Don’t Wait. Submit Your Appeal Letter Now

Some Vermonters who applied for The Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance may have received a letter stating that they are ineligible. This does not mean you’re denied. Don’t wait! Now is the time to write your appeal letter.

Deadlines

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s letter will explain how to appeal the decision – it’s often as simple as submitting an extra document. You have 60 days from the date of each letter to appeal.

You should begin your appeal within 60 days even if you’re still gathering documentation. You don’t have to wait for your insurance claim to process, or to find a contractor. When you appeal, you will write a letter to explain why you’re appealing – just explain what you’re waiting for in that letter, and provide all documents you have now.

For more information, visit How Do I Appeal the Final Decision? | The Federal Emergency Management Agency.gov, or call the The Federal Emergency Management Agency helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give The Federal Emergency Management Agency your number for that service when you call.

Waiting for a Contractor?

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is aware that several Vermonters are still waiting for a contractor’s estimate of their damage.

If you’re appealing after the 60-day window, state in your appeal letter that you were unable to get a quote. As soon as you receive your estimate, forward it to The Federal Emergency Management Agency to support your appeal.

Waiting for an Insurance Claim to be Paid?

If you’ve filed an insurance claim but have not yet received payment, you can still submit a The Federal Emergency Management Agency appeal. Explain in your letter that the claim has been filed, but you have not received a response from the insurance company. If you later receive a settlement, forward the documentation to The Federal Emergency Management Agency.

How to Begin the Appeal

Write a letter to explain why you disagree with The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision. Strengthen your claim by including as much documentation as you can that supports what you outline – this can include receipts, estimates or insurance determinations. Include your application number on every page of each document, and don’t forget to sign your letter.

Where to Submit the Appeal

• Online: Upload to your DisasterAssistance.gov account. 
  • To create an account, go to DisasterAssistance.gov, select the “Create Account” button at the bottom of the page and follow instructions:
    • Click “Check Status” on the home page or from the “Get Assistance” menu
    • Click “Create Account”
    • Enter your date of birth and Social Security number
    • Answer four security questions
    • Enter an email address. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will send you a temporary PIN within 24 hours.
    • When you get your PIN, follow the instructions to create your account.
• By Fax: 800-827-8112
• By Mail: The Federal Emergency Management Agency National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

You may expect a decision letter from The Federal Emergency Management Agency within 90 days.

In-person Help Available

For in-person help with any step of this process, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where specialists from The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States. Small Business Administration can answer questions, help you submit documents and guide you through the appeals process. Centers are open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday (closed Sunday) at:

Waterbury Armory
294 Armory Drive
Waterbury, VT 05676 – closing permanently 2 p.m. October 14.

Barre Auditorium
16 Auditorium Hill
Barre, VT 05641 – closing permanently 6 p.m. October 11.

Ludlow Community Center
37 Main St.
Ludlow, VT 05149

All centers will be closed Monday, October 9, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. They will reopen at 8 a.m. October 10.

The deadline to apply for assistance is October 12, 2023. You can appeal after this – the deadline to appeal is 60 days from the date on The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s letter. To apply, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, download the The Federal Emergency Management Agency App or call the The Federal Emergency Management Agency Helpline at 800-621-3362.