Applying for federal aid can be a long and frustrating task after losing property in a disaster. It’s easy to submit inaccurate and incomplete applications. That’s why the Federal Emergency Management Agency is encouraging residents who were denied disaster assistance to appeal FEMA’s decision.
The appeal process applies to residents who were told they didn’t quality for financial help or that “no decision” could be made about their funding request.
When that happens, applicants have 60 days from the date of their FEMA determination letter to appeal. The letter should contain information on what’s needed from residents for FEMA to continue processing their application.
FEMA spokesperson Darrell Habisch told WPLN News that many denials are the result of minor errors, like wrong social security numbers.
“Maybe the affected home number where you gave the address doesn’t line up with what the records are,” he said.
Other common errors that make residents ineligible for aid include failing to provide proof of residency, missing insurance settlement letters and passing over appointments with federal housing inspectors.
Applicants may also be denied because they initially reported no or minimal disaster-related damage, indicated that they’d be staying in their home during repairs or are seeking grants for non-essential damage.
According to FEMA, all requests for appeals must be in writing, signed and dated. Residents with questions about the appeal process are asked to call the agency’s helpline at 800-621-3362.
TN: Everyone has the right to appeal a FEMA decision. If you received an ineligibility letter due to insurance, we may need additional information.
Appeal and send FEMA these documents: pic.twitter.com/pRVXdbni8y
— FEMA Region 4 (@femaregion4) January 26, 2022
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