ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — When Hurricane Ian swept through Central Florida six months ago, Mary Culpepper’s home wasn’t spared.
Her apartment flooded after 14 inches of rain fell in Pine Hills.
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“I lost my home my car, my truck, we lost everything basically,” Culpepper said.
Like many, Culpepper relied on FEMA for help. She got approved for just over $3,000 back in October, which allowed her to stay in a hotel with her 12-year-old son as she worked on finding new housing.
“They helped us out in the beginning, then after so many weeks and months they kept telling me to send stuff in and the more I sent things in it was like the door was opening and it was closing right in our face,” Culpepper said.
She said additional assistance to cover damaged belongings and a new place to stay was stuck pending for months in an appeals process. And without a car or access to a computer, Culpepper says she couldn’t get answers about her application.
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Things came to a head last week when she fell so behind she was served an eviction notice. That’s when she called Channel 9.
“I was at my breaking point,” Culpepper said.
Channel 9 called FEMA who told us they couldn’t speak specifically about Culpepper’s case, but a spokesperson assured us they would be contacting Culpepper directly.
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“Since you called I got a whole lot of results. Now theyre helping me,” Culpepper said.
Culpepper said she’s now in direct contact with a FEMA supervisor. And as of Wednesday morning, her pending status switched to eligible.
“Hopefully they do what they need to do in the next 72 hours and me and my baby can find ourselves somewhere to stay more permanent,” Culpepper said.
FEMA said once you’ve submitted a signed appeal letter and included documentation you can expect a decision within 90 days. FEMA also provided the following list of tips for anyone who is going through an appeal right now and seeing it listed as pending:
TIP 1: KNOW YOUR DEADLINE
You have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to submit your appeal in writing. Circle the deadline on your calendar or write yourself a note and put it on your refrigerator or console of your car. Once FEMA reviews your appeal, you may receive a phone call or a follow-up letter asking for more information.
TIP 2: UNDERSTAND WHY FEMA DETERMINED YOU ARE INELIGIBLE BEFORE WRITING YOUR APPEAL
You may not agree with it but analyze FEMA’s decision. If FEMA determined you are ineligible, frequently, it may be that you need to submit required documentation or information. Read FEMA’s letter from beginning to end and see what the agency needs from you.
TIP 3: INCLUDE DOCUMENTS TO SUPPORT YOUR APPEAL
The appeal must be written and signed, and explain why you disagree with FEMAs decision. Send copies of any documents supporting your appeal letter, including proof of your disaster caused losses, receipts/bills, and/or estimates. These documents must include contact information for the service provider allowing FEMA to verify the information.
Examples may include:
- Documents from your insurance company which show your policy coverage and/or settlement is not enough to make essential home repairs, provide a place to stay, or replace certain contents. FEMA cannot provide benefits to homeowners or renters who already received the same benefits from an insurance carrier.
- Proof of occupancy: A copy of utility bills, a driver’s license or lease that shows the damaged home or rental property was your primary residence before Hurricanes Ian or Nicole.
- Proof of ownership: Mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts, or a deed. If your documents were lost or destroyed, visit usa.gov/replace-vital-documents for information on how to replace them.
TIP 4: INCLUDE YOUR FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE APPLICATION NUMBER ON EACH PAGE OF THE DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED WITH YOUR APPEAL
Please write the disaster number and your FEMA application number on each page on all documents submitted. FEMA receives numerous documents with every appeal; writing your application number on each page submitted helps to organize your case.
TIP 5: CAN’T WRITE THE APPEAL YOURSELF? AUTHORIZE SOMEONE TO WRITE IT FOR YOU
If you are unable to write an appeal letter yourself, ask someone (a third party) to write it for you. It could be someone in your household, a friend or an attorney. You will need to also submit to FEMA, a signed statement giving the individual you choose, authority to represent you.
For additional information about FEMA’s appeal process or about authorizing a third party to act on your behalf call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is open every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Assistance is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA the number for that service.
TIP 6: MAIL OR FAX YOUR SIGNED APPEAL LETTER
Mail or fax your appeal to FEMA within 60 days of the date on your FEMA determination letter:
Mailing address: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
Fax number: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
TIP 7: UPLOAD YOUR APPEAL LETTER AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS TO YOUR ONLINE FEMA PERSONAL ACCOUNT
To set up a FEMA online account or to upload documents online, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and click “Check Your Status”. Follow the computer prompts.
TIP 8: EXPECT A DECISION WITHIN 90 DAYS
You’ve submitted a signed appeal letter and included your unique FEMA application number on every document submitted. What’s next? Possibly a call or letter from FEMA asking for more information or you may receive FEMA’s decision within 90 days of FEMA’s receipt of your appeal.
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