eligibility for some grants is determined only after completing and returning an SBA application. There is no requirement to take out a loan should it be approved.

The first step is to register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone (voice, 711 or video relay service) at 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585. Toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week and multilingual operators are available.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available online at http://www.sba.gov/disaster, from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Meet with an SBA Representative at a Disaster Recovery Center to learn more about disaster loans, the application process, or for help completing the SBA application. Individuals who are deaf or hard‑of‑hearing may call 800-877-8339. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.

For more information on Texas recovery, visit the disaster webpage at fema.gov/disaster/4266, Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and the Texas Division of Emergency Management website, txdps.state.tx.us/dem.

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

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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. 

Link:

Disaster Assistance Is for Texas Renters, Too

Contact FEMA if Insurance for Living Expenses Expires

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Disaster survivors whose insurance provided Additional Living Expenses (ALE) that are expiring are encouraged to contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency if they registered with the agency and still have a temporary housing need.

This temporary housing assistance is available to eligible FEMA applicants who lost or sustained damage to their homes due to the wildfires in Calaveras and Lake counties from Sept. 9 through Oct. 30, 2015.

Fax or mail a letter to FEMA explaining the situation and provide a document with expiration of ALE from insurance and provide an update of the permanent housing plan. FEMA’s fax number is 800-827-8112. Those who have questions can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. For those who use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

 

The mailing address is:

FEMA

National Processing Service Center

P.O. Box 10055

Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

 

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 or @Cal_OES and at Facebook.com/FEMA  or Facebook.com/California OES.

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 have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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Contact FEMA if Insurance for Living Expenses Expires

What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter

What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter1. Read the letter carefully to find out why the decision was made.Do you need to provide additional information?• Insurance determination letter.• Proof of occupancy or ownership.• Proof of ID.• Applicant’s signature.Common reasons for the initial decision:• The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.• Someone else in the household applied and received assistance.• Disaster-related losses could not be verified.• Insurance covered all losses.2. Contact FEMA for help with filing an appeal or any questions.Call800-621-3362 (711 or Video Relay Service available)800-462-7585 (TTY)VisitA Disaster Recovery Center3. File a written appeal.Explain why you think the decision was not correct.• Provide supporting information and documents.• Include your FEMA registration number on all documents.• Sign the letter.Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days of the decision letter date, or drop it off at a Disaster Recovery Center.SACRAMENTO, Calif. – If Lake and Calaveras County residents receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency saying they are not eligible for disaster assistance, it is important that they read the letter carefully and then contact FEMA if they have questions or need assistance making an appeal.

The appeal must be postmarked within 60 days of the date on the FEMA letter, not the date received. FEMA will help survivors make an appeal.

Survivors can call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 711 or video relay service, call 800-621-3362. They can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC). To locate the nearest center, call FEMA or go online to FEMA.gov/DRC.

A direct telephone hotline is operational to process any requests from survivors who may need additional assistance: 916-381-0330; for TTY, call 711.

The FEMA letter will explain the reason an applicant was determined to be ineligible and what additional information he or she needs to provide or how FEMA’s decision can be appealed.

Some of the reasons for an initial turn down can be easily remedied with more information such as:

  • Calling or writing to FEMA when a final insurance settlement is agreed upon.
  • Providing proof of ownership or residence, especially documents showing the damaged property was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.
  • Returning a completed U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan application.
  • Signing essential documents.

Survivors can ask for a review of the amount or type of help provided or any other decision about federal disaster assistance if they appeal the agency’s decision within 60 days of the date on the FEMA letter. Many issues can be resolved if applicants follow up with updated information or documentation.

When appealing a decision, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision along with any new or additional documents supporting the appeal.

Appeal letters should include:

  • Federal disaster declaration number ‘DR-4240-CA’ on all pages of documents.
  • Applicant information, including:
    • Nine-digit FEMA application number on all pages of documents
    • Name
    • Date and place of birth
    • Address of the damaged dwelling
  • Copies of verifiable documentation supporting the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Applicants should keep all originals for their records.
  • Copy of a driver license or state-issued identification card showing the residence address is the same as the damaged property.
  • If a driver’s license or state-issued identification card is not available, an alternative is to have the appeal letter notarized with the following statement included: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
  • The applicant’s signature.

Mail the appeal letter to:

FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD  20782-7055

Applicants may fax the appeal letter to: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

It is important to have appeal letters postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.

Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. For 711 or video relay service, call 800-621-3362. For more information go to FEMA.gov/Help-After-Disaster. Even easier is visiting one of the three FEMA disaster recovery centers (DRC).

All three Disaster Recovery Centers will be open on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, with normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To locate the nearest DRC, go to FEMA.gov/DRC.

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362; TTY 800-462-7585; 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362. Registration continues through Monday, Nov. 23.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter @femaregion9 and at Facebook.com/FEMA.

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 have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter

FEMA Expands Call Center Hours Ahead of Approaching Deadline For Flood Insurance Policyholders to Request a Review of their Hurricane Sandy Claim

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced today that it has expanded the operating hours of the call center that handles requests from flood insurance policyholders who want their insurance claim from Hurricane Sandy reviewed.

The change will provide a greater opportunity for policyholders to enter the Hurricane Sandy Claims Review, including calling over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The last day to request a review is Sept. 15, 2015. Effective immediately, FEMA’s National Processing Service Center will expand its weekday hours from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). This weekend, as well as next Saturday and Sunday (Sept. 12-13), the call center will be available from 10 a.m. EDT to 6 p.m. On Labor Day, the call center will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. EDT.

To be eligible for the review, policyholders must have experienced flood damage between Oct. 27, 2012 and Nov. 6, 2012 as a result of Hurricane Sandy, and must have had an active NFIP flood policy at the time of the loss. Policyholders should call 866-337-4262 to get started.

FEMA is encouraging policyholders to request a review if they believe their Sandy flood insurance claims were underpaid for any reason. More than 12,500 policyholders have entered the review process so far. Most reviews can be concluded in about 90 days.

Policyholders can also go online to www.fema.gov/hurricane-sandy-nfip-claims to download a form requesting a review. The downloaded form can be filled out and emailed to FEMA-sandyclaimsreview@fema.dhs.gov or faxed to 202-646-7970 to begin the review process. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability and use 711 or VRS, please call 866-337-4262.  For individuals using a TTY, please call 800-462-7585 to begin the review process.

When policyholders call, it is helpful if they have available as much information as possible, including the name(s) on the policy, the address of the damaged property and the 10-digit NFIP policy number that was in effect at the time of the loss. Policyholders will be asked a series of questions to determine whether they qualify for the review. If qualified, they will be called by an adjuster to begin the review. The timing of this call may be affected by the volume of requests.

Policyholders who have already requested a review of their claim do not have to call again. They are in the system and an adjuster will continue to work with them after the Sept. 15 deadline.

The Sandy Claims Review is intended to be simple for the policyholder and does not require paid legal assistance. Several nonprofit service providers are ready to offer free advice and answer questions policyholders may have. A list of these advocacy groups can be found on the claims review website at www.fema.gov/sandyclaims.

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 FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema and www.youtube.com/fema.  Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

 

Follow this link:

FEMA Expands Call Center Hours Ahead of Approaching Deadline For Flood Insurance Policyholders to Request a Review of their Hurricane Sandy Claim

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