Understanding Your FEMA Eligibility Letter

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- If you applied for FEMA assistance after Hurricanes Milton, Helene or Debby you will receive a determination letter from FEMA in the mail or by email. These letters can also be found in a survivor's online FEMA account by logging into DisasterAssistance.gov and selecting the Check Status tab.

The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds.

You may need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue to process an application for financial assistance. Examples of missing documentation may include:

• Insurance settlement, denial letter or declaration page.
• Proof of identity (i.e. passport, military ID, Social Security card with federal/state ID)
• Proof of occupancy (i.e. lease, rent receipts, utility bills)
• Proof of ownership (i.e. Mortgage documentation, Property Tax, Title, Insurance)

If you have questions about your letter, or disagree with the initial decision, visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362 to find out what information FEMA needs.

How to Appeal

The letter from FEMA will provide information on the types of documents or information that FEMA needs. It will also include an optional appeal form that you can use. Your appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the date of your decision letter.

You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov, where you can create an account and upload documents
• In-person at a Disaster Recovery Center
• By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
• By fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

For the latest information about Hurricane Milton recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4834. For Hurricane Helene, visit fema.gov/disaster/4828. For Hurricane Debby, visit fema.gov/disaster/4806 . Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.