FEMA’s Work on Behalf of Survivors
- Representatives of FEMA’s Disaster Survivor Assistance teams continue field work in disaster-area communities and shelters to meet with residents who suffered damage from the Kilauea eruptions.
- Their goal is to help ensure that all eligible survivors are aware of the assistance available to them.
- FEMA encourages all affected by the lava flow and earthquakes to apply for assistance by registering. This is to ensure that no one who is eligible for assistance is overlooked.
- Kilauea survivors should not hesitate to apply for FEMA aid because they think it might keep less-fortunate neighbors from getting help.
- Many survivors worked one-on-one with FEMA representatives during, and following, the registration process.
- Not everyone who registers for assistance is eligible to receive assistance. There should be no surprises when the amount of aid is determined, or if assistance is denied.
- Not everyone who registers for assistance is eligible to receive assistance. There should be no surprises when the amount of aid is determined, or if assistance is denied.
- After a survivor registers with FEMA for disaster aid, an inspector will contact them to verify damage. The call may be from a restricted number. If the call goes to voicemail, the inspector will leave a call-back number.
- Residents who have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance have the right to appeal the agency’s decisions about their eligibility or the assistance they received.
- Applicants have 60 days from the date on FEMA’s decision letter to file an appeal.
- To submit an appeal, survivors should explain in writing, and include specific information about why they disagree with the FEMA decision.
- For instructions on how to file and where to submit paperwork, call FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362. Or, visit the Disaster Recovery Center in the Kea‘au High School Gymnasium, 16-725 Kea‘au-Pahoa Road Hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- FEMA coordinates the federal response, calling upon its federal partners for resources and personnel. During the response, FEMA directed the work of 12 separate federal agencies to support state efforts.
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