Why FEMA may have denied your request for help after Hurricane Beryl

After Hurricane Beryl hit Houston, many residents are struggling to repair home damage, replenish groceries, and cover other hurricane-related costs.

Some KPRC 2 viewers have reported being denied FEMA funding.

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Receiving a letter from FEMA stating you’re ineligible for assistance doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the final decision. Sometimes, a quick fix like providing more information can change FEMA’s determination.

Here’s an explanation of why FEMA may have found you ineligible and what steps you can take next:

Key points to remember:

• FEMA cannot pay for damage covered by insurance or duplicate benefits from other sources.
• FEMA grants cover costs to return your home to a safe, sanitary, and functional condition. Damage to non-essential areas, like unoccupied bedrooms, isn’t covered.
• The damage must have occurred at your primary residence due to Hurricane Beryl.

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Common reasons for ineligibility:

• Insurance coverage: If you are insured, FEMA needs to know if your insurance settlement is insufficient. If your claim is denied, provide documentation of the denial.
• No reported damage: If you initially reported no damage but later discovered otherwise, inform FEMA and provide supporting documents, such as a contractor’s letter.
• Home safety: FEMA typically covers only essential repairs to make your home habitable. Damage to non-essential areas like landscaping or spoiled food is not covered.
• Proof of occupancy: If FEMA can’t verify your occupancy, provide documents like utility bills or a driver’s license with the damaged dwelling’s address.
• Identity verification: FEMA must verify your identity using a valid Social Security number to prevent fraud.
• Rental assistance: If you initially indicated you wouldn’t move during repairs but now need to, update FEMA on your housing status.
• Renters: If you need to leave your apartment for repairs, update your status with FEMA.

Your right to appeal: If you believe the decision or amount of assistance is incorrect, you can appeal. Submit a signed explanation outlining why you believe the decision is wrong, including supporting documents and proof of your disaster losses. If someone else writes the appeal for you, provide a signed statement authorizing them to act on your behalf.

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Submitting your appeal:

• Mail: Send your letter and documents within 60 days of receiving your determination letter to: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
• Fax: Send to 800-827-8112.
• Online: Upload documents at disasterassistance.gov by logging into your FEMA account.

For questions or assistance with your status, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585. Operators are available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Residents needing to register with FEMA can do so at www.disasterassistance.gov, by downloading the FEMA app, or by calling the FEMA Helpline. When registering, pay special attention to question 24 to note any disability-related losses or needs.

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