FEMA Assistance Ineligibility Letter May Not Be Final Word
Release Date: June 25, 2008
Release Number: 1763-042
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DES MOINES, Iowa. -- Iowa residents who receive ineligibility letters after registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may still qualify for assistance. The letter can mean several things - and it does not necessarily mean the case is closed.
"If an applicant receives an ineligibility letter from FEMA, it does not necessarily mean that the applicant is being denied assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Bill Vogel. "It may mean that FEMA does not have all the information needed to make a decision."
There are a number of other reasons why applicants may receive ineligibility letters including:
" Information proving occupancy or ownership of the damaged property has not been verified;
" Proof of identity has not been verified; or
" Insurance settlement documents have not been received or reviewed by FEMA.
One of the most common reasons why the letters are sent is because applicants stated that they had insurance. FEMA must deny aid until an insurance settlement is reached because FEMA assistance programs are not intended to duplicate insurance compensation or cover deductibles for disaster-related loss or damage.
Even the best insurance coverage may not cover every need, which is why state, federal and non-profit programs are made available. Federal Coordinating Officer Vogel says even well-insured applicants may be eligible to be reimbursed for disaster expenses not covered by insurance.
"It's important for people to complete their paperwork and make sure their contact information is up to date as we process the claims," said Pat Hall, state coordinating officer with Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management Division.
Individuals are advised to return the completed Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. Filling out the loan application is a necessary step if applicants are to be considered for some other forms of disaster assistance. SBA Disaster Loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. The SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.
Applicants should read their letters carefully and take action on items identified in the letter to qualify for assistance. They may contact FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY: 1-800-462-7585 for speech and hearing impaired - 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with questions and need to have their FEMA registration number available.
Those 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 or fax to 1-800-827-8112. Be sure to include the FEMA registration number on the documents.
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 letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant's Handbook sent to all FEMA registrants.
Iowa residents registered with FEMA for disaster assistance, who need to update their application information or have any questions about the disaster assistance, may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov; TTY: 1-800-462-7585, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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, 26-Jun-2008 14:46:18