LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Following every federally declared disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, conducts audits of disaster assistance payments to survivors ensuring taxpayer dollars were provided appropriately and in an amount meeting the eligible needs of the applicant.

If improper payments were made, FEMA will send a letter, called a notice of debt letter, explaining the situation.

One reason for improper payment could be more than one individual in the household registered and received disaster aid.

Other examples we sometimes find is that funds were not used for intended purposes, or there was a duplication of funds by insurance or another agency. Other times, documentation is missing.

Survivors who receive this letter have rights and options, which the letter will discuss.

Applicants can appeal the recoupment by letter or fax and request copies of their agency records.

The appeal must be made within 60 days of the date shown on the notice of debt letter.

FEMA is committed to working with all applicants identified for recoupment to ensure they have a complete understanding of the determination made in their case and the various options available to them to resolve this debt.

Those with immediate questions about their cases may contact FEMA’s Recoupment Helpline at 800-816-1122 or TTY 800-462-7585. The helpline is available between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If there is an indication of fraudulent activity, FEMA’s Fraud Branch will investigate and, where appropriate, refer the case to the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General for a criminal review of the case.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.