FEMA: Helpline Can Answer Questions About Letters

Thursday, May 27, 2010 | 03:54am
Reach FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585
 
NASHVILLE – If you receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), take the time to carefully read the information and instructions regarding your application for assistance.
 
If you still have questions, you should call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. You may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center where you can get one-on-one help or follow up on the status of your application.
 
FEMA notification letters may refer to issues with an application such as:
  • A missed appointment with an inspector;
  • Insufficient storm damage;
  • Adequate insurance coverage;
  • A pending settlement with an insurance company;
  • Failure to complete and return the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) loan application.
As an applicant, you may get a letter from FEMA if something is missing from your application. It could be as simple as the lack of a signature or basic information such as:
  • Proof of identity;
  • Proof of occupancy or ownership of damaged property;
  • Documentation of disaster damage.
Here is what to expect after you register with FEMA:
 
An Inspector Schedules An Appointment. After you register with FEMA - either online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) - a nine-digit registration number is assigned. An inspector will then call to schedule an appointment to visit the damaged property, generally within 7-10 days of registration.
 
Inspector's Visit. Keep your scheduled appointment to make sure the assistance process continues quickly. The inspector will request a photo ID and verify your name, address and FEMA registration number. The inspector will not ask for a Social Security number. There is no fee for the inspection. Someone who is 18 or older and lived in the household prior to the disaster must be present for the scheduled appointment. The inspector will ask for identification and proof of ownership and occupancy (for homeowners) and occupancy only (for renters). Survivors can speed up the process by having the appropriate documents: 
 
•  A photo ID to prove identity, such as driver license or passport;
•  Proof of occupancy, which may include:
–  A utility bill with the address of the damaged home, a credit card bill, delivery notice or other first class mail addressed to you at the address of the damaged home;
–  Earning statements;
–  Current driver license.
•  Proof of ownership, such as:
–  Deed showing you as the legal owner;
–  Title that lists you on actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the home;
–  Mortgage payment book with the address of the damaged home;
–  Property insurance policy for the damaged home;
–  Tax receipts or a property tax bill.
 
After the Inspector's Visit. You should receive a decision by mail within 14 days of the inspector's visit.
 
If you are referred to the SBA, you will receive an SBA low-interest disaster loan application in the mail. You do not have to accept this loan if offered.
 
However, to be considered for some other forms of federal disaster assistance, you must complete and return the SBA application.
 
 
The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA and TEMA do not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.
 
FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
 
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call
800-462-7585.
 
FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.
 
###

Press Releases | Tennessee Emergency Management Agency