November 22,
2016,
DR-4285-NC
FS 005
FACT SHEET
FAQ: FEMA Determination Letter
Q.
Why did I get a letter from FEMA saying I’m ineligible for assistance?
A. After registering with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency, you may have received a determination letter regarding your eligibility
for assistance. It’s important to read the letter
carefully because it might not be the final answer.
There are several
reasons why applicants may be determined to be ineligible. For instance, you
might need to provide FEMA with a copy of an insurance determination letter
before your FEMA grant application can be processed.
If you have insurance,
FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, if you are under-insured you
may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been
submitted.
Other reasons
for a determination of ineligibility may include:
o
The
required documents weren’t signed.
o
Proof
of occupancy or ownership wasn’t provided.
o
The
damage is to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.
o
Someone
else in the household has also applied for and received help.
o
A
FEMA housing inspector was not able to reach you by phone.
o
The
required flood insurance coverage for the damaged property lapsed.
o
You
had adequate insurance coverage.
o
Insufficient
storm-related damage.
o
More
documentation is needed.
Q. What should I do now if I don’t agree?
A. You
should contact FEMA.
o You may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service
(VRS).
o If you are deaf, hard of hearing or
have a speech disability and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. EST, seven days a
week, until further notice.
(MORE)
FEMA Determination Letter-Page 2
o
You
can discuss your concerns with a FEMA representative at any one of the
FEMA/State disaster recovery centers. To locate the center
nearest you, call the FEMA Helpline, use the ReadyNC and FEMA mobile apps or go
online to FEMA.gov/DRC
or readync.org.
You can submit missing documentation to FEMA online, by mail or fax, or in
person at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Q. Can I appeal FEMA’s decision?
A. Yes, you may appeal any decision made by FEMA. Appeals
must be submitted within 60 days of receipt of the letter determining eligibility.
By appealing, you are asking FEMA to review your case.
Q.
How
do I appeal the decision?
A.
You will need to
write FEMA an appeal letter. To ensure accuracy and help FEMA personnel process
your appeal, you will need to include the following information in your letter:
o Your full name.
o The address of your damaged property.
o Current contact information.
o Disaster number: DR-4285-NC.
o Last four digits of your Social Security number.
o Your birthdate and place of birth.
o Your nine-digit FEMA registration number on each page and
on supporting documentation.
o Notarization of your letter including a copy of a state
issued identification card, or include the following statement, “I hereby
declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
o Your signature.
If
someone other than you or the co-applicant is writing the letter, there must be
a signed statement from you affirming that the person may act on your behalf.
You should keep a copy of your appeal for your records.
Q. Where do I send my appeal letter?
A.
Mail to:
FEMA
– Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
FAX: 800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program
###
