Flagler officials say don’t give up if FEMA claim is denied

Oct. 01--As registrations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency continue to climb locally and across Florida, local and federal officials offer some advice to help the process go more smoothly.

As of Saturday morning, 45,086 registrations had been recorded in Volusia County and 6,255 in Flagler County, said FEMA Spokesman David Burns. Statewide registrations were approaching 2 million households.

"We're moving the claims along as fast as we can," Burns said. "We know that people are having to wait an extended period of of time on the phone, we ask them to be patient."

Burns encouraged a little pre-planning before calling FEMA to make a claim, for example making a list of all the points you want to make. Burns said any emergency needs, like temporary housing, food or medicine should be clearly stated and conveyed to the representative taking the call.

"Communicating your needs is important, in as detailed a manner as possible," he said. "Think about what you think your needs might be and register for whatever programs might be offered."

"We really want to stress to everybody to register, even if you do have insurance."

At least $677 millions in FEMA assistance had been approved. Policyholders with the National Flood Insurance Program had filed more than 22,000 claims, with an estimated $31 million in payments so far.

On Friday, Flagler County officials urged anyone who might be denied a claim to immediately review the paperwork and then file an appeal.

"Sometimes an application is initially denied because it is missing an essential component and not because what is being requested is ineligible," County Administrator Craig Coffey stated in a news release on Friday. "When it is denied by FEMA, it puts the ball back in your court. It is in your best interest to be your own advocate and follow up through the appeal process."

If the reason for the denial is not clear, the applicant should contact a FEMA specialist, Flagler officials said. In Flagler, the nearest FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, is operating from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week at the UF Wind Mitigation "Hurricane House," 3111 Agricultural Center Dr., St. Augustine.

A Disaster Recovery Center also is open in Sanford at the Museum of Seminole County History, 300 Bush Blvd.

The FEMA helpline number is 800-621-3362 .

Appeals must be made in writing and sent by mail to FEMA within 60 days of receiving a denial letter. Appeals and related documents should be sent to: Appeals Office, FEMA -- Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Service Center, PO Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.

Effective appeal letters should list the applicant's full legal name, used on the aid application, along with Social Security number and the FEMA case number in the opening paragraph, the county stated. It should also include a personal phone number, and a back-up phone number where the applicant also can be reached, in addition to a correct mailing address. It should also include an explanation of evidence to support the appeal, as well as a summary of changes in circumstances and any additional damage discovered. The appeal also should include photocopies of receipts and up to three written bids. Submitting repair estimates and statements is recommended.

Those who have not yet done so may also register online with FEMA at https://www.disasterassistance.gov and for a Small Business Administration loan at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Even residential properties are required to apply for an SBA loan first, before receiving assistance.

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