INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Residents affected by Hurricane Irma who applied for FEMA assistance and got a denial letter should not be discouraged because the letters are not always the final decision.
Those who applied for FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) who have been found ineligible for assistance can have FEMA revisit their cases, according to the Emergency Services Department.
The IHP program provides financial and direct services to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster. Those residents must have uninsured or underinsured necessary expenses and serious needs.
Applicants with denial letters must read their letters carefully because it will explain any problems that need to be corrected. If a mistake has been made, residents should let FEMA know right away by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.
Everyone has the right to appeal. Appeals may relate to eligibility, the amount or type of help provided, a late application, a request to return money or continuing help. The appeal must be sent off and postmarked within 60 days after residents receive the letter.
Residents should explain in writing why they think the decision about the amount or type of assistance is not correct, officials said. When submitting the letter, applicants should include their full name, date, place of birth and current address.
Residents should sign the letter, have it notarized and include a copy of a state issued identification card. Those who are unable to do that can write “I hereby declare under the penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
Appeal letters should be dated, have the FEMA application number and the disaster number. Letters should be mailed to the address below:
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P. O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
FAX: 800-827-8112; Attention: FEMA
