A Denial Letter May Not Be The Last Word 

Release Date: September 20, 2007
Release Number: 1717-030

» More Information on Minnesota Severe Storms and Flooding

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- A letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stating that you have been denied for disaster assistance may not be the final word on your application.

“Even if an application is initially denied, the process provides for an appeal when circumstances change or there is additional information,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Carlos Mitchell. "We want to give those affected by the recent flooding every opportunity to apply for whatever assistance they qualify for."

FEMA may deny an application because it cannot complete the assistance evaluation process until the applicant supplies additional personal or insurance information. Other reasons for denial include a homeowner possessing adequate insurance coverage or suffering insufficient storm-related damage.
On the other hand, during the course of home repairs applicants may discover that additional emergency repairs are needed beyond the FEMA grant amount they were initially awarded.

If a FEMA applicant finds that additional funding is needed or disagrees with a determination, there is a process to assist them in appealing the decision. The process is not limited to emergency home repair. An applicant may appeal any FEMA decision.

Submitting repair estimates, receipts, statements or invoices is essential to being considered for an effective appeal of a denial or to request an increase in the FEMA grant award. Following the steps below will assure that the applicant’s appeal is acted upon promptly and properly.

All appeals must be in writing. Applicants should explain why they think the decision is not correct. The applicant or someone who represents the applicant should sign the letter. Applicants should include their application number on each page of their letter and on their documentation. If the person writing the letter is NOT a member of their household, please include a signed statement from the applicant affirming that the person may act on their behalf.

The appeal letter must be postmarked, received by fax or personally submitted at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) within 60 days of the date on the decision letter. Applicants should date their appeal letter and be sure to mail, fax or drop it off in person at a DRC within 60 days of their dated decision letter. They should also retain a copy of the appeal letter for their own records.

Mail the appeal letter to:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Fax the appeal letter to:
1-800-827-8112
Attention:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program

Or drop it off in person at a Disaster Recovery Center:

Winona County DRC
J.C. Penney Building
1858 W. Service Drive
Winona, MN
Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Fillmore County DRC
TRW West Automotive Building
901 Home St.
Rushford, MN
Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 7p.m.

Olmsted County DRC
Mayo Civic Center, Mayo Suite,
30 Civic Center Drive SE
Rochester, MN
Hours: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
CEASES OPERATIONS AT COB FRIDAY, SEPT 21.

Additional information can be found in the Help After a Disaster guide each applicant receives upon filing for disaster assistance.

Those who have been denied FEMA assistance may still be eligible for other programs such as a U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan, disaster unemployment assistance, legal assistance, or help from volunteer agencies.

Applicants can get guidance on the appeals issue at any DRC or by calling FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585, the same telephone numbers used in the original application process. The helpline is open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. (local time) seven days a week.

After you have registered with FEMA, it’s important to call and keep them informed of any changes in your status. Also call to update personal information or additional insurance information. If you have not registered, call and register before the Oct. 22 deadline for applying for disaster assistance.

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, 20-Sep-2007 17:42:27