If you’re a Mississippi resident and Hurricane Isaac survivor, you should not let a determination letter from FEMA that denies aid to stop you from taking further action to obtain aid. Residents can ask FEMA to review the case again within 60 days of receiving a determination letter.
FEMA announces that some of the common initial reasons for ineligibility include the following and more:
• contacting FEMA when a final insurance settlement was agreed upon
• show signs of relocating to another residence
• showing proof that the property was owned or a temporary residence at the time of the disaster
• signing certain documents
• the return of an SBA disaster loan application
FEMA reports that most issues are resolved and result in the applicant receiving disaster assistance if they appeal the total amount or type of assistance that was provided. Applicants need to explain in writing why they disagree with FEMA’s decision and include any new documents in support of the appeal. The appeal letters also need to contain the Federal disaster declaration number 4081-DR-MS on all of the documents. The applicants also need to provide the following information:
• the FEMA application number on every page
• name and date of birth
• the address for the damaged property
• receipts, bills and estimates along with the contact information of the service provider
• a copy of a state identification card except if the letter is notarized and includes this statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct”
• a signature from the applicant
If you need legal help for the insurance claims, you can call the Disaster Legal Services hotline at 877-691-6185. You can also contact the Mississippi Insurance Department at 800-562-2957. Use the following mailing address when mailing the appeal letter:
FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
Source: Internal Revenue Service
