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8/9/2019 How to apply for federal disaster relief
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Help After a Disaster
Applicants Guide to the Individuals & Households Program
FEMA 545 / July 2008
www.fema.gov
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TheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency(FEMA)undertheauthorityofsection408oftheRobertT.StaffordDisasterReliefandEmergencyAssistanceAct,42U.S.C.5174,
andTitle44oftheCodeFederalRegulations(CFR)mayprovidefinancialassistance
and,ifnecessary,directservicestoeligibleindividualsandhouseholdswho,asadirect
resultofamajordisaster,havenecessaryexpensesandseriousneedsandareunableto
meetsuchexpensesorneedsthroughothermeans.
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DearApplicant:
AspartofourongoingeffortstoclearlycommunicateFEMAsIndividuals
andHouseholdsProgram(IHP)requirements,documentation,and
processes,weareprovidingyouthisbooklet. Thisbookletcontainsuseful
programinformationaboutIHP. Fordisasterspecificquestions,itis
alwaysbesttovisitourwebsiteatwww.fema.govorcontacttheFEMA
Helplineat1800621FEMA(TTY18004627585forthehearing
impaired).
InresponsetothePostKatrinaEmergencyManagementReformActof
2006,FEMAisintheprocessofupdatingourpoliciesandprogramsto
includenewauthoritiesdelegatedtoFEMAbyCongress. Asthenew
policiesandproceduresareputintoplace,updatedversionsofthis
applicantguidewillbemadeavailabletothepubliconFEMAswebsite,in
ourDisasterRecoveryCenters,andbymailforallapplicantsapplyingby
phoneoronline.
FEMAsprogramsaredesignedtohelpmeetessentialneedsandassist
individualsandtheirhouseholdsintakingthefirststepstowardrecovery.
FEMAprogramsarenotintendedtoreturnallhomesorbelongingstotheir
predisastercondition.
Welookforwardtopartneringwithyouintherecoveryprocessasyouand
yourcommunityrebuildafteradisaster.
WithRegards,
FEMA Disaster Assistance Directorate
https://email.fema.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fema.gov/https://email.fema.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.fema.gov/8/9/2019 How to apply for federal disaster relief
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TABLEOFCONTENTS
OverviewoftheIndividualsandHouseholdsProgram...................................1
TypesofAssistance.................................................................................................1
YourCivilRightsandDisasterAssistance..........................................................2
DisasterAssistanceProcess ...................................................................................2
ProgramEligibility..................................................................................................4
TypesofEligibleLosses .........................................................................................5
Important
Information
About
Disaster
Help......................................................6
IfYouAreEligibleforHelp...................................................................................7
InformationAboutInsuranceandDisasterHelp ..............................................8
IWanttoHaveMyCaseReviewedAgain(Appeal).........................................9
RebuildingandRepairing MitigationMeasures ...........................................11
InformationAboutAdditionalDisasterAssistanceProgramInformation .12
FrequentlyAskedQuestionsandAnswers ......................................................15
DescriptionofIneligibleReasons .......................................................................20
SampleFEMAForm9069BDeclarationandRelease.....................................27
FEMAFraudHotline ............................................................................................29
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OverviewoftheIndividualsandHouseholds
Program(IHP)
PURPOSE:
Whendisasters
take
place,
the
Individuals
and
Households
Program
(IHP)
providesmoneyandservicestopeopleinthedisasterareawhenlossesarenotcoveredbyinsuranceandpropertyhasbeendamagedordestroyed.
ThisprogramguideprovidesinformationthatwillhelpyouunderstandIHPand
explainshowtoapply. Youmustmeetspecificeligibilityconditionstoqualifyforhelp.
IHPisdesignedtohelpyouwithcriticalexpensesthatcannotbecoveredinotherways.
LIMITATIONS: IHPwillnotcoverallofyourlossesfromdamagetoyourproperty
(home,personalproperty,householdgoods)thatresultedfromthedisaster.
IHPisnotintendedtorestoreyourdamagedpropertytoitsconditionbeforethe
disaster. Insomecases,IHPmayonlyprovideenoughmoney,uptotheprogramlimits,
foryoutoreturnanitemtoservice.
IHPdoesnotcoverbusinessrelatedlossesthatresultedfromthedisaster.
Bylaw,IHPcannotprovidemoneytoyouforlossesthatarecoveredbyyourinsurance.
WhilesomemoneyisavailablethroughIHP,mostdisasteraidfromtheFederal
governmentisintheformofloansfromtheSmallBusinessAdministration(SBA)that
mustberepaid. ApplicantstoIHPmayberequiredtoseekhelpfromSBAfirst,before
beingconsideredforcertaintypesofIHPhelp. YoudonothavetosubmitanSBAloan
applicationtobeconsideredforFEMArentalassistance.
TypesofAssistance
ThefollowinglistshowsthetypesofassistancethatareavailablethroughIHPand
whateachprovides.
TemporaryHousing(aplacetoliveforalimitedperiodoftime):Moneyisavailable
torentadifferentplacetolive,oragovernmentprovidedhousingunitwhenrental
propertiesarenotavailable.
Repair:Moneyisavailabletohomeownerstorepairdamagefromthedisasterthatis
notcoveredbyinsurance. Thegoalistomakethedamagedhomesafe,sanitary,and
functional.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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Directionstoyourdamagedproperty.
Atelephonenumberwhereyoucanbecontacted.
Whenyouapplyoverthephone,theinformationyouprovideisputintothecomputerandanapplicationisgenerated.Whenyourapplicationiscomplete,youwillbeprovidedaFEMAapplicationnumber.
IfyouhavequestionsAFTERyouhaveappliedforassistanceoriftheinformationyouprovidedhaschanged,calltheFEMAHelplineat1800621FEMA(3362)(hearing/speechimpairedONLYcall18004627585). Whenyoucall,haveyour
applicationnumberready. Thisnumberwillbegiventoyouwhenyouapplyandwill
beonallmailsenttoyoufromIHP.
2. WhenwillIbecontactedbyaninspector? Ifyouareuninsuredorlackthe
appropriateinsurancecoverage,aninspectorwillcalltoscheduleanappointmentto
visityourproperty.Insomecases,youmaybecontactedthesamedayyou
apply.However,inmostcasestheinspectorwillcallwithinthenextseveraldays,but
usuallynolaterthan10days.
Theinspectorwillassessdisasterrelateddamageforyourrealandpersonal
property.Thereisnofeefortheinspection. Inspectorsarecontractors,notFEMA
employees,butyourinspectorwillhavepictureidentification.Youorsomeone18years
ofagethatlivedinthehouseholdpriortothedisastermustbepresentforyour
scheduledappointment.
Theinspectorwillneedtoseeyouridentificationandyoumustprovideproofof
ownership(for
homeowners)
and
occupancy
to
show
the
inspector.
TheinspectorwillaskyoutosignaformauthorizingFEMAtoverifythatthe
informationyouhavegiveniscorrect. Inspectorsfileyourreportbutdonotdetermine
youreligibility.
3. Withinabout10daysoftheinspectorsvisit,youwillreceivealetterfromIHP
informingyouofthedecisiononyourrequestforhelp.
Ifyouareeligibleforhelp,theletterwillbefollowedbyaU.S.
Treasury/Statecheckortherewillbeatransferofcashtoyourbankaccount.
Theletterwillexplainwhatthemoneycanbeusedtopayfor. Youshouldusethemoneygiventoyouasexplainedintheletter.
Ifyouarenoteligibleforhelp,theletterwillgivethereasonforthedecision.Youwillbeinformedofyourappealrightsintheletter.
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IfyouwerereferredtotheSmallBusinessAdministration(SBA)forhelp
fromtheSBADisasterAssistanceProgram,youwillreceiveanSBA
application.
Program
Eligibility
ToreceivemoneyorhelpforHousingNeedsthataretheresultofadisaster,allofthefollowingmustbetrue:
Youhavefiledforinsurancebenefitsandthedamagetoyourpropertyisnot
coveredbyyourinsurance. YoumaybeeligibleforhelpfromIHPtorepairdamagetoyourproperty.
YouorsomeonewholiveswithyouisacitizenoftheUnitedStates,anon
citizennational,oraqualifiedalien.
YourhomeisinanareathathasbeendeclaredadisasterareabythePresident.
Thehomeinthedisasterareaiswhereyouusuallylivethemajorityoftheyear.
Youarenotabletoliveinyourhomenow,youcannotgettoyourhomedue
tothedisaster,oryourhomerequiresrepairsbecauseofdamagefromthedisaster.
ToreceivemoneyforNeedsOtherthanHousingthataretheresultofadisaster,allof
thefollowingmustbetrue:
Youhavelossesinanareathathasbeendeclaredadisasterareabythe
President.
Youhavefiledforinsurancebenefitsandthedamagetoyourpersonalpropertyisnotcoveredbyyourinsurance. YoumaybeeligibleforhelpfromIHPtorepairdamagetoyourproperty.
YouorsomeonewholiveswithyouisacitizenoftheUnitedStates,anoncitizennational,oraqualifiedalien.
Youhavenecessaryexpensesorseriousneedsbecauseofthedisaster.
Youhaveacceptedassistancefromallothersourcesforwhichyouareeligible,suchasinsuranceproceedsorSBAloans.
YoumaynotbeeligibleformoneyorhelpfromIHPif:
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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Youhaveother,adequaterentfreehousingthatyoucanuse(forexample,
rentalpropertythatisnotoccupied).
Yourhomethatwasdamagedisyoursecondaryorvacationresidence.
Yourexpensesresultedonlyfromleavingyourhomeasaprecautionandyouwereabletoreturntoyourhomeimmediatelyaftertheincident.
Youhaverefusedassistancefromyourinsuranceprovider(s).
Youronlylossesarebusinesslosses(includingfarmbusinessotherthanthefarmhouseandselfemployment)oritemsnotcoveredbythisprogram.
ThedamagedhomewhereyouliveislocatedinadesignatedfloodhazardareaandyourcommunityisnotparticipatingintheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram. Inthiscase,theflooddamagetoyourhomewouldnot
becovered,butyoumayqualifyforrentalassistanceoritemsnotcoveredby
floodinsurance,suchaswaterwells,septicsystems,medical,dental,orfuneralexpenses.
TypesofEligibleLosses
IHPonlycoversrepairsorreplacementofitemsthataredamagedasadirectresultof
thedisasterthatarenotcoveredbyinsurance. Repairsorrebuildingmaynotimprove
yourhomeaboveitspredisasterconditionunlesssuchimprovementsarerequiredby
currentbuildingcodes.
HousingNeeds: Moneytorepairyourhomeislimitedtomakingyourhomesafeandsanitarysoyoucanlivethere. IHPwillnotpaytoreturnyourhometoitscondition
beforethedisaster. Youmayuseyourmoneyprovidedforhousingneedstorepair:
Structuralpartsofyourhome(foundation,outsidewalls,androof).
Windows,doors,floors,walls,ceilings,andcabinetry.
Septicorsewagesystem.
Wellorotherwatersystem.
Heating,ventilating,andairconditioningsystem.
Utilities(electrical,plumbing,andgassystems).
Entranceandexitwaysfromyourhome,includingprivatelyownedaccessroads.
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Blocking,leveling,andanchoringofamobilehomeandreconnectingor
resettingitssewer,water,electricalandfuellines,andtanks.
OtherthanHousingNeeds: Moneytorepairdamagedpersonalpropertyortopayfor
disasterrelatednecessaryexpensesandseriousneedsislimitedtoitemsorservicesthat
helpprevent
or
overcome
adisaster
related
hardship,
injury
or
adverse
condition.
IHP
willnotpaytoreturnorreplaceyourpersonalpropertytoitsconditionbeforethedisaster. Youmayuseyourmoneyprovidedforotherthanhousingneedstorepairorpayfor:
Disasterrelatedmedicalanddentalcosts.
Disasterrelatedfuneralandburialcost.
Clothing;householditems(roomfurnishings,appliances);tools(specializedorprotectiveclothingandequipment)requiredforyourjob;necessaryeducationalmaterials(computers,schoolbooks,andsupplies).
Fuelsforprimaryheatsource(heatingoil,gas,firewood).
Disasterspecifiedcleanupitems(wet/dryvacuum,airpurifier,anddehumidifier).
Avehicledamagedbythedisaster.
Movingandstorageexpensesrelatedtothedisaster(movingandstoringpropertytoavoidadditionaldisasterdamagewhiledisasterrelatedrepairsarebeingmadetothehome).
OthernecessaryexpensesorseriousneedsasdeterminedbyFEMA.
ImportantInformationAboutDisasterHelp
MoneyreceivedfromIHPforHousingandOtherthanHousingNeedsmustbeusedfor
eligibleexpensesonly,asidentifiedbyFEMA:
IfyoudonotusethemoneyasexplainedbyFEMA,youmaynotbe
eligibleforanyadditionalhelpandmayhavetogivethemoneyback.
Isusuallylimitedtoupto18monthsfromthedatethePresidentdeclaresthedisaster.
Doesnothavetoberepaid.
Istaxfree.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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Isnotcountedasincomeoraresourceindeterminingeligibilityfor
welfare,incomeassistance,orincometestedbenefitprogramsfundedbythe
Federalgovernment.
Isexemptfromgarnishment,seizure,encumbrance,levy,execution,
pledge,attachment,
release,
or
waiver.
Maynotbereassignedortransferredtoanotherperson.
Youmustkeepreceiptsorbillsfor3yearstodemonstratehowallofthe
moneywasusedinmeetingyourdisasterrelatedneed.
Beforeyoubeginanyrepairs,checkwithyourlocalbuilding
departmenttofindoutwhatlocalpermitsorinspectionsarerequired.
IfYouAreEligibleForHelp
IfyourapplicationforhelpunderIHPhasmettherequiredconditionsandhasbeen
approved,themoneyorhelpyoureceivemustbeusedasdescribedbelow.Moneyfrom
thisprogrammaynotbeusedtopayforstayingwithfamilyorfriends. Belowisan
explanationofthecategories.
Dental: Moneytoaddressthecostofdentaltreatmentsduetodentalinjuriesreceivedduringthedisaster.
Funeral: Moneytoaddressthecostoffuneralservices,burialorcremation,andother
funeralexpensesrelatedtoadeathcausedbythedisaster.
HomeRepair: Money,availabletohomeowners,toaddressthecostoflaborand
materialstomakerepairstoyourhometomakeitsafe,sanitaryand/orfunctional.
HousingAssistance: Helpwiththecostofdisasterrelatedhousingneeds.
Medical: Moneytoaddressthecostofmedicaltreatmentorthepurchaseofmedicalequipmentrequiredbecauseofphysicalinjuriesreceivedasaresultofthedisaster.
MovingandStorage: Moneytoaddressthecostsofmovingandstoringpersonal
propertyfromthedisasterdamagedwellingtoavoidadditionaldisasterrelated
damage.
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Other: Moneytoaddressthecostofotherspecificdisasterrelatedneedsapprovedfor
thedisaster.
Permanent/SemiPermanentHousing: Duetoalackofrentalresources,theinfeasibility
ofhomerepairandreplacementhousingassistanceandthelackofavailablebuilding
contractorsin
your
area,
FEMA
will
have
your
home
rebuilt.
PersonalProperty: Moneytoaddressthecostofrepairingand/orreplacingdisaster
damageditems,suchasfurniture,bedding,appliances,andclothing.
RentalAssistance: Moneytoaddressthecostofrentinganotherplacetolive.For
homeowners,thismoneymaybeprovidedinadditiontoHomeRepair,ifneeded.
ReplacementHousing: Moneytohelpwiththecostofreplacingyourhome,uptothe
limitsallowedbylaw,becauseitisnotsafe,sanitary,and/orfunctional.
TransientAccommodations:
Money
to
address
the
cost
of
temporary
lodging
expenses
(hotelormotel)relatedtothedisaster.
Transportation: Moneytoaddressthecostofrepairingand/orreplacingyourvehicle
thatisnolongerusablebecauseofdisasterrelateddamage.
InformationAboutInsuranceandDisaster
Help
Ifyouhavenotalreadycontactedyourinsuranceagenttofileaclaim,pleasedothis
assoonaspossible. Failuretofileaclaimwithyourinsurancecompanymayaffect
youreligibilityforassistancefromIHP. Afterfilingyourclaim,ifanyofthefollowing
situationsoccur,pleasecalltheFEMADisasterHelplineat1800621FEMA(3362)for
additionalinformation.
Yourinsurancesettlementisdelayed. Ifadecisiononyourinsurancesettlement
hasbeendelayedlongerthan30daysfromthetimeyoufiledtheclaim,youwill
needtowritealettertoFEMAexplainingthecircumstance. Youshouldinclude
documentationfromtheinsurancecompanyprovingthatyoufiledtheclaim. If
youfiledyourclaimoverthetelephone,youshouldincludetheclaimnumber,
datewhenyouapplied,estimatedtimeofhowlongitwilltaketoreceiveyour
settlement. AnyhelpawardedtoyoubyFEMAwouldbeconsideredanadvance
andmustberepaidtoFEMAonceaninsurancesettlementisreceived.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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Yourinsurancesettlementisinsufficienttomeetyourdisasterrelatedneeds.
Ifyouhavereceivedthemaximumsettlementfromyourinsuranceandstillhave
anunmetdisasterrelatedneed,youwillneedtowritealettertoFEMA
indicatingtheunmetdisasterrelatedneed. Youwillalsoneedtosendin
documentationfromyourinsurancecompanyforreview.
YouhaveexhaustedtheAdditionalLivingExpenses(ALE)providedbyyour
insurancecompany. Ifyouhavereceivedthemaximumsettlementfromyour
insuranceforAdditionalLivingExpenses(LossofUse)andstillneedhelpwith
yourdisasterrelatedtemporaryhousingneed,writealettertoFEMA,indicating
whyyoucontinuetohaveatemporaryhousingneed. Youwillalsoneedto
providedocumentationtoproveexhaustionofthehousingportionofyourALE
frominsurance,andapermanenthousingplan.
Youareunabletolocaterentalresourcesinyourarea. TheFEMAHelplinehas
alistofrentalresourcesinthedisasterarea. Ifnoresourcesareavailableinyour
county,thentheHelplineagentcanprovideyouwithresourcesinanadjacent
county.
Youhaveuptotwelve(12)monthsfromthedateyouregisteredwithFEMAtosubmit
yourinsuranceinformationforreview. Bylaw,IHPcannotprovidemoneyto
individualsorhouseholdsforlossesthatarecoveredbyinsurance.
IWanttoHaveMyCaseReviewedAgain
(Appeal)
Youmayappealanydecision.Appealsmayrelatetoyoureligibility,theamountor
typeofhelpprovidedtoyou,lateapplications,requeststoreturnmoney,orquestions
regardingcontinuinghelp. Whenyouappealadecision,youareaskingIHPtoreview
yourcaseagain. Beforeyouappealadecision,pleaserefertothespecificinformationin
thisguideaboutqualifyingforhelporrefertothelettersenttoyouaboutyour
eligibilityforassistance. Thisguideshouldanswermostofyourquestionsaboutthe
expensescoveredunderthisprogram.
If,afteryoureviewthisguide,youstilldonotagreewiththedecisionaboutyour
applicationorhelpreceived,followthesestepsbelowtoappealthedecision:
StepsforfilinganAppeal:
1. Explaininwritingwhyyouthinkthedecisionabouttheamountortypeofassistance
youreceivedisnotcorrect.
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Whensubmittingyourletter,pleaseincludeyourfullname,dateandplaceof
birth,andaddress. Inaddition,yourlettermustbeeithernotarized,includea
copyofastateissuedidentificationcard,orincludethefollowingstatement,I
herebydeclareunderpenaltyofperjurythattheforegoingistrueandcorrect.
Youmustsigntheletter.
Ifsomeoneotherthanyouorthecoapplicantiswritingtheletter,thena
statementmustbeincludedsayingthatthatpersonmayactforyou.
2. IncludetheFEMAapplicationnumberanddisasternumber(shownatthetopof
yourdecisionletter)inyourletterofappeal.
3. Mailyourappealletterto:
FEMA
NationalProcessingServiceCenter
P.O.Box10055Hyattsville,MD 207827055
4. Youcanfaxyourappealletterto:
(800)8278112
Attention:FEMA
IMPORTANT:TobeconsideredbyIHP,yourappeallettermustbepostmarkedwithin
60daysofthedateoftheindividualorhouseholddecisionlettersdate.Rememberto
dateyourletters.
Requestingyourfile:
Ifyouneedinformationaboutyourcase,youorthecoapplicantonyourapplication
mayrequestacopyoftheinformationinyourfilebywritingto:
FEMARecordsManagement
NationalProcessingServiceCenter
P.O.Box10055
Hyattsville,MD 207827055
Tohelpprotecttheprivacyofyourpersonalinformation,wheneveryouwriteanappealorrequestlettertoFEMAyoushouldincludeyourfullname,dateandplaceofbirth,
damageddwellingaddress,FEMAapplicationnumber,anddisasternumber. In
addition,yourlettermustbeeithernotarized,includeacopyofastateissued
identificationcard,orincludethefollowingstatement,Iherebydeclareunderpenalty
ofperjurythattheforegoingistrueandcorrect. Youmustsigntheletter.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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Forinformationaboutmitigationprojectssuchastheoneshownonthispage,callor
visityourlocalemergencymanagementplanningofficial,StateHazardMitigation
Officer,orFEMAstaffataDisasterRecoveryCenter.Informationonmitigationalsoisavailableat:www.fema.gov.
Toorder
publications
about
mitigation
projects,
call
FEMA
Publications
at
1800
480
2520.
InformationAboutAdditionalDisaster
AssistanceProgramInformation
Thissectioncontainsagenerallistingofthetypesofdisasterhelpavailableduringa
Presidentiallydeclaredmajordisaster. Duringamajordisasterifyoufeelyouhave
disasterrelatedneedsthatcanbeaddressedbyanagencyorservicelistedinthis
section,youshouldcontacttheFEMADisasterHelplineat1800621FEMA(3362)(hearing/speechimpairedONLYcall18004627585)forreferralinformation.
AgingServices:Servicesareavailabletomeettheneedsoftheelderlywhohavebeen
directlyaffectedbyadeclareddisaster(i.e.,transportation,meals,homecare,etc.).
AgriculturalAid:TheUSDARuralDevelopmentmaymakeemergencyloanstofarmers
andranchers(ownersortenants)whowereoperatingandmanagingafarmorranchat
thetimeofthedisaster. Theseloansarelimitedtotheamountnecessarytocompensate
foractuallossestoessentialpropertyand/orproductioncapacity. Farmersandranchers
mayalsoapplyforcostsharinggrantsforemergencyconservationprogramssuchas
debrisremovalfromcrop/pasturelands,repairstoland/waterconservationstructures,
andpermanentfencing. FurtherinformationisavailablefromtheUSDAFarmService
Agency(FSA).
AssistanceFromFinancialInstitutions:BanksthataremembersoftheFederalDeposit
InsuranceCorporation(FDIC),FederalReserveSystem(FRS),ortheFederalHomeLoan
BankBoard(FHLBB)maypermitearlywithdrawaloftimedeposits,withoutpenalty.
Contactyourfinancialinstitutiontoseeiftheyhaveobtainedawaiverfromtheir
regulatoryagency.
Business
Loan
Program:Disaster
loans
through
the
Small
Business
Administration
(SBA)areavailabletobusinessestorepairorreplacedestroyedordamagedbusiness
facilities,inventory,machinery,orequipment.Themaximumloanamountis$1,500,000.
Ifyouhavebeenreferredtothisprogramyouwillbereceivinganapplicationpackage
inthemail. Formoreinformationorhelpincompletingthisform,refertoyourSBA
applicationpackageortheSBAwebsiteatwww.sba.gov.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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ConsumerServices:Counselingisavailableonconsumerproblemssuchasnon
availabilityofproductsandservicesneededforreconstruction,pricegouging,
disreputablebusinessconcernsandpractices,etc.
CrisisCounseling:Referralservicesandshortterminterventioncounselingisavailable
formental
health
problems
caused
or
aggravated
by
the
disaster.
DisasterUnemploymentAssistance:Thisassistanceprovidesweeklybenefitpayments
tothoseoutofworkduetothedisaster,includingselfemployedpersons,farmand
ranchowners,andothersnotcoveredunderregularunemploymentinsurance
programs.
EmergencyAssistance:Emergencyfood,clothing,shelter,andmedicalassistancemay
beprovidedtoindividualsandfamilieshavingsuchneedsasaresultofthedisaster.
TheAmericanRedCross(ARC),theSalvationArmy,churchgroups,andother
voluntaryorganizationscanprovideassistance.
FinancialCounseling:Providesfinancialandeconomicguidanceandassistanceto
individualsandsmallbusinessesaffectedbydisasters. HopeCoalitionAmericaoffers
freefinancialcounselingandprovideshelpfuldocumentssuchastheEmergency
FinancialFirstAidKitandthePersonalDisasterPreparednessGuide. These
documentsareavailableandcanbedownloadedforfreefromtheirwebsiteat
www.operationhope.org. Formoreinformationyoucancall:1888388HOPE(4673).
HazardMitigation:Youmayreceivefundstopreventfuturedamagetoyourmajor
utilities(i.e.,furnace,waterheater,andelectricalservice)byeitherelevationor
relocationoftheseutilitiesinyourhome.
HomeandPersonalPropertyLoanProgram:DisasterloansthroughtheSmallBusiness
Administration(SBA)areavailabletohomeownersandrentersforrestoringorreplacing
disasterdamagedrealandpersonalproperty. Themaximumrealestateportionofthe
loanis$200,000andforpersonalproperty$40,000. Theloanamountislimitedtothe
amountofuninsuredSBAverifiedlosses. Ifyouhavebeenreferredtothisprogramyou
willfindmoreinformationinthe ApplicationSummary onthebackoftheDisaster
AssistanceApplicationForm.
InsuranceInformation:Helpand/orcounselingisavailableoninsuranceproblemsand
questions,which
may
include
obtaining
copies
of
lost
policies,
claims
filing,
expediting
settlements,etc. Ifyouhavenotbeenabletoresolveyourproblemwithyourinsurance
companyyoumaycontactyourStateInsuranceCommissioner. Forfloodinsurance
inquiries,contacttheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram(NFIP).
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LegalServices:Freeorreducedlegalservices,includinglegaladvice,counseling,and
representationmaybeprovidedtolowincomedisastervictims.
SocialSecurity:HelpisavailablefromtheSocialSecurityAdministration(SSA)in
expeditingdeliveryofchecksdelayedbythedisasterandforassistanceinapplyingfor
SocialSecurity
disability
and
survivor
benefits.
FederalTaxAssistance:ThefederaltaxlawsallowtheInternalRevenueService(IRS)to
grantrelieftotaxpayerswhoarevictimsofaPresidentiallydeclareddisaster. Thisrelief
includespostponingtaxdeadlinestoprovideyouwithextratimetofileandpaybefore
youwillbeassessedanypenalty,additionalamount,oradditiontothetax,orabating
yourinterestforperiodsforwhichyoureceivedanextensionoftimetofiletaxreturns
andpaytaxesbecauseyouwerelocatedinaPresidentiallydeclareddisasterarea.
Generally,qualifieddisasterreliefpaymentsarenotrequiredtobereportedingross
income. Qualifieddisasterreliefpaymentsincludepaymentsreceivedfromanysource
topayreasonableandnecessarypersonal,family,living,orfuneralexpensesincurredasaresultofaPresidentiallydeclareddisaster. TheIRSmayallowcasualtylossesthat
weresufferedonhome,personalproperty,andhouseholdgoodstobedeductedonthe
incometaxreturniftheyarenotcoveredbyinsurance. Taxpayersmayalsofilean
amendedreturntoreceiveanearlytaxrefund. Moreinformation,formsand
publicationscanbefoundontheIRSwebat
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=108362,00.html.
OtherTaxAssistance:Countytaxassessorsmayprovideinformationandassistanceon
possiblepropertytaxrelief.
VeteransBenefits:TheVeteransAdministration(VA)canexpeditedeliveryof
informationaboutbenefits,pensions,insurancesettlements,andVAmortgageloans.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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FrequentlyAskedQuestionsandAnswers
1.Disaster
Awards:
Federal
Emergency
Management
Agency
(FEMA)
WhatisFEMA? FEMAistheFederalEmergencyManagementAgency,whichisresponsibleforprovidingandcoordinatingemergencyservicesinPresidentiallydeclareddisasterareas.FEMAworksasapartnerwithotherpartsoftheFederalgovernmentandwithStateandlocalgovernmentsandvoluntaryorganizations.
Whattypesofdisasterassistanceprogramsareavailableinadisaster? TherearetwoprimaryFederalprogramsthatofferdisasterassistance:
FEMAsIndividualsandHouseholdsProgramprovidesmoneyanddirect
servicestothoseaffectedbyamajordisaster.Requirementsmustbemetto
qualifyforhelpfromthisprogram.
TheU.S.SmallBusinessAdministrationprovideslowinterestloansfor
damagetopropertyownedbyhomeowners,renters,businessesandprivate
nonprofitorganizationsthatarenotfullycoveredbyinsurance.
Doesdisasterhelphavetoberepaid? MoneyreceivedthroughFEMAsIndividualsandHouseholdsProgramdoesnothavetoberepaid.LoansfromtheSmallBusiness
Administrationmustberepaid.
CanIapplyforassistanceformydamagedcar? Yes.Youwillneedtoprovideproofof
ownershipandinsuranceinformation.
CanIapplyforassistanceforfoodthathasbeenlostbecauseofthedisaster? No.FoodlossisnotcoveredbyIHP.Voluntaryorganizationsinthedisasterareamaybeabletohelpyouwithfoodneeds.
Willanyprogrampayformovingandstorageexpenses? Costsofmovingandstorage
maybecoveredbyIHP,ifthesecostsaredirectlyrelatedtothedisaster.Submitreceipts
toIHPtoseeiftheyarecovered.
WhathappensafterIapplyforhelpwithFEMA? Withinabouttendaysofyour
applicationto
FEMA,
if
you
are
uninsured
or
lack
the
appropriate
insurance
coverage,
a
qualifiedinspectorwillcontactyoutosetupatimetoseethedamagetoyourpropertythatwascausedbythedisaster.YourlosseswillberecordedandsubmittedtoIHP.Withinabouttenmoredays,youshouldhaveadecisionfromIHPaboutwhetheryouqualifyforhelpfromIHP.IfyouhavebeenreferredforadisasterloanfromtheU.S.SmallBusinessAdministration(SBA),SBAalsowillcontactyouandscheduleanappointmenttoreviewyourdisasterrelatedlosses.
www.fema.gov
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HowlongwillittaketogetFEMA/Statedisasterhelp? Ifyouareeligibleforhelp,youshouldreceiveaU.S.Treasury/Statecheckornotificationofadeposittoyourbank
accountwithinabouttendaysoftheinspectorsvisit.Othertypesofassistancemaybeprovidedlater,basedonspecificeligibilityandneed.
If
I
have
questions
about
my
application
or
need
to
change
some
of
the
information
I
provided,whatshouldIdo? CalltheFEMADisasterHelplineat1800621FEMA(3362)(hearing/speechimpairedonly:18004627585)orvisitourwebsiteatwww.fema.gov.
Ifithasbeenmorethan12dayssincetheFEMAinspectorsvisitandtherehasbeenno
wordfromFEMA,whatshouldIdo? CalltheFEMADisasterHelplineat1800621FEMA(3362)(hearing/speechimpairedonly:18004627585)visitourwebsiteatwww.fema.govtocheckonthestatusofyourapplication.IfthereisaDisasterRecovery
Center(DRC)inyourarea,youalsomayinquirethereaboutyourapplication.
IfIdonotagreewiththeresultsoftheinspectionorwiththeamountofmoneyI
receivedfromFEMA,whatshouldIdo? Youcanappealthedecision.Appealproceduresareoutlinedinthisguide(page9),oryoucancalltheFEMADisaster
Helplineat1800621FEMA(3362)(hearing/speechimpairedonly:18004627585)for
informationabouttheappealprocess.
What type ofownershipdocumentation can Iprovide to supportmyapplicationfor
help? Belowareafewtypesofdocumentsthatmaybeprovidedtoproveownership:
Deed or Official record maybe the original deed or deed of trust to the
propertylistingyouasthelegalowner.
Titlenumberwhich listsyouon theactualescrowortitledocument for the
purchaseofthedwelling.
Mortgage paymentbook or other mortgage documents (i.e. late payment
notice, foreclosure notice) maybe used to verify the ownership when your
nameislistedalongwiththedamageddwellingaddress.
Realpropertyinsurancemustbeforthedamageddwellingwithyourname
listedastheInsured.
Taxreceiptsorapropertytaxbillshowingthedamageddwellingandlisting
youastheresponsiblepartytotheassessments.
WhattypeofoccupancydocumentationcanIprovidetosupportmyapplicationfor
help? Belowareafewtypesofdocumentsthatmaybeprovidedtoproveoccupancy:
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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21/33
Utility Bill for the damaged dwelling with your name (or name of co
applicant). The utilitybill shouldbe for one of the major utilities, such as
electricity,gas,orwater.
Merchants Statement sent to the damaged dwelling with your name (or
name
of
coapplicant).
Merchant
statements
include:
credit
card
bills,
deliverynotices,orotherfirstclassmailaddressed toyouandshowing the
damageddwellingaddress.
Employers Statement sent to the damaged dwelling with your name (or
name of coapplicant). An employers statement refers to pay stubs and
similardocumentssenttoyouandshowingthedamageddwellingaddress.
Current Driver and NonDrivers License showing the address of the
damageddwelling.
Wherecan
Iget
information
about
flood
insurance? Callalocal,licensedcasualtyor
propertyinsuranceagentorcalltheNationalFloodInsuranceProgramat1800427
4661.
ShouldIbegincleaningmyhomebeforetheinspection? Youmaycleanbeforetheinspection.Ifpossible,takephotosofthedamagebeforeyouclean.
ShouldIkeepmyreceipts?Yes,youshouldkeepreceiptsforallofyourexpenses.
2. DisasterLoans:U.S.SmallBusinessAdministration(SBA):
Why
did
I
receive
a
disaster
loan
application
from
SBA
after
applying
with
FEMA?
SBAistheprimarysourceoffederalfundsforlongtermrecoveryassistancefordisaster
victims.Fordisasterdamagetoprivatepropertyownedbyhomeowners,renters,and
nonfarmbusinessesofallsizes,whichisnotfullycoveredbyinsurance,thebasicform
ofFederalhelpisalowinterestdisasterloanfromtheSBA.Bymakingaffordableloans,
theSBAdisasterloanprogramhelpsdisastervictimspayfortheirrepairswhilekeeping
coststothetaxpayerreasonable.
HowcanIgethelpfillingouttheapplicationforanSBAdisasterloan? SBAhasloan
officersinSBAlocaldisasterofficestoprovidefacetofaceservicetodisastervictims.
YoumayvisitSBAatanyoftheselocations,andwithoutanappointment.AnSBA
representativewillbegladtoanswerquestionsandtohelpcompleteyourapplication.TofindoutwhereSBAdisasterofficesarelocated,callSBAtollfreeat18004885323.
IfIhavealreadyreceivedacheckfromFEMA,butitwasnotenoughtopayforallthe
workneededtofixthedisasterdamages,canIgetmorehelp? Yes.SBAdisasterloans
areavailabletocovertheamountofrepaircoststhathavenotalreadybeenfully
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compensated.ApplicationshouldbemadetoSBAforanyadditionalamountneededto
completerecovery.
IthinkIcanpayfortherepairsonmyown,shouldIapplyforadisasterloan? You
maydiscoverthatthetotalcoststocompleterepairsonyourownaremorethanyou
planned.With
an
approved
SBA
loan,
you
will
know
that
the
funds
to
make
full
repairs
areavailable.Whilenoonewantsadditionaldebt,alowinterestloanwithaffordable
paymentsisabetteralternativethannotmakingcompletedisasterrepairs.
WhathappensifIcannotaffordaloantorepairdamagedproperty? IfSBAdetermines
youcannotaffordaloan,SBAwillautomaticallyreferyoubacktoFEMAforadditional
help. FEMAmaybeabletoprovidemoneyforotherthanhousingneeds;however,this
additionalhelpisnotavailabletobusinesses. FEMAsadditionalhelpisintendedto
helpmeetnecessaryexpensesandseriousneedsnotmetbyanyotherformofassistance,
includinginsuranceandSBAdisasterloans.Remember,ifyouweresentanSBA
disasterloanapplication,SBAwillnotreferyoubacktoFEMAunlessacompletedloan
applicationisreturnedtotheSBAandSBAdeterminesthatyoucannotaffordaloan.
YoudonothavetosubmitanSBAloanapplicationtobeconsideredforFEMArental
assistance.
3. YourCivilRightsandDisasterAssistanceWhatformsofdiscriminationdoCivilRightslawsprohibit? Therearemanyformsof
illegal discrimination that can limit the opportunity of people to gain equal access to
servicesandprograms. Amongotherthings,inoperatingaFEMAassistedprogram,a
recipient (state or local government agency that receives Federal disaster funds from
FEMA)
cannot,
on
thebasis
of
race,
color,
religion,
nationality,
sex,
age,
or
economic
status,eitherdirectlyorthroughcontractualmeans:
Denyprogramservices,aidsorbenefits;
Provideadifferentservice,aid orbenefit,orprovide them inamanner
differentthantheyareprovidedtoothers;or,
Segregate or separately treat individuals in any matter related to the
receiptofanyservice,aid,orbenefit.
These
prohibitions
also
apply
to
FEMA
itself
in
its
operation
of
federally
conducted
programs.
What ifIhaveaCivilRightscomplaint? EachFederalAgency thatprovidesFederal
financial assistance is responsible for investigatingcomplaints of discrimination in the
useof its funds. Ifyoubelieveyouorothers protectedby theCivilRights lawshave
been discriminated against in receiving disaster assistance, you may contact one of
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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FEMAs Equal Rights Officers (ERO), who has thejob of ensuring equal access to all
FEMAdisasterprograms. TheEROwillattempttoresolveyourissues. Youmayreach
theERObycalling1800621FEMA(18006213362)orTTY18004627585.
If thematter isnotresolved,youmay fileacomplaintwithFEMA. Asigned,written
complaintshould
be
sent
to
the
Office
of
Equal
Rights,
generally
within
180
days
of
the
dateoftheallegeddiscrimination. Thecomplaintmustinclude:
Your name, address, and telephone number. Your complaint mustbe
signed. Ifyouarefilingonbehalfofanotherperson,includeyourname,
address, telephone number, and your relationship to that person (e.g.,
friend,attorney,parent,etc.)
The name and address of the agency, institution or department you
believediscriminatedagainstyou.
How,why,andwhenyoubelieveyouwerediscriminatedagainst.Includeasmuchbackgroundinformationaspossibleaboutthealleged
actsofdiscrimination. Includenamesofindividualswhomyouallege
discriminatedagainstyou,ifyouknowthem.
The names of any persons, if known, that FEMA could contact for
additional information to support or clarify your allegations about
discriminationintheoperationoffederallyconductedprograms.
WhatwillFEMAdowithmycomplaint? Onceacomplaintisfiled,itwillbereviewed
by FEMA to determine whether it hasjurisdiction to investigate the issues you have
raised. Ifyourcomplaint isaccepted,FEMAwill investigate itandattempt toresolve
any violations that are found. If negotiations to correct a violation are unsuccessful,
enforcementproceedingsmaybeinstituted.
What if I am retaliated againstfor assertingmy rights orfiling a complaint? You
shouldbe aware that a recipient or a Federal agency is prohibited from retaliating
againstyouoranypersonbecauseheorsheopposedanunlawfulpolicyorpractice,or
madecharges,testified,orparticipatedinanycomplaintactionunderaCivilRightslaw.
If youbelieve that you havebeen retaliated against, you should immediately contact
FEMAsOfficeofEqualRights.
www.fema.gov
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DescriptionofIneligibleReasons
1. InitialDecisionsI69B
Ineligible
Signature
Not
Obtained
(90
69B):
Based
on
FEMA
records,
no
signedDeclaration&ReleaseForm(9069B)fortheapplicationisonfile. Thisformis
requiredbeforeFEMAcanprovideassistance.
IAWIneligible SameAddress: BasedonFEMArecords,atthetimeofthedisaster
theapplicantwaslivingatthesameaddressassomeonewhoalreadyappliedforFEMA
housingassistance. FEMAcanonlyprovideassistanceforoneapplicationperaddress.
IDUPAIneligibleDuplicateRegistration: BasedonFEMArecords,anapplicant
alreadyhasanapplicationforassistanceonfileforthisdisaster. FEMAcanonly
considerasingleapplicationfromanapplicant.
IIDIneligibleInsufficientDamage: BasedonaFEMAinspection,itwas
determinedthatthedisasterhadnotcausedtheapplicantshometobeunsafetolivein.
Thisdeterminationwasbasedsolelyonthedamagestothehomethatarerelatedtothe
disaster.
IIDVIneligibleFailedIdentityVerification: Beforeweareabletoconsideran
applicationfordisasterassistance,FEMAisrequiredtoverifytheinformationprovided
onanapplication. Atthistimeweareunabletomatchtheapplicantnameandsocial
securitynumberinordertoverifyidentity.
IMIIneligibleMissedInspection: Basedonourrecords,theapplicantdidnotkeep
appointmentswiththeFEMAinspector. InordertobeconsideredforFEMAhousing
assistance,theapplicant(oranotherhouseholdmemberovertheageof18)mustmeet
withtheinspectortoevaluatethedisasterrelateddamagestothehome.Atthistime,the
applicantisnoteligibletobeconsideredforFEMAhousingassistance.
INCIIneligibleNoContactInspection: AFEMAinspectorhasnotbeenableto
contacttheapplicanttoscheduleanappointment. InordertobeconsideredforFEMA
housingassistance,theapplicant(oranotherhouseholdmemberovertheageof18)
mustmeet
with
an
inspector
to
evaluate
the
disaster
related
damages
to
the
home.
At
thistime,theapplicantisnoteligibletobeconsideredforFEMAassistance.
INFIIneligibleFloodInsurance:Basedonourrecords,thehomethattheapplicant
livedinatthetimeofthedisasteriscoveredbyfloodinsurance. Atthistime,the
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applicantisnoteligibleforassistancefordamagestothehomethatarecoveredbyflood
insurance.
INIIneligibleInsurance(withinspection): Basedonourrecords,thehomethatthe
applicantlivedinatthetimeofthedisasteriscoveredbyinsurance. Anydamages
identifiedintheFEMAinspectionshouldbecoveredbytheapplicantsinsurance.FEMAcannotprovideassistancewhichisavailablefromanothersource,including
insurance;therefore,theapplicantisnoteligibleforFEMAhomerepairorreplacement
assistanceatthistime. Theapplicantshouldfileaclaimwiththeirinsuranceagentas
soonaspossiblebecauseFEMAmaybeabletoassistwithlossesnotcoveredby
insurance.
INO AppealIneligibleInsuranceCoversLivingExpenses: Basedonthe
informationtheapplicantsubmitted,theinsurancehe/shehasonhis/herhomeprovides
fundstorentatemporaryplacetolivewhilerepairsarebeingmadetothehome. We
havenot
received
documents
that
show
the
applicant
has
used
all
available
funds
for
rentingatemporaryplacetoliveorthattheinsurancesettlementhasbeendelayed
longerthan30daysfromwhentheapplicantfiledaclaim. Asaresult,theapplicants
appealisdeniedandhe/sheisnoteligibletoreceiverentalassistancefromFEMA.
INOIneligibleNotaLegalResident: AsignedDeclarationandReleaseForm(90
69B)isrequiredbeforeFEMAcanconsideranapplicantforanyassistancehe/shemay
beeligibletoreceive. Basedonourrecords,theapplicanthasnotindicatedthathe/she
oramemberofhis/herhouseholdisaU.S.Citizen,NonCitizenNational,oraQualified
Alien. Asaresult,theapplicantisnoteligibleforFEMAassistance.
INOIneligibleOwnershipNotProven: Ourrecordsindicatethattheapplicanthas
notproventhathe/sheownedthehomeatthetimeofthedisaster. Asaresult,the
applicantisnoteligibleforFEMAhomerepairorreplacementassistance.
INONVIneligibleOccupancyNotVerified: WhentheapplicantappliedforFEMA
assistance,he/sheinformedFEMAthatthehomedamagedbythedisasterwaswhere
he/shelivethemajorityoftheyear. AtthetimeoftheFEMAinspection,theapplicant
wasunabletoprovidedocumentsthatdemonstratethatthehomeweinspectediswhere
he/shelive(d). Untilwecanverifythattheapplicantlivedattheaddressprovided,the
applicantisnoteligibleforFEMAhousingassistance.
INRIneligibleWillNotRelocate: BasedonFEMArecords,theapplicanttoldthe
FEMAinspectorthathe/sheisnotgoingtomovefromhis/herdamagedhomewhile
repairsarebeingmade. Sincetheapplicantdoesnotplantomove,he/sheisnoteligible
forFEMArentalassistanceatthistime.
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INSIneligibleInsured(withnoinspection): Basedonourrecords,thehomethat
theapplicantlivedinatthetimeofthedisasteriscoveredbyinsurance. Anydamages
reportedatthetimeoftheapplicationforFEMAassistanceshouldbecoveredbythe
applicantsinsurance. FEMAcannotprovideassistancewhichisavailablefromanother
source,includinginsurance;therefore,theapplicantisnoteligibleforFEMAhome
repairorreplacementassistanceatthistime. Theapplicantshouldfileaclaimwithhis/herinsuranceagentassoonaspossiblebecauseFEMAmaybeabletoassistwith
lossesnotcoveredbyinsurance.
IOVR IneligibleOverProgramMaximum: BasedonFEMAsrecords,themaximum
amountofFEMAfinancialassistancehasalreadybeenprovidedtotheapplicantfor
housingand/orotherdisasterneeds. Asaresult,theapplicantisnoteligibletoreceive
additionalfinancialassistancefromFEMA.
ISCIneligible SanctionedCommunityinSFHA: BasedonFEMArecords,thehome
wasdamaged
by
flood
and
is
located
in
aflood
zone
in
acommunity
that
is
not
currentlyparticipatingintheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram. Becausetheflood
damagedhomeislocatedinaspecialfloodhazardareaandtheapplicantscommunity
isnotparticipatingintheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram,FEMAisnotallowedto
providerepairorreplacementassistanceatthistime.
NCOMP NoncompliantwithFloodInsuranceRequirement: BasedonFEMA
records,theapplicanthasarequirementtomaintainfloodinsurancecoverageonthe
property. Sincethehomewasdamagedbyfloodandtheapplicantdoesnothavean
activefloodinsurancepolicyonfilewiththeNationalFloodInsuranceProgram,FEMA
cannotproviderepairorreplacementassistanceatthistime. However,FEMAmaybe
abletoproviderentalassistanceifaninspectordeterminedthatthehomeisunsafeand
theapplicantneedstorelocatewhilerepairsarebeingmade.
WVOWithdrawnApplicantWithdrewVoluntarily: BasedonFEMArecords,the
applicantindicatedthathe/shedidnotwantFEMAassistance. Asaresult,theFEMA
applicationfordisasterassistancewaswithdrawn.
2. AppealDecisionsAI69BAppealIneligible SignatureNotObtained(9069B): AccordingtoFEMA
records,no
signed
Declaration
&
Release
Form
(90
69B)
is
on
file
for
the
applicant.
FEMAcanonlyprovideassistanceifthe9069Bformissigned,datedandinthefile.
AIAWAppealIneligibleSameAddress: Inapreviousletter,weexplainedthat
ourrecordsshowedthatatthetimeofthedisastertheapplicantwaslivingatthesame
addressassomeonewhoalreadyappliedforFEMAhousingassistance. FEMA
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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reviewedtheappealandadditionaldocumentsprovidedandwerestillnotabletoverify
thattheapplicantlivedatadifferentaddressthanthepersonwhoapplied. Asaresult,
theappealisnotapprovedandtheapplicantisnoteligibleforhousingassistancefrom
FEMA.
AIIDAppealIneligibleInsufficientDamageOwner: Inapreviousletter,weexplainedthattheapplicantwasnoteligibleforFEMAhousingassistancebecausewhen
FEMAinspectedthehomeitwasdeterminedthatthedisasterhadnotcausedthe
applicantshometobeunsafetolivein. Thisdeterminationwasbasedsolelyonthe
damagestothehomethatarerelatedtothedisaster. Weexplainedthatalthoughthe
disastermayhavecausedsomeminordamage,itwasreasonabletoexpecttheapplicant
ortheirlandlordtomaketheserepairs. Wedescribedthedocumentsthatcouldbe
submittedtoshowthatthedamagetothehomewascausedbythedisasterandhas
causedunsafeorunlivableconditions.Wehavereviewedtheappealanddetermined
thatourinitialdecisionwascorrect. Thehomedidnotsufferdisasterrelateddamage
thatmade
it
unsafe
for
the
applicant
to
live
in
after
the
disaster.
AIIDVAppealIneligibleFailedIdentityVerification:Inapreviousletter,we
explainedweneededadditionalinformationtoverifytheapplicantsidentification
beforewecouldconsidertheapplicationfordisasterassistance.FEMAisrequiredto
verifytheinformationprovidedonanapplicationandwewereunabletomatchthe
applicantsnameandsocialsecuritynumbertoverifytheidentity. Wedescribedthe
documentsthatmightprovidetheneededverification. Wehavereviewedthe
applicantsappealandadditionaldocumentsprovidedandhavestillbeenunableto
verifyidentity. FEMAisnotabletoprovideanyassistancetoindividualswithoutfirst
verifyingtheiridentity. Asaresult,theappealisnotapprovedandwearenotableto
processtheapplicationfurtheratthistime.
AIMI AppealIneligibleMissedInspection:Inapreviousletter,weexplainedthat
inordertobeconsideredforFEMAhousingassistance,theapplicant(oranother
householdmemberovertheageof18)mustmeetwiththeinspectortoassessthe
disasterrelateddamagestoyourhome,andthatourrecordsshowedthattheapplicant
didnotkeepappointmentswiththeFEMAinspector. Theapplicantcontactedthe
FEMAHelplineandanotherinspectorwasassignedtoassessthehome. Onceagainthe
applicantdidnotkeeptheappointment. Asaresult,wewillnotbeabletoassistthe
applicantfurther.
AINCIAppealIneligibleNoContactInspection: Inapreviousletter,FEMA
explainedthatinordertobeconsideredforFEMAhousingassistance,theapplicant(or
anotherhouseholdmemberovertheageof18)mustmeetwithaninspectortoassessthe
disasterrelateddamagestothehome,andthataFEMAinspectorhadnotbeenableto
contacttheapplicanttoscheduleanappointment. TheapplicantcontactedtheFEMA
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Helplineandanotherinspectorwasassignedtoassessthehome. Afterrepeated
attempts,thatinspectorhasbeenunabletoreachtheapplicanttoschedulean
inspection. Asaresult,wewillnotbeabletoassisttheapplicantfurther.
AINFI AppealIneligibleMissingFloodInsuranceSettlementorDenialLetter:
Inapreviousletter,weexplainedthattheapplicantwasnoteligibleforFEMAhomerepairorreplacementassistancebecausetheapplicanthasfloodinsurance. We
describedthedocumentsthatcouldbesenttoappealourdecision.Wehavereviewed
theapplicantsappealandadditionaldocumentsprovidedandwearestillnotableto
verifytheamountoftheapplicantsinsurancesettlement. Asaresult,theappealisnot
approvedandtheapplicantisnoteligibleforFEMAhousingassistance.
AINI,AINS AppealIneligibleMissingInsuranceSettlementorDenialLetter:
Inapreviousletter,weexplainedthattheapplicantwasnoteligibleforFEMAhome
repairorreplacementassistancebecausetheyhaveinsuranceontheirhome. Thatletter
alsodescribed
the
documents
that
the
applicant
could
send
to
appeal
our
decision.
We
havereviewedthedocumentsthatapplicantprovidedandweareunabletoprocessthe
appealbecausewedidnotreceivedetailedinsurancesettlementdocumentsoran
insurancedenialletter. Iftheapplicanthasquestionsaboutwhatdocumentsarestill
needed,theyshouldcontacttheFEMAHelpline.
AINO AppealIneligibleAfter60DayDeadline: Inapreviousletter,we
explainedthatanyappealofaFEMAdecisionmustbesubmittedwithin60daysofour
decisionletter. Theapplicantdidnotsubmitanappealuntilafterthe60daydeadline.
Asaresult,theappealwillnotbeconsideredunlessoneofthefollowingconditions
preventedtheapplicantfromcompletinganappeal: 1).Hospitalization,illness,
disability,ordeathofanimmediatefamilymember;2).Personalorbusinesstravelthat
kepttheapplicantoutoftheareaforthefullappealperiod.IftheapplicantwantsFEMA
toconsideranappeal,theapplicantmaysendaletterofexplanationandallrelated
documentsthatclearlyshowwhytheapplicantwasunabletocompleteanappeal.
AINO AppealIneligibleInsuranceSettlementExceedsFEMAEligibleDamage:
Unlikeprivateinsurance,FEMAhousingrepairprogramislimitedonlytoessential
repairs. Asaresult,itisnotuncommonforinsurancesettlementstoexceedwhatFEMA
canprovideforrepairassistance. BecauseFEMAcannotduplicateassistanceprovided
byinsurance,theapplicantsappealisnotapproved.
AINO AppealIneligibleNotaLegalResident: Inapreviousletter,weexplained
thatFEMAcouldnotconsidertheapplicantforanyassistancethattheymaybeeligible
toreceiveuntiltheyindicateonaDeclarationandReleaseForm(9069B)thattheyora
memberoftheirhouseholdisaU.S.Citizen,NonCitizenNational,oraQualifiedAlien.
Wealsosuggestedthattheapplicantcompleteandsubmitanotherform.Wehave
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reviewedtheapplicantsappealandtheadditionaldocumentsprovidedandwearestill
unabletodeterminethattheapplicantoramemberoftheirhouseholdisaU.S.Citizen,
NonCitizenNational,orQualifiedAlien. Asaresult,theapplicantsappealisdenied
andtheywillnotbeconsideredforFEMAassistance.
AINO AppealIneligibleOwnershipNotProven: Inapreviousletter,weexplainedthattheapplicanthasnotproventhathe/sheownedthehomeatthetimeof
thedisaster. Wedescribedthedocumentsthatapplicantcouldsubmitwhichwould
showownershipofthedamagedhome. Wehavereviewedtheapplicantsappealand
theadditionaldocumentsprovided;however,wearestillnotabletoverifythatthe
applicantownedthehome. Asaresult,theappealisdeniedandtheapplicantisnot
eligibleforFEMAhomerepairorreplacementassistance.
AINO Appeal IneligibleUnabletoReimburseoverApprovedRentalRate:
Previously,weexplainedthattheamountofFEMAmonthlyrentalassistanceisbased
onthe
number
of
occupied
bedrooms
in
the
applicant
shome
at
the
time
of
the
disaster
andislimitedtorentalratesdeterminedbyFEMAandtheU.S.DepartmentofHousing
andUrbanDevelopment(HUD). Wehavereviewedtheapplicantsappealand
additionalinformationprovided. Wehavedeterminedthatthemonthlyratewepaid
theapplicantwastheappropriateamount. Asaresult,theappealisdeniedandweare
notabletopayyouahighermonthlyrentalrate.
AINONV Appeal IneligibleOccupancyNotVerified: Inapreviousletter,we
explainedthatwecouldnotverifythatthehometheapplicantreportedasdamagedby
thedisasterwaswherehe/shelive(d). Wehavereviewedtheapplicantsappealand
additionaldocumentsprovidedandwearestillnotabletoverifythatthehomethe
applicantreportedwaswherehe/shelive(d). Asaresult,theapplicantsappealisnot
approvedandtheyarenoteligibleforFEMAhousingassistance.
AIOVR Appeal IneligibleOverProgramMaximum: Inapreviousletter,we
explainedthattheapplicantwasnoteligibleforfurtherassistancefromFEMAbecause
themaximumamountofFEMAfinancialassistancehadalreadybeenprovidedfor
housingand/orotherdisasterneeds. Wehavereviewedtheappealandadditional
documentsprovided. OurrecordsstillshowthattheapplicanthasreachedtheFEMA
maximumfinancialassistancelimit. Therefore,weareunabletoprovidetheapplicant
additionalassistancefromFEMA.
AISC Appeal Ineligible SanctionedCommunityinSFHA:Inapreviousletter,we
explainedtheapplicantwasnoteligibleforFEMAhomerepairorreplacement
assistancebecausethehomeislocatedinafloodzonewithinacommunitythatisnot
currentlyparticipatingintheNationalFloodInsuranceProgram(NFIP). Thatletteralso
describedthedocumentsthattheapplicantcouldsendtoappealourdecision. Wehave
www.fema.gov
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reviewedtheappealandadditionaldocumentsprovided. Ourrecordsstillshowthat
theapplicantshomeislocatedinafloodzoneandthatthedamagestothehomewere
causedbyflood. Asaresult,theappealisdeniedandtheapplicantisnoteligiblefor
FEMAhousingassistance.
ANCOMP Appeal NoncompliantwithFloodInsuranceRequirement:Inapreviousletter,weexplainedtheapplicantwasnoteligibleforFEMAhomerepairorreplacement
assistancebecausetheydidnotmaintaintherequiredfloodinsurancefortheirproperty.
Sincewehavenotreceiveddocumentationtodeterminethatthehomewasnot
damagedbyfloodand/orwehavenotreceiveddocumentsshowingthattheapplicant
doeshaveanactivefloodinsurancepolicyontheproperty,theappealisdenied.
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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Sample FEMAForm9069B
DeclarationandRelease
FEMA Disaster Helpline: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) Hearing/Speech Impaired ONLY: Call 1-800-462-7585
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IFYOUSUSPECTSOMEONEISFILING
FALSEDAMAGECLAIMS,
CALLTHE
FEMA
FRAUD
HOTLINE:
18003238603
HELPFEMAMAKESURE
THATDISASTERAIDGOES
ONLYTOTHOSEWHO
DESERVEIT.
ITISAVIOLATIONOF
FEDERALLAWTOFILEA
FALSECLAIM.
FEMAassistanceisavailabletoanyaffectedpersonorhouseholdthatmeetstheconditionsofeligibility.
NoFederal,State,orlocalentityorofficial(ortheiragent)maydiscriminateagainstanyindividual
becauseofrace,color,religion,sex,age,nationalorigin,disability,oreconomicstatus.
Recommended