Understanding Eligibility For Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: December 2, 2004
Release Number: 1564-036

» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New Yorkers who applied for disaster assistance to help recover from the severe storms and flooding that occurred between Aug. 13 and Sept. 16 may have some questions about eligibility and the subsequent letter they receive from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Only qualified applicants may receive disaster assistance. Disaster aid may include grants for home repairs, temporary housing, or any serious needs or necessary disaster-related expenses, as well as low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) that can cover personal, residential and business losses not covered by insurance or otherwise compensated.

Some applicants may receive denial letters declaring them ineligible for FEMA disaster assistance. The most common reasons for denial include:

Sometimes a denial simply means that more information is needed before the analysis can be completed. Some applicants, who receive denial letters from FEMA, declaring them ineligible because of insurance, may be eligible later if their insurance settlement does not cover their necessary expenses and serious needs. An applicant should contact his/her insurance company and request a settlement letter that details exactly what is covered under the claim.

"Funds are available to assist those with uninsured losses caused by the disaster, but by law we cannot duplicate benefits," explains Federal Coordinating Officer Theodore Monette. “Applicants who wish to appeal a decision may do so in writing within 60 days of 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.

To appeal a decision, the applicant should mail insurance settlement information, as well as any new or additional information they may have acquired since the initial application for disaster assistance was filed. The mailing address is provided in the FEMA letter.

If FEMA determines an applicant is not eligible for disaster assistance funds, he or she may still be eligible for other services such as a low-interest loan from SBA or assistance from one of the many other programs designed to help disaster victims.

The SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. SBA disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recovery programs.

For additional guidance on the appeal process, or other questions applicants have about their disaster assistance application, the FEMA Helpline is available at 1-800-621-3362 (choose option two) from 6 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Friday.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Thursday, 02-Dec-2004 16:21:18