What Do I Do If I Get Denied By FEMA?

If you find yourself asking "What do I do if I get denied by FEMA", we have your answer.

Nicole Young Lopez posted on Facebook the process to follow if your claim gets denied by FEMA. Nicole's name may sound familiar: she was instrumental in putting together hundreds of volunteers and sending them to homes affected by the flooding. utilizing the Facebook group Cajuns in Action.

Here is the process Nicole shared:

How to APPEAL FEMA DENIAL :
If you receive a letter saying that you are ineligible or that your application is incomplete, this does not necessarily mean you will not receive help – you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving mailed notification from us.

An appeal is a written request to review your file again with additional information you provide that may affect the decision. You may appeal any decision provided by FEMA regarding your Individual Assistance.

Appeals may relate to your initial eligibility decisions, the amount or type of assistance provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or a denial of Continued Temporary Housing Assistance. Prior to requesting an appeal review, you should review your file with a FEMA helpline agent at 1-800-621-3362 (FEMA), or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585, or request a copy of your file from FEMA so you can understand why you received the decision you want to appeal.

Follow these steps to appeal the decision.

Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is not correct. You, or your co-applicant, must sign the letter.
If you choose to have a third party submit an appeal on your behalf, the appeal letter must be signed by the third party. Additionally, please include a statement signed by you authorizing the third party to appeal on your behalf.
To assist in identifying your registration, you should include your FEMA registration number (shown at the top of your decision letter), last four digits of your social security number, or full name.
Please also include any supporting documents, such as contractor estimates, with your appeal request.
Mail your appeal letter to:
FEMA - Individuals & Households Program
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

or you can fax your appeal letter to:
(800) 827-8112
Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program

IMPORTANT: To be considered, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. Remember to date your letters.

All appeals are reviewed.
Decisions usually are made within 30 days of receiving the request.
Additional information may be requested from you if FEMA does not have enough information to make a decision.
You will be notified by mail of the response to your appeal.