So you jumped through all the hoops laid out in the obstacle course that is the road to FEMA assistance, but even after crossing all the t’s and dotting all the lowercase j’s, you learned that your application was denied. The good news is you can appeal the decision and perhaps still salvage some aid.
Here’s what to know if you need to file an appeal:
1) You have a 60-day deadline from the date on your determination letter.
2) Make sure you read through that determination letter. For your appeal to succeed, you need a thorough understanding of why you were denied. Make sure none of your crucial information was left off your application as sometimes that can lead to an application’s denial.
3) Document, document, document. FEMA won’t simply overturn their decision based on your opinion. You need to show evidence of why you feel their decision was erroneous. Here’s what to include in your appeal:
A copy of the determination letter you received
Any information FEMA specifies in the determination letter
Insurance letters: "Your insurance company might give you just a fraction of what you need to repair your home, not enough to help you get into another place, or not enough to replace certain belongings," FEMA says. The government won't let you double-dip for help repairing your home, so they need proof of what your insurance will and won't cover.
Proof of occupancy: FEMA will only help you if you're repairing your primary residence. You can prove you live where you say you live using past utility bills, your driver's license, or school documents.
Proof of ownership: "Mortgage or insurance documents; tax receipts or a deed; receipts for major repairs or improvements dating as far back as 2016; a mobile home park letter or a court document," are acceptable forms of documentation, FEMA lists.
Related
In the event your necessary documents were destroyed by or lost in the storm, you may be able to replace them by visiting https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents.
Once you've gathered all the necessary documentation, make sure to sign and date your letter and send it off to FEMA through one of three possible avenues.
Mail:
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA
Upload:
DisasterAssistance.gov
After you've fully submitted your appeal letter, FEMA says you might receive a call or letter asking for additional details or they could schedule another inspection. A decision should be reached 90 days after your appeal is received.
Thursday, Oct. 28., is the deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Questions can be directed to the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585).