FEMA Denial Letters May Not Be Last Word
Release Date: August 2, 2006
Release Number: 1650-037
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Some New York flood victims may receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saying 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 Marianne C. Jackson. "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 flood victims receive denial letters and yet may be eligible for assistance. The applicant still needs to:
- Return insurance information;
- Provide information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property;
- Fill out all paperwork; or
- Complete and return the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application.
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.
Flood victims 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.
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.
"The key to being considered for State and federal assistance is for applicants to complete all the necessary paperwork and keep information up-to-date," said John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office. "The State and FEMA rely on that information to process each claim."
Applicants who wish to appeal a 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.
Flood victims who need to update their application information or have any questions about the disaster assistance may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362); TTY: 800-462-7585, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily or the New York State Helpline at 888-329-7540, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
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, 02-Aug-2006 12:48:14