Applicants Have Right To Appeal Disaster Aid Decision
Release Date: June 22, 2006
Release Number: 1642-013
» More Information on Massachusetts Severe Storms and Flooding
ANDOVER , Mass. -- Applicants who were initially denied aid or disagree with a decision are not out of options. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are reminding flood victims that they should follow up on their cases to determine what assistance may be available.
"Some applicants may have been denied assistance for property damage because they told us they had insurance coverage," said Libby Turner, federal coordinating officer for FEMA. "In these cases, a decision letter or settlement sheet from the insurance company should be submitted to FEMA so eligibility for additional federal assistance can be determined."
By law, FEMA cannot provide financial assistance for losses covered by insurance or pay deductibles.
If an insurance settlement has been delayed longer than 30 days from the time an individual registers for federal assistance, the applicant should provide FEMA documentation indicating that an insurance claim was filed and may be able to receive an advance against their settlement. Any advance must be repaid when the settlement is received.
In cases where there are still unmet needs following a settlement, the applicant should contact FEMA to determine if additional assistance is available to them.
"We want all of those who were affected by the flooding to get the assistance they deserve," said Cristine McCombs, MEMA director and state coordinating officer. "It's important that individuals continue to update us on their situation and provide additional information as it becomes available."
Applicants who wish to appeal a denial should do so by:
- Writing a letter explaining why they disagree with the decision and include any supporting documentation.
- Include their FEMA registration number and disaster number-1642-in the letter of appeal.
- Mail the appeal letter to:
FEMA - Individual and Household Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055 - Or fax to 1-800-827-8112
- Appeals must be made within 60 days of the date on the letter of denial.
- All appeals are reviewed.
- Decisions are usually rendered within 30 days.
- Applicants are notified by mail with a decision.
More information on the appeals process is available in the Applicant's Guide to the Individual and Household Program Manual (mailed to applicants upon registration) or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired.
Low-interest disaster loans may be available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for home owners, renters and businesses of any size. For those seeking disaster assistance, it is important to apply now. The deadline to apply for FEMA disaster assistance or a low-interest SBA disaster loan is July 24, 2006.
FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates mitigation activities, works with state and local emergency managers, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on March 1, 2003.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 06-Dec-2006 09:58:14