Tennessee residents who applied for assistance from Federal Emergency Management Agency after sustaining damage in the April 12-13 tornadoes and storms will receive information from the agency in the mail or via email.
The letter will explain the application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully as it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.
Applicants might need to submit additional information for FEMA to continue to process an application. Examples of missing documentation could include:
• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster
Those who have questions about their letters may go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the disaster assistance help line at 800 621-3362 or 800 462-7585.
A FEMA inspection might be required to determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and functional. Currently, such inspections are being conducted remotely, by telephone, following health and safety guidelines for the national health emergency.
FEMA considers the following factors when determining whether an applicant may be eligible for assistance:
• The exterior of the home is structurally sound, including the doors, roof and windows
• The electricity, gas, heat, plumbing and sewer or septic systems function properly
• The interior’s habitable areas are structurally sound, including the ceiling and floors
• The home is capable of functioning for its intended purpose
• There is safe access to and from the home
FEMA assistance is not the same as insurance. FEMA assistance only provides funds for basic work to make a home habitable, including toilets, a roof, critical utilities, windows and doors.
Appealing FEMA’s decision
Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs.
FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not provide assistance for insurance deductibles.
Appeals must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reasons for the appeal. It should also include:
• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (4541 in Tennessee)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• The FEMA registration number on all documents
If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.
Letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail or via a FEMA online account.
To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on ‘Check Status” and follow the directions.
By mail:
FEMA
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
By fax:
800-827-8112
Attention: FEMA
Source: Tennessee Department of Military