FEMA Decisions Can Be Appealed
Release Date: September 22, 2006
Release Number: 1650-088
» More Information on New York Severe Storms and Flooding
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Applicants who received a denial letter declaring them ineligible for disaster assistance can follow a process to appeal decisions, according to state and federal officials.
"The recovery process doesn't necessarily end with a denial letter," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "Sometimes a denial simply means that more information is needed before the analysis can be completed or an individual's situation has changed."
By law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) cannot duplicate financial assistance that is paid by insurance agencies or other organizations. Therefore, an applicant who has filed an insurance claim, but has not yet settled that claim, may receive an ineligibility letter. Once the applicant's insurance claim is settled, that amount must be given to FEMA so a registration can continue to be processed.
"However, anyone in the disaster declared area who has suffered damage from the June flooding must register for assistance before the October 2, 2006 deadline whether they have settled an insurance claim or not," Jackson said. "The general rule is to call your insurance agent, get a claim number and then call the FEMA registration number, 1-800-621 FEMA (3362)."
"It is important to make sure New Yorkers also know that they must call both FEMA and the New York State Individual and Family Grant registration number. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office. "Calling the state program does not put the victim on the list for federal assistance and vice versa. Both numbers need to be called."
The New York State Individual and Family Grant Program number is 1-888-7-NYS AID (1-888-769-7243)
Other issues also arise that may help an applicant be eligible for more assistance. For instance, if a registrant was given money to repair a furnace and a contractor said it was beyond repair and must be replaced, FEMA should be contacted with the actual cost of replacement. Also, when a contractor begins an estimate for repairs and additional damages come to light, that information should be supplied to FEMA as well.
To appeal a FEMA decision, applicants denied Housing Assistance and Other Needs Assistance under FEMA's Individuals and Households Program (IHP) have 60 days from the date of their determination letter to appeal the decision. All appeals must be submitted in writing.
In their appeal letters, registrants should explain in writing why they think the decision about the amount or type of assistance they received is not correct. They should provide an estimate if possible, and specific examples, such as areas including electrical, plumbing, floors, walls, ceilings they feel were not addressed in the inspection process.
The applicant, or someone who represents the applicant or their household, should sign the letter. If the person writing the letter is not a member of the household, there must be a signed statement saying that the writer may act on the applicant's behalf.
Appeal letters should include the applicant's FEMA disaster identification registration number and the federal disaster declaration number. It is important to have appeal letters postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter. It also is important to date the appeal letter, which should be mailed to the following address:
FEMA - Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville , MD 20782-7055
Letters can be faxed to 1-800-827-8112 with a cover sheet addressed as follows: Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program.
For more information about a FEMA appeal, call the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired.
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: Friday, 22-Sep-2006 08:14:42