Week 3: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the focus of Week 3?

Week 3 of the Wind Rain Flood disaster recovery program focuses on filing appeals, documenting losses, and strategizing for debt relief. You will learn how to catalog your losses, from structures to personal belongings within those affected structures, and prepare to file appeals for FEMA and private insurance.

What is the maximum loan amount for the Section 504 Home Repair Loans & Grants in Presidentially Declared Disasters Pilot program?

The maximum loan amount is $40,000, and the maximum grant amount is $40,675. Loans and grants can be combined for up to $80,675 in assistance.

What is the purpose of documenting losses?

Documenting losses is essential for filing appeals and insurance claims. It helps you keep track of the damage caused by the disaster and the expenses incurred in repairing or replacing the damaged property. It also helps you prove the extent of the damage to FEMA and insurance companies.

What is the debt burden level?

The debt burden level is the percentage of your discretionary income that goes towards paying off debts. It is evaluated during the disaster recovery process to determine your eligibility for grants and other forms of assistance.

What is the Average Median Income (AMI)?

The Average Median Income (AMI) is the median income for a particular area or region. It is used to determine your eligibility for grants and other forms of assistance. Your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is used to calculate your household AMI.

What is the appeal process for FEMA?

The FEMA appeal process involves filing an appeal within 60 days of receiving a decision letter from FEMA. You must provide additional documentation to support your appeal. FEMA will review your appeal and make a decision within 90 days. You will have one additional attempt at an appeal regarding the decision FEMA sent to you. You MUST provide additional documentation that can challenge the negative decision from the initial appeal. After this second attempt, you can appeal one more time, but only if policies or procedures were not followed by FEMA. The entire appeals process can take more than 12 months in some cases. It is essential to retain all copies of documents, including FEMA-related paperwork, in case their database is purged before your appeal is finalized.

What is the strategic appeal process?

The strategic appeal process involves understanding FEMA’s policy language and aligning your documentation with that language. You should also be aware of the specific categories for which you can appeal, such as dental, home repair, insurance, medical, and more.