Unhappy with FEMA? Here are the steps to appeal your tornado assistance denial
Last month, President Biden declared the May 10 tornado outbreak to be a major disaster, opening the doors for residents affected to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.
Since then, the agency has had Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) representatives on the ground and has opened up Disaster Recovery Centers, where residents can talk about their individual cases and find additional resources.
As more community members go online to apply, many may find themselves in the position where they receive a denial from FEMA for help. Here's how you can appeal FEMA's decision and what extra documents are needed for the process.
How to appeal FEMA decision
After FEMA has reviewed an application, results of inspection and documentation received, they will send a letter explaining if you were approved for assistance, how much assistance will be received and how the assistance must be used.
If turned down, you have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to complete and submit an appeal form. There are several ways to appeal:
Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
In person at a Disaster Recovery Center
Extra documents and when to expect a decision
As part of an appeal, residents may need extra documents. They will vary on the type of appeal filed. If you're looking to apply for extra assistance, you will need to submit bills, receipts or repair estimates.
For any questions, applicants are recommended to call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. All appeals will be reviewed and decisions can be made as early as 30 days within receiving the appeal, or as late as 90 days.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: News you can use: How to appeal denial of FEMA tornado financial aid
