Los Angeles County survivors who registered for FEMA assistance will receive a letter. If the letter says you are “not approved” for assistance, it does not mean you have been denied assistance. Understanding this letter and any next steps you need to take is critical to move your recovery forward.
It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of money FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of that money. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what you need to do to appeal if you do not agree with FEMA’s decision.
People with insurance may receive an initial “not approved” decision. FEMA assistance may still be available.
Even if your FEMA letter says you are not eligible to receive assistance due to your insurance coverage, you may still be able to receive financial assistance. FEMA may need your insurance determination to be finalized in order to continue processing your application to make sure you are not receiving financial aid for the same damage twice. By law, FEMA cannot pay for costs related to the wildfires that your insurance already covers.
Once 30 days or more have passed since you filed your insurance claim, and you have not received your settlement, please contact the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362. FEMA may be able to provide some initial funds while you wait for your insurance payout.
Help FEMA keep you on track towards recovery.
Often, a “not approved” decision may mean that you only need to send additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue reviewing your application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:
- Proof of insurance coverage.
- Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider.
- Proof of identity.
- Proof of occupancy.
- Proof of ownership.
- Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster.
Make sure you enter your information correctly. Typos and missing numbers or information may also cause delays or an initial “not approved” determination.
If you have questions about your letter, call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA your number for that service when you apply.
You can appeal FEMA’s decision.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision or the amount of assistance provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs. You have 60 days from the date of your determination letter to appeal.
FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled by submitting their insurance settlement or denial documents to FEMA. FEMA does not aid with insurance deductibles.
Appeals must be in writing in a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should also include:
- Applicant’s full name.
- Disaster number (DR-4856-CA).
- Address of the pre-disaster primary residence.
- Applicant’s current phone number and address.
- Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents.
If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.
Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions.
Other ways to submit documents include:
- Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
- Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA
Other federal support may be available.
Regardless of your eligibility for FEMA assistance, homeowners, renters and business owners can receive low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Businesses may receive up to $2 million for physical damage or economic injury. The SBA can also lend additional funds to businesses and homeowners to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the disaster damage from occurring in the future. Information and details on the location of future disaster recovery centers is available by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact FEMA Office of External Affairs:
- Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
- Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
- Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
- Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-private-sector@fema.dhs.gov
Follow Us
Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on Twitter, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.
Also, follow Administrator Deanne Criswell on Twitter @FEMA_Deanne.
FEMA Mission
Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
