DON’T AGREE WITH DISASTER ASSISTANCE DETERMINATION LETTER? FEMA MAY
TAKE A SECOND LOOK
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20211210/dont-agree-disaster-assistance-determination-letter-fema-may-take-second]


Release Date: 
December 10, 2021 

HARRISBURG, PA – Some who registered with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency for disaster assistance may have received a
determination letter they don’t agree with.

OFTEN, DETERMINATIONS OF INELIGIBILITY ARISE FROM A LACK OF SUFFICIENT
DOCUMENTATION.

An application might need an insurance settlement letter, proof of
residence, proof of ownership of the damaged property or proof the
damaged property was your primary residence at the time of the
disaster.

 	* INSURANCE: If coverage is not enough to make essential home
repairs, pay for a place to stay or replace personal items, FEMA may
reconsider an application. But you must provide documents from your
insurance company that detail any settlement. Remember: FEMA cannot
duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.

 	* HOMEOWNER OR RENTER OCCUPANCY: FEMA may reconsider someone for
grants if documents are provided that prove the damaged structure was
your primary residence. FEMA needs to see utility bills, driver’s
license or a copy of the lease or rental agreement. THERE IS NO
FEDERAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR SECONDARY OR VACATION HOMES. 
 
 	* OWNERSHIP: Documents that prove ownership may include mortgage or
insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed.

If you consider FEMA’s decision of the amount or type of assistance
is incorrect, an appeal letter and any documents needed to support the
claim can be submitted.

HOW TO FILE AN APPEAL

All appeals must be filed in writing. Explain why the decision may be
incorrect. When submitting a letter, please include:

 	* Your full name
 	* Date and place of birth
 	* Address of the damaged dwelling
 	* FEMA disaster number
 	* Your FEMA registration number (on each page)
 	* All supporting documents

If someone other than the person who registered is writing the letter,
there must be a signed statement affirming that person may act on your
behalf. Keep a copy of the appeal for your records.

To file an appeal, letters and documentation must be postmarked or
received by fax WITHIN 60 DAYS of the date the FEMA determination
letter was received.

BY MAIL:
FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

BY FAX:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
 
Questions? Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available
in most languages. TTY users may call 800-462-7585. FEMA’s Helpline
is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Pennsylvania survivors with additional needs resulting from the
impacts from Hurricane Ida should call 2-1-1 for referral to a
community/volunteer organization for assistance.