TAMPA, Fla. — As many residents start to recover from Hurricane Milton, individual assistance is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But, what happens if they find you ineligible?
FEMA officials will send a letter stating what is needed for them to continue processing the application.
"Many times, it’s a simple fix that can be addressed in an appeal," the website reads.
These are the most common reasons for an ineligible or "no decision" determination:
- Insurance settlement
- If your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related needs, you may be eligible for assistance
- You reported no home damage or minimal damage
- If you reported no damage but later saw damage, appeal the determination
- Documentation from a local official or contractor supporting your appeal may help document the damage
- Proof of occupancy
- You may need to provide documentation such as utility bills, a bank or credit card statement, phone bill, pay stubs, a driver's license, state-issued ID card or voter registration card
- No initial rental assistance
- Contact FEMA as soon as possible to update your housing status if you relocated
- No communication with FEMA
- If you are unable to meet with an inspector, let FEMA know
- Your home is safe to occupy
How to appeal a FEMA decision
An appeal is a request to FEMA to review an applicant's file again and gives the individual a chance to provide new or additional information not previously submitted that may affect the decision.
Be sure to include the following:
- Applicant’s full name, current address and damaged dwelling address
- Applicant’s 9-digit FEMA registration number, found at the top of the determination letter (on every page)
- The last four digits of the applicant’s Social Security number (on every page)
- FEMA disaster declaration number, DR-4815-PA (on every page)
FEMA says people can submit appeal documents online, in person, by mail or by fax. Here are the specific instructions for each.
Decisions are usually made within 30 days of receiving the appeal, but it can take up to 90.
If you are still denied assistance, you can turn to local resources from volunteer-based organizations that might be able to help. You can see a full list of resources for rebuilding, food, health and much more by clicking here.