Hurricane Matthew storm survivors applying for FEMA assistance may easily overlook a small detail that can result in a letter of ineligibility.
Common reasons for a determination of ineligibility include:
*Lack of verification of occupancy of the damaged property;
*Proof of identity;
*No documentation of disaster damage;
*Coverage by an insurance policy.
In the case of an insurance denial, notify FEMA of the insurance settlement, and the case will be reviewed again. In other situations, provide the requested information.
If the letter says “Ineligible,” the letter will contain a code with an explanation for the denial. If the explanation is unclear, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 (voice, 711 or Video Relay Service) or TTY 800-462-7585 for the deaf or hard of hearing.
An application’s status may also be checked at DisasterAssistance.gov. Click on the big “Check Status” link at the far right of the home page.
Letters indicate the amount of any approved grant and how the money should be used. Using the grant for purposes other than as indicated may prevent additional assistance.
Applicants from the 10 eligible Georgia counties have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s decision letter to file an appeal on ineligibility or amount of the grant. The letter must explain the reason for the appeal and include:
*Applicant’s full name
*Applicant’s FEMA registration number
*Disaster number (4284)
*Address of the applicant’s pre-disaster primary residence
*Applicant’s current phone number and address
*Documentation supporting the appeal, such as contractor repair estimates, insurance settlement letters, proof of residence and proof of ownership.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include the following signed statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” Other options are to submit a copy of a state-issued ID card or to notarize the letter. However, be aware that if the notary stamp is embossed and not colored, it may not scan to be readable.
Mail or fax the letter as follows:
By mail:
FEMA
National Process Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
By fax:
Attention FEMA
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