[StBernard] FEMA Denial Letters May Not Be Last Word

[Westley Annis]

FEMA Denial Letters May Not Be Last Word 

January 9 , 2006

By: Steve Cannizaro


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BATON ROUGE - Some Louisiana victims of Hurricane Katrina or Rita may be
getting the wrong message after receiving letters from the U.S. Department
of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) saying
their applications have been denied.

In most cases, these letters may not be the last word for those who decide
to appeal the denial decision.

The denial letter applies only to the programs that the letter refers to. If
the individual received an application from SBA, it should be filled out and
returned. If the SBA cannot offer a loan, the individual will be referred
back to FEMA for possible assistance.

Those who receive denial letters from FEMA deeming them ineligible because
of insurance may later receive assistance if their insurance settlements
aren't for full disaster damage. Applicants should contact their insurance
companies and request settlement letters detailing exactly what was covered
under their claims. Insurance settlement information, as well as any new or
additional information gained since the initial application for disaster
assistance was filed, should be mailed by the applicant to the address
provided in the letter from FEMA.

"Applicants who wish to appeal a decision may do so in writing within 60
days from the date of the decision or date of the denial letter," said Scott
Wells, the federal coordinating officer. "Guidelines for appeals can be
found in the Applicant's Handbook sent to everyone who registers with FEMA."

If, after you review your denial letter, you still do not agree with the
decision about your application, you can follow the following steps to
appeal.

1.      Explain in writing why you think the decision about the amount or
type of
assistance you received is not correct. You, or someone who represents you
or your household, should sign that letter. If the person writing the letter
is not a member of your household, there must be a signed statement saying
that this person is acting for you.

2.    Include the FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the
top of your decision
       letter) in your letter of appeal.




3.      Mail your appeal to:

                        FEMA - Individuals & Households Program
                        National Processing Service Center
                        P.O. Box 10055
                        Hyattsville, MD  20782-7055

4.      You can fax your appeal letter to:
                 (800) 827-8112
                  Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program

To be considered by IHP, your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60
days of the date of the decision letter's date. Remember to date your
letter.

If you need information about your case, you or someone from your
household may request a copy of the information in your file by writing to:

               FEMA - Records Management
               National Processing Service Center
               P.O. Box 10055
               Hyattsville, MD   20782-7055

If someone outside of your household is submitting the request for you, then
the request also must contain a statement signed by you giving that person
your authorization to request this information.