DES MOINES — Iowa residents who sustained damage from the Aug. 10 derecho may receive a letter from FEMA saying they are ineligible for disaster assistance and can appeal the decision if they disagree.
All disaster assistance applicants have the right to appeal, and sometimes a quick fix is all that is needed. Read the letter carefully to clarify why an application was labeled “ineligible” or “incomplete.” It will explain the application status and what can be done to respond.
Common reasons for ineligibility
* You are insured.
* Your insurance company denies your claim.
* You reported no home damage when you registered with FEMA.
* Home is safe to occupy.
* Proof of occupancy.
* FEMA could not verify your identity.
* No initial rental assistance.
Collecting the following documents before starting an appeal may make the process easier:
* Decision letter from FEMA in response to your request for assistance;
* A copy of the lease if you rent your apartment or home;
* Homeowners or flood insurance policy and any correspondence to/from the insurer regarding denial or settlement of the claim;
* Rent receipts or other proof of payment for alternate housing (if FEMA denied rental assistance);
* Estimates, contracts, receipts, cancelled checks, or other proof of expenses for home repair, personal property replacement, moving and storage costs, medical or dental treatment, or funeral expenses; and/or
* Inspection reports, photographs, or other proof that your home was made uninhabitable by the storm.
Send a letter with any additional documentation to FEMA asking for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date of your ineligibility letter. Late appeals will be considered with a written or verbal explanation as to why the appeal was late (for example, lack of available contractors, illness, and/or work).
You can send the letter in one of the following ways:
* By mail: FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program, National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055.
* By fax: 1-800-827-8112.
* Online via a FEMA online account: to set up an online account, visit www.DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Check Status” and follow the directions.
If questions, call FEMA at 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).