FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentuckians who sustained damage due to the flooding that began on July 26 may receive a letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance and can appeal the determination if they disagree.
The first step is for applicants to read their determination letter carefully to understand why FEMA decided the application was “ineligible.” Those who need help understanding their letter can visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, visit fema.gov/drc.
In Eastern Kentucky, the most common reasons applicants may be deemed ineligible are:
- Missed inspection or no response to FEMA attempts to make contact: If FEMA cannot make contact with you, or you do not meet with the inspector for your scheduled appointment, FEMA may find you ineligible. You must return FEMA phone calls and requests for information in a timely manner.
- If a determination letter states that FEMA was unable to reach you, please get in touch with FEMA as soon as possible. Visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
- Home is safe to occupy: FEMA has determined you are not eligible for Housing Assistance because the damage caused by the disaster did not make your home unsafe to live in.
- If you disagree with FEMA’s determination, collect verifiable estimates, contracts, receipts, proof of expenses for home repair, personal property replacement, moving and storage costs and submit them as supporting documents with your appeal.
Applicants have the right to appeal the determination within 60 days of the date on the letter.
When filing an appeal be sure to include:
- Applicant’s name
- Applicant’s phone number and address
- Applicants’ registration number (on every page)
- FEMA disaster declaration number – DR-4663 (on every page)
- Address of pre-disaster primary residence
- Explanation of why you disagree with the decision
- Include any requested information and supporting documentation
- Remember to sign and date the letter
There are multiple ways to submit your appeal including:
- Online at disasterassistance.gov
- By mailing your appeal letter and supporting documents to:
Individuals & Households Program,
National Processing Service Center,
P.O. Box 10055,
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
- By faxing your appeal letter and supporting documents to: 800-827-8112
- In person, by visiting an open Disaster Recovery Center
The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division can help you with writing your appeal letter or assist with many other free legal services. The hotline is available to connect survivors who cannot afford an attorney to free legal services in designated counties. Survivors can call 844-478-0099 Monday through Friday 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. If after business hours, messages can be left, and calls will be returned on the next business day.
The Disaster Legal Services (DLS) program works with state and local partners to provide free legal help for low-income disaster survivors. The service is a partnership between the American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, FEMA, AppalReD Legal Aid, Kentucky Bar Association, Louisville Bar Association, American Red Cross, Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, Northern Kentucky Bar Association and Lawyers Mutual of Kentucky
FEMA will review your appeal and any documentation you have provided to make a new determination within 90 days. If more information is needed, FEMA will contact you. Once the appeal has been reviewed – including verification calls to contractors or others – a determination will be made on your appeal.
Remember, if someone else files the appeal for you, you must also submit a signed statement giving that person authority to represent you.
For the latest information on Kentucky flooding recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4663 and follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion4.