GENERAL RULES FOR FEMA
CLAIMS AND APPEALS 2017
FEMA is the Federal Emergency Management
Agency By: John Cucci
The deadline for filing a FEMA Claim with the Federal
Government is sixty (60) days from the event that has harmed you or your
property.
FEMA claims may only be made for property within a
designated area by FEMA. An example would be Harris County, Texas. Most
designations are by county or by other definite geographic area like a city or
township. You must check whether or not your property is within the “designated
area.” You can learn this by calling 1-800-621-3362. Or going to the FEMA website https://www.fema.gov/disaster.
There is a 60 day time limit to file your FEMA Claim. It is
a simple process to make the initial claim. You simple go to the FEMA website
or call the number above. Once you make first contact, FEMA will issue you a
Claim Number. Once you have the claim number you have a FEMA case.
After you make your initial claim, an investigator will be
assigned to visit your home or apartment. It is always best to be at the home
for the inspection. The investigator will want to see the damage and the
appliances and furniture, automobiles, and other items. It is best NOT to throw
the damaged items out until the inspector arrives.
After the inspector has submitted his report to FEMA, you
will get a check or a denial within 3-4 weeks. Home owners have different
claims than renters or tenants.
Home owners are
supposed to be given up to $33,000.00 for the repairs and other work needed to
make the house livable or “habitable.” This is different than getting all of
the damaged items replaced. The same
goes for the appliances, vehicles, and furniture. FEMA is not going to “replace”
what you lost. FEMA will pay to assure you can live safely and in a sanitary
home.
Renters/Tenants can make FEMA claims but your lost or
damaged items will not be replaced. FEMA will only pay for you to live in a
safe environment. The main benefit for Tenants and renters is to be placed in a
hotel or motel. If you rent space for a business, FEMA will help you get your
business placed in a safe yet temporary place.
Time Limits: There is a 60 day time limit to file or
establish your FEMA claim.
If your claim is rejected or you do not get the amount of
benefits you feel you deserve, you can file an appeal with FEMA. You have 60
days from the rejection or receipt of funds, to file an Appeal with FEMA.
If you are out-of-town, disabled, or have another reasonable
excuse for filing late, you can request an extension of time of up to sixty
(60) extra days.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or do not feel like FEMA is
being fair, you can hire a lawyer to help you at every step in the process.
If you want more information you can call my office. The
telephone call is free. I do provide free or reduced fees for Veterans and
people over 70 years old.
JOHN CUCCI OF
Cucci Law Group Houston,
Texas 281-667-9288 or
631-339-6228
