I Was Denied FEMA Assistance - Now What?

Often people that are eligible for assistance are denied, or given reduced assistance, simply because they did not give enough information.

For example, you may have been denied because:

• You didn't prove your identity.
• You didn't prove you had enough damage
• You didn't prove the location was your primary residence
• FEMA only allows one claim per household

If you believe a mistake was made, don't worry. You can always appeal the decision.  

If you visit a   disaster recovery center, they can help you appeal the decision.  If the line is too long at one center, you can go other centers. It doesn't matter where you live, you can access any of the centers.  They are open 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.  Mobile units, are open 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sundays.

You have 60 days from the date of the FEMA letter to appeal the decision.  Follow these steps to appeal the decision:

1.    Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621- FEMA (3362) to say you wish to appeal.  Ask for the exact forms you should fill out.
2.    Write a letter that includes;

• FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of your decision letter)
• an explanation why you think there is a mistake
• a copy of your social security card, your driver’s license, a utility bill or other proof of residence
• a copy of bills or estimates from contractors,
• photos of your damaged property
• your signature and the date

3.    While you must mail in your appeal to get a final decision, you might want to visit a Disaster Recovery Center before you put your appeal in the mail.  FEMA officials at the Disaster Recovery Center can review your appeal and give you comments before you send it.  You can find a list of Disaster Recovery Centers here.
4.    Mail your appeal to FEMA-National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.
5.    FEMA usually responds by mail about 30 days after they get your appeal.