FEMA Denial Letter May Not Be Last Word 

Release Date: July 23, 2008
Release Number: 1773-034

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JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Some Missourians who have registered for disaster assistance may receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saying their application for disaster assistance has been denied. But this may not be the last word.

"A denial letter does not necessarily mean that an applicant is not eligible for assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Karl. "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 an applicant may receive a denial letter. 
The applicant may need to:

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 have up to 12 months from the date they registered with FEMA to submit insurance information for review. FEMA cannot compensate for losses covered by insurance.

FEMA reminds applicants to return the completed SBA loan application even if they choose to decline the loan. Filling out the loan application is a necessary step if applicants are to be considered for some other forms of disaster assistance.

Applicants who wish to appeal a denial decision may do so in writing within 60 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. 

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: Thursday, 24-Jul-2008 15:05:32