08/13/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/13/2024 13:41
SANTA FE, N.M. - Individuals and businesses impacted by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire ("fire) and new flood events from the burn scar may receive compensation for lost wages and business losses through the FEMA Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office ("Claims Office").
The fire, which devastated the region in 2022, continues to result in ongoing impacts, including the recent flooding in San Miguel County. These secondary effects have disrupted lives and livelihoods, leading to financial hardships for many. Those impacted are encouraged to begin a claim with the Claims Office or pursue additional compensation through an existing claim to receive relief.
"The fire was not a singular event. The aftermath of the fire and the cascading impacts we are seeing years later continue to present challenges for individuals and businesses in our community," said Jay Mitchell, Director of Operations for the New Mexico Joint Recovery Office. "We want to ensure the community knows there are resources available to help them recover financially."
Here is what is what you may be eligible to receive compensation for:
The Claims Office offers compensation for individuals who have documented lost income. Examples of such losses include:
Owners of both nonprofit and for-profit businesses may also seek compensation for documented fire- and flood-related losses, such as:
Anyone impacted by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding is encouraged to start a claim with the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office if they haven't already. The deadline to submit a Notice of Loss is November 14, 2024, per the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire.
The Claims Office continues to observe an increase in claim submissions, temporarily leading to longer wait times and often preventing same-day issuance of Letters of Determination (LODs) for claims. We are actively working to reduce wait times and shorten processing times of claims.
Claims Office compensation is not taxable. Receiving payment from the Claims Office will not impact eligibility for government assistance programs. Contact a tax professional for specific tax-related questions. Questions and concerns can also be addressed by calling your claim Navigator or the Claims Office Helpline at 505-995-7133.
The Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office is committed to meeting the needs of people impacted by the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Fire and subsequent flooding by providing full compensation available under the law as expeditiously as possible. At the time of publication, the FEMA Claims Office has paid more than $1 billion to claimants.
For information and updates regarding the Claims Office, please visit the Hermit's Peak/Calf Canyon Claims Office website at fema.gov/hermits-peak. For information in Spanish, visit fema.gov/es/hermits-peak. You can also follow our Facebook page and turn notifications on to stay up to date about the claims process, upcoming deadlines and other program announcements at facebook.com/HermitsPeakCalfCanyonClaimsOffice.