UNDERSTANDING YOUR FEMA LETTER
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/understanding-your-fema-letter-4] 

Release Date: 
Aug 8, 2023 

Disaster survivors in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange,
Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham and Windsor counties who applied
for assistance from FEMA for the July severe storms, flooding,
landslides and mudslides will receive an eligibility determination
letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

It may say you are ineligible for assistance, but that is NOT A
DENIAL. 

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include
the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the
appropriate use of disaster assistance funds. The letter will also
explain your application status and advise what you need to do to
appeal an unfavorable decision.

Often, you need only send more information or supporting
documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for
financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

	* Proof of insurance coverage;
	* Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance
provider;
	* Proof of identity;
	* Proof of occupancy;
	* Proof of ownership; or
	* Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary
residence at the time of the disaster.

If you have questions about your letter, call the disaster assistance
helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available seven days a
week, 365 days a year, with language translation services available.
If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS),
captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA your number for
that service when you apply.

Or you can visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help, where
FEMA specialists can assist with applications, answer questions and
provide referrals to resources. To find a center near you,
visit fema.gov/drc [https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator] .

APPEALING FEMA’S DECISION

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision or the amount of assistance
provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting
your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You
have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to send
FEMA your appeal.

By law, FEMA cannot provide you a grant when any other source –
insurance, crowdfunding or financial assistance from voluntary
agencies – has covered expenses for the same disaster-related need.
In other words, FEMA cannot pay for home repairs if you already
received funds from your insurance company for the same repairs.

However, those who are underinsured may receive assistance for unmet
needs after insurance claims have been settled. While FEMA may be able
to help with basic needs, it does not provide assistance to cover
insurance deductibles.

In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal.
Appeals must be in writing, and should also include:

	* Applicant’s full name 
	* Disaster number (DR-4720 -VT)
	* Address of the pre-disaster primary residence 
	* Applicant’s current phone number and address 
	* Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents

If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal
letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed
statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the
applicant. 

APPEALS MUST BE POSTMARKED WITHIN 60 DAYS of the date noted on your
FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may
be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an
account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov
[http://www.disasterassistance.gov/] and follow the directions. 

Other ways to submit documents include:

	* Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055,
Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
	* Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA 

For the latest information on Vermont’s response and recovery,
visit fema.gov/disaster/4720 [https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4720].
Follow the FEMA Region 1 account on Twitter
at twitter.com/FEMARegion1 [http://www.twitter.com/FEMARegion1] or
FEMA Facebook at facebook.com/FEMA
[https://www.facebook.com/FEMA]. Follow the Vermont Emergency
Management Agency at twitter.com/vemvt
[http://www.twitter.com/vemvt] on Twitter and on Facebook
at facebook.com/VermontEmergencyManagement
[https://m.facebook.com/vermontemergencymanagement/].

FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished
equitably, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color,
religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or
economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may
contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they are the
victim of discrimination. FEMA’s Civil Rights Office can be
contacted toll-free at 833-285-7448. Multilingual operators are
available.