PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — If you disagree with a decision letter from FEMA, you have 60 days from the date of the letter to appeal the decision. A letter that says you are ineligible for benefits may only mean that you need to give additional information.

Read your denial letter carefully to see why you were denied. If you are not sure what the letter means, or if you think there was a mistake, bring the letter with supporting information to the DRC or call the Helpline at 699-2018. Additional information may result in you getting a FEMA grant.

Reasons you were denied assistance may include:

• •          We do not have a copy of your insurance claim letter
• •          We do not have proof you occupied or owned your property
• •          Your damage is to a second home or rental property, not a primary residence
• •          Someone else in your household who applied for assistance received help
• •          A FEMA housing inspector cannot reach you
• •          You did not maintain the required flood insurance for the damaged property

You may appeal if you think you qualify for assistance. Updating your file or furnishing additional information may qualify you for assistance if you do it before 60 days from the date on the letter that stated you would not get assistance.

An appeal must meet certain conditions:

• •          It must be in writing
• •          It must be made within 60 days of the date on the denial letter.
• •          It must state why you disagree with the decision
• •          It must be signed by the applicant
• •          It must have the nine-digit registration number and the disaster number (DR 4357)
• •          It may be:
  • o    Delivered to the DRC before it closes May 19
  • o    Mailed to P.O Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782, or
  • o    Faxed to 1-800-827-8112

After the DRC closes, other avenues will still be available. Appeals may be mailed to the Hyattsville address or faxed to 1-800-827-8112.

Your letter will tell why you were denied. Bring any documents that support why you think the denial should be reversed. Documents may include estimates to repairs or receipts for work done.

Only the applicant can file an appeal. You may get someone to help you or go to the DRC for help, but only you can make the appeal. And remember that you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter. After 60 days, the decision becomes final.

If you need additional information, you may:

• •          Visit the DRC at DYWA in Pago Pago, open daily except Sunday from 8a.m.–4p.m.
• •          Call the Helpline at 699-2018
• •          Go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• •          Call 699-2018 (Voice/711/VRS)
• •          Call 800-462-7585 or 800-855-2880 (TTY/TDD)
• •          Visit Legal Aid at the DRC from 10a.m. to 2p.m.