SAIPAN – Super Typhoon Sinlaku survivors who received a “not approved” or “ineligible” determination from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have 60 days to appeal, and the determination is not necessarily final, the CNMI Joint Information Center said Monday.
Many applications are marked ineligible because of missing information or documentation that FEMA needs to process the claim, the JIC said in a release issued at 10:20 a.m. Common reasons include missing or incomplete documents, pending insurance information, duplicate applications within the same household and inability to verify identity, occupancy or home ownership.
Survivors may also be asked to provide receipts, repair estimates or other supporting documents related to disaster damage.
“A determination of ‘not approved’ or ‘ineligible’ for assistance is not necessarily a final decision,” the JIC said.
Applicants who disagree with FEMA’s determination must submit appeals within 60 days of the date on the determination letter. Appeals and supporting documents can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by mail or fax or in person at a Survivor Recovery Center.
FEMA staff are available to help survivors understand their determination letters and complete the appeals process, the JIC said.
Survivors can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or the local hotline at 671-735-1050 for assistance.