FEMA resources available for claims related to severe storms, includes an appeal process

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. – California residents affected by recent severe storms that receive a determination letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency that explains they are ineligible for assistance can appeal that decision.

Appeals of eligibility denials as well as appeals of the amount you received must be sent by mail, fax or uploaded within 60 days of receiving your determination letter.

• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Fax: 800-827-8112, Attention FEMA
• Upload: set up an account at www.DisasterAssistance.gov where you can upload documents

Important information required for those appeals include your nine-digit FEMA application number, your disaster number (DR-4683-CA) and documents you can show as proof.

Determination letters that state you are ineligible explain why that is the case and how you can appeal that decision.

Here is a list of documentation you may need to file a claim or appeal FEMA's decision:

• Your FEMA determination letter
• Insurance letters, note that FEMA cannot give you a grant for expenses your insurance company already covered
• Proof of occupancy: A copy of a utility bill, a driver's license, a lease or bank statement, a local school document, motor vehicle registration and an employer's letter can all be used to verify your primary residence. Primary residences require you live there more than six months of the year
• Proof of ownership: Mortgage or insurance documents; tax receipts or a deed; receipts for major repairs or improvements dating as far back as 2016; a mobile home park letter or a court document
• Contractors' estimates for home repairs

If any of these necessary documents were lost or destroyed, visit this website for instructions on how to replace them.

After sending in your appeal, you may be contacted by phone or mail by FEMA representatives asking for more information or to schedule another inspection of your primary home. A decision letter should be expected within 90 days.

If you have questions, contact the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Interpreters are available.

FEMA also has a website here specifically for California recovery claims related to the severe storms.