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FEMA Denial Letter May Not Be the Last Word
Some New Yorkers who suffered losses in the August 8 tornado may receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) stating their application for disaster assistance has been denied.
"A denial letter does not necessarily mean that an applicant is not eligible for assistance," said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson. "It may mean that FEMA does not have all the information needed to make a decision regarding the applicant's disaster aid."
There are a number of reasons why applicants may receive denial letters and yet may be eligible for assistance, such as:
•Provide information to prove occupancy or ownership of the damaged property. •Proof of identity •Documentation to prove disaster damage •Complete and return the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application. •Applicants, with insurance, should contact their insurance company and ask for a settlement letter detailing exactly what is covered under their claim. They should mail insurance settlement information to FEMA - Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O .Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055.
Individuals have up to 12 months from the date they registered with FEMA to submit insurance information for review. FEMA cannot provide money to individuals or households for losses covered by insurance.
FEMA reminds applicants to return the completed SBA loan application. Filling out the loan application is a necessary step if applicants are to be considered for some other forms of disaster assistance.
"The key to being considered for State and federal assistance is for applicants to complete all the necessary paperwork and keep information up-to-date," said John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management Office. "The State and FEMA rely on that information to process each claim."
Applicants who wish to appeal a decision may do so in writing within 30 days from the date of the decision or date of the denial letter. Guidelines for appeals can be found in the Applicant's Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA.
New Yorkers who have already registered for disaster assistance and need to update their application information or have any questions about the disaster assistance may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621- FEMA (3362) or www.fema.gov; TTY: 800-462- 7585, 8am to 9pm, daily or the New York State Helpline at 888- 329-7540, 8am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday.
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