UNDERSTANDING YOUR FEMA LETTER
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240826/understanding-your-fema-letter]


Release Date: 
August 26, 2024 

FRANKFORT, KY. – Kentucky disaster survivors who applied for FEMA
assistance following the May 21-27 severe storms, straight-line winds,
tornadoes, landslides and mudslides will receive a letter from FEMA in
the mail or via email. 

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond.
Please read it carefully, because it will include the amount of funds
you will receive for specific types of assistance, and important
information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

Applicants who receive a letter stating they are not eligible for
assistance may need to submit additional information or supporting
documentation for FEMA to continue to process an 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;
	* 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 to find out what information FEMA needs.

A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe,
sanitary, accessible and functional. FEMA considers the following
factors in the home inspection:

	* Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC).
	* Access and exits, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned
bridges and privately-owned docks.
	* Blocking, leveling and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting
or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and
tanks.
	* The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the
doors, roof and windows.
	* The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing, sewer or septic systems
function properly.
	* The interior’s livable areas are structurally sound, including
the ceiling and floors.
	* The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
	* There is safe access to and from the home.

FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only
provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including
items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.

APPEALING FEMA’S DECISION

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal. It must be
submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

The letter from FEMA will include additional information on the types
of documents needed if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision.
The documents apply specifically to the decision made. 

For example, if you are appealing for additional assistance to help
repair your home, you will want to provide FEMA with any receipts,
bills or repair estimates received for the repairs needed to your home
as a result of the disaster. 

With your decision letter, FEMA will also provide an Appeal Request
Form that may be used to help provide additional information, if you
choose to provide additional information. 

Your appeal may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail, or online if you
have a FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account,
visit DisasterAssistance.gov [https://www.disasterassistance.gov/],
click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions. 

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

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in
American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check
the YouTube link [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw].