SACRAMENTO. – Survivors of the October wildfires may still be able to qualify for disaster assistance even if they receive a letter from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, or the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA, saying they are not eligible.

Often it’s a matter of needing to submit more information so FEMA or SBA can continue processing the application.

Examples of missing documentation might include an insurance settlement letter, proof of residency or ownership of a damaged property, or simply that the applicant did not sign the required documents.

Other reasons for being deemed ineligible:

– Someone else in the household has also applied for and received help.
– A FEMA housing inspector cannot reach the applicant by phone.

Applicants who receive a determination letter of ineligibility can call the FEMA helpline at
800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 to find out how to appeal the decision, submit any required documents or make changes to contact information. For those who use 711 or Video Relay Services, call 800-621-3362. The toll-free lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

They can also go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA app on a smartphone, or visit a disaster recovery center. To find the closest location visit: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments. However, if applicants are underinsured they may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled.

If an applicant feels that the amount or type of assistance is not correct, they need to explain why in writing within 60 days from the date on the letter of ineligibility. They should include their full name, date, disaster number and the nine-digit registration number they received from FEMA.

In addition, the letter must either be notarized, or include the following statement, “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.” The letter must be signed and applicants should keep a copy for their records.

Mail the appeal to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055 or fax it to 800-827-8112; Attention: FEMA.

For more information on California recovery, visit the disaster web page at www.WildfireRecovery.org, www.fema.gov/disaster/4344 and Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/femaregion9.