The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance for residents in Broward County who experienced damage or loss from the severe storms and flooding in April has passed. If you receive a FEMA decision letter and you disagree with FEMA’s eligibility decision, you have a right to appeal FEMA’s decision. Please read your decision letter carefully.
FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides financial assistance to eligible individuals and households affected by a disaster who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-related expenses. FEMA cannot help with losses covered by insurance. If your insurance does not cover all your losses, or is delayed, you may be eligible for assistance for your unmet needs.
The Appeal Process
An appeal is a written and signed letter to FEMA explaining the reason for your appeal/why you disagree with FEMA’s decision and an opportunity to provide new or additional documents supporting your appeal. You may appeal any decision by FEMA such as your initial eligibility decision, the amount or type of assistance provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or a denial of Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.
An appeal letter must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the determination letter. Please also include the following:
- Applicant’s full name, pre-disaster primary address, current address and current phone number
- Applicant’s 9-digit FEMA application number, found at the top of the determination letter (on every page)
- FEMA disaster declaration number, found at the top of the determination letter, for example DR-4709-FL (on every page)
- Applicant’s signature and the date
- Additional documentation to support your appeal (verifiable contractor’s estimate, insurance paperwork, any additional documents FEMA requested in the determination letter)
If you choose to have a third party submit an appeal letter on your behalf, the appeal letter must be signed by the third party. Additionally, please include a statement signed by you authorizing the third party to appeal on your behalf. Send your appeal letter:
By mail to: FEMA
P. O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Appeal letters and supporting documentation also can be uploaded to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov, click “Check Status” on the Home page and follow the instructions, or fax to 800-827-8112 Attn: FEMA.
If you have any questions about the appeals process or need assistance you can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.