CLAIMS FILED FOR FIRE-RELATED LOSSES MAY BE APPEALED IF CLAIMANT
DISAGREES WITH COMPENSATION AMOUNT
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240409/claims-filed-fire-related-losses-may-be-appealed-if-claimant-disagrees]


Release Date: 
March 26, 2024 

Santa Fe, N.M. – People who filed a claim seeking compensation for
injury and losses resulting from the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire
and subsequent flooding may file an appeal if they disagree with the
compensation amount identified in their final Letter of Determination
(LOD).

The LOD provides compensation amounts for losses claimed on the Proof
of Loss. Claimants may work with their Navigator for a further
explanation of the offer. 

Claimants have 120 days from the date on the final LOD to accept
thedetermination by submitting a signed Release and Certification
(R&C) form. 

If the claimant does not agree with the offer amount, they may dispute
the determination by submitting a written Notice of Appeal (NOA)
within 120 days from the date on the final LOD. Claimants may appeal
all or certain line items on their LOD. The NOA should identify the
rejected line items to be appealed and a detailed statement explaining
why the offer amount is incorrect. 

If they do not submit a signed R&C form by the 120-day deadline, the
Claims Office will assume they have accepted the determination. After
the 120-day deadline, claimants may appeal if they demonstrate good
cause for an extension. 

Claimants may not appeal payment amounts for which they have already
signed an R&C form.

Claimants may request an appeal in writing through the following
options: 

	* In-person at the Claims Office through their Navigator. 
	* By email: fema-hermits-peak-appeals@fema.dhs.gov.
	* By mail: Appeals Docket, FEMA Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims
Office, P.O. Box 1329, Santa Fe, NM 87504.

Claimants are encouraged to reach out to their Navigators with
questions regarding the appeals process, or call the Helpline,
505-995-7133.

For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit
the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at
fema.gov/hermits-peak
[https://www.fema.gov/disaster/current/hermits-peak]. For information
in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak
[https://www.fema.gov/es/disaster/current/hermits-peak]. Follow our
Facebook page at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice/
[https://www.facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice/] and turn
on notifications to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming
deadlines and other program announcements.