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Top Five Reasons for FEMA Ineligibility for Housing

There can be several reasons an applicant is found ineligible for housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The top five ineligibility reasons for Hurricane Ike applicants are:

  1. Insufficient damage
  2. Applicant covered by insurance
  3. Applicant does not want to relocate
  4. Applicant could not be contacted for an inspection
  5. FEMA could not verify applicant's identity

What does insufficient damage mean?
The inspection showed your home to be safe, sanitary and functional and you are able to live there.
 
What does insurance coverage mean?
You had an insurance policy that covered damage to your home.  

What does applicant will not relocate mean?
In your application you said you did not want to move while your damaged home was being repaired.  This made you ineligible for FEMA rental assistance. You may still be eligible for home repair or personal property replacement grants.

What does applicant could not be contacted for an inspection mean?
FEMA has tried to reach you numerous times and the FEMA inspector has not been able to schedule an appointment with you.

What does applicant's identity could not be verified mean?
FEMA is unable to match your name and social security number in order to verify your identity.

What should I do if I disagree with FEMA's decision about insufficient damage? 
You can appeal. Get third-party documentation in writing that states the home is uninhabitable such as bid for repairs, condemnation notice, etc. Send an appeal letter to FEMA asking for reconsideration. This must be done within 60 days of the date on the ineligibility letter. Mail or fax the appeal letter and documentation.   

What should I do if my insurance coverage doesn't cover everything or I haven't received my settlement yet? 
Call the FEMA Helpline if your insurance settlement is delayed longer than 30 days -FEMA may grant you an advance that must be repaid. Also call if your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related needs or if you have exhausted the Additional Living Expenses (ALE) provided by your insurance company. 

What should I do if my status has changed and I want to relocate or need direct housing?
If after your initial application, your housing needs have changed, contact FEMA to update your housing status. Call the FEMA Helpline and explain why you had to or will have to relocate, or mail or fax an appeal letter with documentation. 

What should I do if I missed an inspection appointment?
Simply call the FEMA Helpline and request an inspection.

What should I do to update my contact information?
Keep your information and application status up to date. Simply call the FEMA Helpline or visit the FEMA Web site. You can also visit any disaster recovery center for face-to-face assistance from federal and state disaster recovery officials. 

What does FEMA need to verify my identity? 
Submit a copy of an official document that shows your social security number and name. Acceptable documentation includes social security card, state-issued drivers' license or ID card, etc. Mail or fax the information, or visit a disaster recovery center to submit these documents.  Do not mail original documents to FEMA.


FEMA HELPLINE AND WEB SITE
1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or
TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- and hearing-impaired
www.FEMA.gov

MAILING ADDRESS
FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center,
P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

FAX NUMBER
1-800-827-8112


Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, or economic status. Anyone who believes he or she has been discriminated against should contact the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 for the speech- or hearing-impaired.

 

Last Modified: Wednesday, 11-Aug-2010 14:46:32 EDT