Denial Letter May Not Be The Last Word
Release Date: October 22, 2008
Release Number: 1795-030
» More Information on Indiana Severe Storms and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Some Hoosiers who suffered losses in the severe storms and flooding from Sept.12 - Oct. 6 may receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stating their application for disaster assistance has been denied.
"A denial letter does not necessarily mean that an applicant is not eligible for assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Stephen M. DeBlasio, Sr. "It may mean that FEMA does not have all the information needed to make a decision regarding the applicant's disaster aid."
There are a number of reasons why applicants may receive denial letters and yet may be eligible for assistance. Applicants may need to provide items such as:
- Information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property.
- Proof of identity.
- Documentation to prove disaster damage.
- An insurance settlement letter. Applicants, with insurance, should contact their insurance company and ask for a settlement letter detailing exactly what is covered under their claim. They should mail insurance settlement information to FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.
Applicants that receive a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application package MUST complete and return it in order to be considered for FEMA assistance, regardless of whether they qualify for a loan. If they do not qualify, SBA refers the applicant to FEMA to be considered for FEMA assistance.
Individuals have up to 12 months from the date they registered with FEMA to submit insurance information for review. FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses covered by insurance.
Applicants who wish to appeal a decision may do so in writing within 30 days from the date of the decision or date of the denial letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant's Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.
Indiana residents who have already registered for disaster assistance and need to update their application information or have any questions about their disaster assistance may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY: 800-462-7585, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 22-Oct-2008 16:09:25