Some Mississippi disaster survivors may disagree with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision (FEMA) about what disaster assistance they can receive.
Do not get discouraged if you receive a letter from FEMA indicating you are ineligible. The agency says applicants should read the letter carefully — all the way to the end. It will explain why you were ineligible and what you can do to change that, according to FEMA. Ask questions and ask for help if needed, the agency notes.
You can call FEMA at 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. FEMA specialists will listen to what you say and explain the basis for FEMA’s decision. You also can reach FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or your mobile device at m.fema.gov.
It is your right to tell FEMA if you think they got it wrong. If your issue cannot be resolved by phone or through FEMA’s website, then you should make a written appeal to FEMA within 60 days of receiving your determination letter. In your letter:
- Explain why you think the decision you received is not correct.
- Include your full name, date and place of birth, current address, and the address of the damaged property.
- Your letter must either be notarized, include a copy of a state-issued identification card or include the following statement: “I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.”
- You must sign the letter.
Appeal letters should include your FEMA disaster identification registration number and the federal disaster declaration number. The Mississippi tornado disaster is DR-1972-MS; the flooding disaster is DR-1983-MS.
Be sure to date your appeal letter and mail it to the following address:
FEMA – Appeals Officer
National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
You can also fax letters to 800-827-8112 with a cover sheet addressed to: Attention — FEMA Appeals Officer.
