The Pinellas County Government is reminding people through social media it’s possible to appeal a FEMA decision if applicants are denied disaster assistance. Here’s what you need to know:

Appealing FEMA’s Decision for Disaster Assistance

If you’ve applied for FEMA assistance and received a decision letter, you have the right to appeal if you disagree with the outcome. Appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the decision letter.

What to Include in Your Appeal

FEMA’s decision letter will outline the specific documents and information you may need to submit with your appeal. Common supporting documents may include:

• Receipts
• Bills
• Repair estimates
• Property titles or deeds
• Any other relevant information that supports your appeal

FEMA may also provide an optional appeal form to assist in submitting additional information.

Be sure to include your FEMA application number and disaster number (e.g., DR-4806-FL for Hurricane Debby) on every page of your documentation.

For third-party appeals, the applicant or co-applicant must have a signed Written Consent form on file, authorizing the third party to represent them during the appeal process.

If you need assistance or have questions, contact FEMA’s Helpline at 800-621-3362.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You can submit your appeal and supporting documents in one of the following ways:

• Online: Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, log into your account, and upload your documents via the Correspondence Upload Center.
• By Mail: Send your appeal to FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
• By Fax: Fax to (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program.
• In Person: Visit the Disaster Recovery Center at the Enoch D. Davis Center (1111 18th Ave. S., St. Petersburg) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, through January 31, 2025.

Stay Updated with FEMA

After applying for disaster assistance, it’s crucial to keep FEMA informed about any changes to your contact information, including phone number, address, or banking details. Failure to do so may result in missing important updates or calls from FEMA.

For the most recent information on disaster recovery for specific hurricanes, visit the following links:

• Hurricane Milton: fema.gov/disaster/4834
• Hurricane Helene: fema.gov/disaster/4828
• Hurricane Debby: fema.gov/disaster/4806

You can also follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.

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(Image credit: FEMA)