Disaster relief: Understanding your FEMA letter
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send your username and password to you.
Special to the News
Disaster survivors in Autauga, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, and Hale counties who applied for assistance from FEMA will receive an eligibility determination letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.
The letter will explain the individual’s application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
Applicants may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:
- Proof of insurance coverage
- Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
- Proof of identity
- Proof of occupancy
- Proof of ownership
- Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster
If anyone has questions about their letter, call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.
A FEMA inspection may be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary, accessible, and functional. FEMA considers the following factors in the home inspection:
- Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) or other heating and cooling sources.
- Access and egress, including privately-owned roads, privately-owned bridges and privately-owned docks.
- Blocking, leveling and anchoring of a mobile home, and reconnecting or resetting its sewer, water, electrical, oil, and fuel lines and tanks.
- The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows.
- The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing, and sewer or septic systems function properly.
- The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors.
- The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose.
- There is safe access to and from the home.
FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including items such as toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows, and doors.
Appealing FEMA’s Decision
Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. Applicants have 60 days to send FEMA the appeal letter.
FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are under-insured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.
Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:
- Applicant’s full name
- Disaster number (DR-4684 for Alabama)
- Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
- Applicant’s current phone number and address
- The FEMA application number on all documents
If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.
Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account.
To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.
By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center; P.O. Box 10055; Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
By FAX: 800-827-8112, attention: FEMA
For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance go to youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.