Why FEMA says ‘no’ to disaster aid applications

A letter from FEMA saying you are not approved for disaster assistance might not be a denial or final decision. Sometimes, more information or supporting documentation is needed.

Here are some common reasons why applicants receive a denial letter and how they can respond, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

You haven’t sent FEMA the requested documents or information 

Read your FEMA letter carefully and send the agency 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 voluntary agencies, FEMA cannot cover those same expenses.

If you received funds from other sources, send FEMA documentation showing how this money was 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 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 an operator know. There might be a fraudulent application filed for your address. Helpline operators are available from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

FEMA couldn’t verify that you are the homeowner

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

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 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 survivors and their spouse.

Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to submit documents that verify your residency.

Insufficient damage to be eligible for FEMA assistance

You might 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.

If you applied for federal disaster assistance but told FEMA you have no damage caused by the disaster, the agency will find you ineligible for assistance.

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

If your housing needs have changed, contact FEMA quickly to update your housing and explain why you need assistance.

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, you might be found ineligible for assistance. You, or a representative you identify, must be present at any appointment with FEMA officials or home inspectors. Make sure to answer calls from the agency. 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 damage; they can verify ownership, your identity, and may find additional items that are potentially eligible for assistance.

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 estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision 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
• any other information that may support the reasons for the appeal

To send appeals or supporting documents to FEMA:

• Upload them to your FEMA account at DisasterAssistance.gov
• Mail: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Fax: 800-827-8112
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to receive in-person assistance. To find one close to you, use your ZIP code to search FEMA.gov/DRC. The Burnet County Disaster Recovery Center is located at 401 E. Jackson St. in Burnet at the community center.

For the latest information about the Texas recovery from flooding and storms July 2-18, visit fema.gov/disaster/4879. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.