FEMA Facts: Why a denial letter is not the last word

(WSPA) – We are getting more answers to your questions about FEMA disaster assistance, and one that keeps popping up is why so many are getting a denial letter within a day of applying.

As we mentioned in our exclusive sit-down interview with FEMA representatives, There are a few explanations like errors on your application. But the one that is most common happened to an Inman woman who learned, that’s not the end of the story.

“We ended up having to throw everything away,” Debbie Workman told us as she looked through a bare freezer.

Workman had just gone shopping before Helene, and had to throw out six garbage bags of groceries.

“It was just heartbreaking,” said Workman.

So she applied online for FEMA disaster assistance.

“You just gotta take your time and answer each question honestly. It was so easy,” she said.

Why a denial letter doesn’t mean rejection

Alright, before you protest, know this, Workman was actually denied!  But she was not discouraged.

“So I looked where I had marked ‘no’ that I didn’t have any home damage and they had put in there that they had denied that part,” Workman explained. “Well, I didn’t expect them to approve anything cause I didn’t ask for anything.”

That denial came right away, but fast forward about five days later.

“I pulled up my bank account, boom it was there, already,” said Workman with a smile.

So, if you’ve had losses because of the power outage, but not major damage to your home, you’re going to get a denial letter right away because you have to answer “no” on the application for property loss to your home.

What about the rumors?

Now, there’s been a lot of rumors floating around, one of which is that you have to pay back the money FEMA gives to you. That is false. The only time that could happen is if you file for private insurance and get paid for the exact same damage. That is a form of fraud.

Still, the rumor that you have to pay it back is what prompted Workman to reach out to 7NEWS Here to Help.

“I knew you would find out the truth and let me know,” said Workman when we visted her home.

In a recent sit-down interview with FEMA, 7NEWS also learned FEMA money is tax-free.

We got more answers to your questions during that half-hour talk .

Q: “There is talk on social media and in politics that FEMA money is going to immigrants instead of in our area.  What would you like to say towards that?”

“The money that is there for the disaster relief fund, and I cannot stress this enough, is for survivors, is to make sure that people are able to find shelter and afford shelter in the immediate days or weeks following the disaster and to make sure we can get them on the road to recovery as quickly as possible, that is what that money is there for,” said Hannah Kirschman, a FEMA Public Relations Officer.

Q: “There has been some concern that there’s not enough money for any additional phases. What’s the reality at this point?”

“The information that FEMA does not have enough funds or we’re going to run out of funds is not the reality of the situation. We have to go through Congress to make sure that we get enough funding as the disaster and recovery efforts continue. But at this point please do not let any of that information prevent you from applying for assistance,” said Kirschman.

That’s a message echoed by Workman.

“I do encourage everybody to try.  I meant the answer’s always no if you don’t ask.”

Here’s what you need to apply

• ID – driver’s license, passport
• Proof of residency – utility bill, mortgage statement, canceled rent check
• Insurance denial letter – if you are applying for assistance with property damage
• Bank routing number – so the aid can be deposited right into your account

You will also need to know your Social Security number. There are four ways to apply.

• Visiting DisasterAssistance.gov
• Calling 1(800) 621-3362
• Go to an in-person Disaster Recovery Center open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• If you are visually impaired or hard of hearing, dial 711 or Video Relay Service

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