Understanding Your FEMA Letter

A letter from FEMA saying you are not approved for disaster assistance after the severe storms, flooding and landslides that started June 23 may not be a final decision. Sometimes, FEMA just needs more information or supporting documentation from you.

Here are some common reasons you may receive a letter saying you are "not approved" for assistance at this time, and some suggestions for how you can respond to FEMA.

You haven't sent FEMA the requested documents or information

Read your FEMA letter thoroughly and send FEMA the requested information. If that information is not available, let FEMA know why.

Your damage or loss is covered by insurance or other sources

By law, FEMA cannot provide financial assistance if you received funding for the same disaster-caused need from other sources. If you received funding from insurance, local or state programs, or financial assistance from nonprofit agencies, FEMA cannot cover those same expenses. FEMA will need your insurance settlement or denial to process your application.

If you received funds from other sources, send FEMA documentation showing how those funds were used. The documentation must prove the funds you received were not enough to cover your disaster-related expenses, or that the funds were intended to be used for another purpose.

More than one application was filed for your household

Typically, FEMA allows only one application per household or address.

Ensure the one application for your household includes details of losses from all individuals in the home so that all possible assistance can be considered. If you did not file more than one application, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 and let FEMA know. There may be a fraudulent application filed for your address. Helpline operators are available daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT.

FEMA couldn't verify that you are the homeowner

FEMA asks for proof of ownership from homeowners who apply for financial assistance to help with repairs to their damaged homes. FEMA verifies ownership using public and government records or by reviewing documents you submit. FEMA may also verify ownership at the time of an inspection of the damaged property.

Contact FEMA to submit documents that prove you own your home. Documents you can use to verify ownership include:

• deed or title
• mortgage document
• homeowner's insurance statements
• property tax receipt or tax bill
• manufactured home certificate or title
• home purchase contracts (e.g., bill of sale)
• last will and testament (and death certificate) naming you the heir to the property.

FEMA was unable to verify your identity or occupancy

By verifying your identity, FEMA prevents fraud and ensures you receive eligible disaster assistance. FEMA verifies your identity and occupancy using public and government records or by reviewing documents you submit. FEMA may also verify occupancy at the time of inspection of the damaged property.

Contact FEMA to submit documents that prove your identity and occupancy.

The damaged home was not your primary residence

FEMA provides disaster assistance to eligible applicants for a primary residence-where you live for more than six months of the year. FEMA will not consider more than one primary residence for applicants and their spouse.

Contact FEMA to submit documents that verify your residency.

Insufficient damage to be approved for FEMA assistance

You may have insufficient damage if your home is safe to occupy and the damage doesn't affect whether you can live in the home. Damage to non-essential areas, landscaping or spoiled food is not eligible for FEMA assistance.

FEMA provides grants only for repairs to make a home safe, accessible and functional. FEMA does not provide assistance for non-essential household items and personal property.

A FEMA inspector was unable to reach you at the contact information you provided

It is important to return FEMA phone calls and requests for information in a timely manner. If FEMA cannot reach you, or you do not provide the requested information, FEMA may not approve you for assistance. You, or a representative you identify, must be present at any appointment with FEMA officials or home inspectors. Please make sure to answer calls from FEMA. Note that FEMA calls may come from an unfamiliar number.

If you still need a home inspection, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to request one. Home inspectors do more than look at your home's damage; they can verify ownership, your identity and may find additional items that are potentially eligible for assistance.

Additional Information

If you disagree with a FEMA decision, you have the right to appeal

You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help. You may send FEMA estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal the decision or award amount for that type of assistance.

Supporting documents may include:

• receipts
• bills
• repair estimates
• property titles or deeds, or
• any other information that may support the reasons for the appeal.

To send appeals or supporting documents to FEMA:

• Upload to your disaster assistance account at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Mail: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Fax: 800-827-8112

To apply for FEMA assistance

• The fastest way to apply is at DisasterAssistance.gov
• In-person assistance is available at the State Disaster Resource Center located at Eastern New Mexico University - Ruidoso Annex, 709 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345. The location is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• You can also use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. MT. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline specialists speak many languages. Press 2 for Spanish.

To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.

For the latest information about New Mexico's recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4886. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6 and on X at x.com/FEMARegion6