Understand FEMA Determination Letters and How to Appeal

BATON ROUGE, La. — A quick fix may change decisions for survivors who applied for FEMA help following Louisiana’s August flood and disagree with determination letters.

Everybody has a right to appeal. Survivors should read determination letters carefully to understand FEMA’s decision and know exactly what is needed to appeal.

Many times applicants just need to submit some extra documents for FEMA to process their application. FEMA can reconsider applicants in some cases if they:

Submit insurance documents. Provide documents from their insurance company that detail their coverage or settlement is insufficient to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot duplicate homeowner or renter insurance benefits.Prove occupancy. Provide documents that prove the damaged home or rental was their primary residence by supplying a copy of utility bills, driver’s license or lease.Prove ownership. Provide documents such as mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. Survivors who don’t have a deed handy should contact their local or parish officials about obtaining a copy.

Survivors may submit an appeal letter if they think the amount and type of assistance is incorrect. They should have received a booklet after applying for FEMA help called “Help After a Disaster” that explains what they need to provide for their situation. The booklet is available online at www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

The letter should also include:

Their full nameTheir registration number on all pagesContractor’s estimate for home repairsThe FEMA disaster declaration number—DR-4277-LA—on all pagesTheir signature

The documents and letter should be mailed within 60 days of receiving a determination letter to:

FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

Survivors can also submit them online at disasterassistance.gov or fax them to 800-827-8112.

What FEMA May Cover

Federal law—the Stafford Act—allows FEMA home repair assistance for expenses that return an eligible applicant’s pre-disaster home to a safe, sanitary and secure condition. Expenses for repairs that exceed these conditions are ineligible; FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance and does not cover pre-disaster conditions.

FEMA expects applicants to accept the first housing assistance offer and know that refusal may cause them to lose future federal disaster housing help. Safe, sanitary and secure homes meet the following conditions:

The exterior is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing, and sewer and septic systems function properly.The home is accessible.The home is capable of operating for its intended purpose.

Examples of Safe, Sanitary and Secure

Below are examples of disaster damage and if FEMA determines it makes a home safe, sanitary and secure. FEMA grant amounts vary because every survivor’s situation is different.

Appliances

Yes: FEMA may assist to repair disaster-damaged furnaces, hot waters heaters and refrigerators.

No: FEMA does not cover non-essential items like dish washers and home entertainment equipment.

Ceiling and Roof damage  

Yes: FEMA may assist to repair disaster-related leaks in a roof that damage ceilings and threaten electrical components like overhead lights.

No: FEMA does not cover ceiling stains from roof leaks.

Floors

Yes: FEMA may assist to repair a disaster-damaged subfloor in occupied parts of the home.

No:  FEMA does not cover floor covering, such as tile or carpet.

Windows

Yes: FEMA may assist with disaster-related broken windows.

No: FEMA does not cover dressing like blinds and drapes.

Original author: sylvia.obear
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Wednesday, December 28, 2016

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