COMMON REASONS FOR FEMA’S ELIGIBILITY DECISIONS AND HOW TO APPEAL
THEM
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/common-reasons-femas-eligibility-decisions-and-how-appeal-them]


Release Date: 
Dec 21, 2023 

Common Reasons You May Not Be Currently Eligible for FEMA Assistance

	* YOU OWN OR RENT YOUR HOME, AND IT’S STILL SAFE TO LIVE
IN –There isn’t enough damage to your home caused by the
disaster, or the damage doesn’t affect whether you can live in the
home. FEMA housing assistance can only return your home to a safe,
sanitary and functional residence. Damage to non-essential areas,
landscaping or spoiled food is not covered for FEMA assistance.

	* If you believe your home or personal property had more damage than
the inspector reported, you can submit a contractor’s statement or
estimate, a mechanic’s statement or estimate, a statement from a
local official or receipts for expenses caused by the disaster to
explain why a different grant amount may be necessary.
	* If the damage to your property wasn’t caused by the Sept. 17-18
severe storms and flooding, or if you already received FEMA assistance
for damage because it was caused by a different federally declared
disaster then your home may be considered safe to live in and you
won’t be eligible for assistance. 

	* YOU DO NOT WISH TO MOVE FROM YOUR HOME, OR YOU’RE NOT REQUIRED TO
STAY ELSEWHERE WHILE REPAIRS ARE MADE – If you told FEMA that you
weren’t willing to leave your home while repairs were being made, we
won’t be able to offer financial assistance to relocate. If your
situation changes, contact FEMA to update your application. 

	* RENTERS: If you live in an apartment and the owner requires you to
leave so repairs can be made to the apartment or building, call
the FEMA HELPLINE AT 800-621-3362 and update your status. You may be
eligible for assistance.

	* WE COULDN’T CONTACT YOU – We can’t help you if we can’t
contact you to schedule an inspection. Call the FEMA Helpline at
800-621-3362 to update your information and let us know that you still
need assistance.

	* WE NEED MORE INFORMATION FROM YOU – This could include:

	* proof of insurance coverage
	* a copy of an insurance claim settlement document
	* proof of identity
[https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying#identity]
	* proof of occupancy
[https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/verifying-home-ownership-occupancy#occupancy]
	* proof of ownership
[https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/verifying-home-ownership-occupancy#ownership]
and/or
	* proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary
residence during the disaster.

How Do I Appeal?

An appeal is your opportunity to give us more information or explain
why you disagree with our determination. To appeal, write us a letter
within 60 days of receiving your determination letter. Include any
information that we requested. Make sure to include:

	* Applicant’s full name, current address and the address of the
damaged dwelling.
	* Applicant’s 9-digit FEMA registration number, found at the top of
the determination letter (on every page).
	* Any relevant documentation that supports your request, such as
contractor estimates, rent checks, insurance correspondence,
inspection reports, photographs of damage or receipts.
	* FEMA disaster declaration number, DR-4749-IL (put it on every
page). 
	* Applicant’s signature and the date.

There are four ways to submit your appeal letters and supporting
documents:

Mail

FEMA - Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service
Center

P.O. Box 10055 

Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055 

Online

	* Visit DisasterAssistance.gov [https://www.disasterassistance.gov/]
to create an account where you can upload documents.   

In Person

	* You can take your appeal request to a Disaster Recovery Center.
Find the Disaster Recovery Center nearest you by visiting
www.fema.gov/drc [http://www.fema.gov/drc].   

By Fax

	* Fax your appeal letter and supporting documents to (800) 827-8112,
Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program

FEMA provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and
households affected by a disaster who have uninsured or underinsured
disaster-related expenses. FEMA assistance is not the same as
insurance, nor can it return the survivor’s home to its pre-disaster
condition.

If you have questions about your FEMA letter or the appeal process,
visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at
800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service,
captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that
service when you appeal. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is
January 19, 2024. FEMA will continue to accept appeals and assist
applicants with questions after the deadline.

###

_Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race,
color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English
proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including
translation and American Sign Language interpreters will be available
to ensure effective communication with applicants with limited English
proficiency, disabilities, and access and functional needs. If you or
someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free
at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone
service or others, give FEMA your number for that service._