Residents of the Bronx, Brooklyn (Kings County), Queens, Staten Island (Richmond County), Dutchess, Nassau, Rockland, Suffolk and Westchester counties who were affected by Hurricane Ida have until Tuesday, Jan. 4 to apply to FEMA for disaster assistance. Residents of Orange County have until Monday, Jan. 31, to apply.
Here are answers to this week’s Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. How long does it take for FEMA to process my appeal request?
A. It can take up to 90 days for FEMA to make a decision after receiving your appeal, which is why it's important to provide documentation to support your appeal. Be sure to write a letter explaining why you disagree with FEMA’s determination and include copies of any documents supporting your appeal, including proof of your disaster-caused losses. All documents, receipts, bills, and/or estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Be sure to include your disaster number (DR-4615-NY) and your FEMA application number on all documents you submit. Appeals can be mailed to FEMA, P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055. They can also be faxed to 800-827-8112 Attn: FEMA. Or they can be uploaded to your account at DisasterAssistance.gov.
Q. Do I have to visit a Disaster Recovery Center to check on the status of my appeal?
A. No. You can check on the status of your appeal by calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 or by visiting DisasterAssistance.
Q. What essential appliances will FEMA help to replace or repair?
A. FEMA can help with basic needs to start your recovery such as assistance to repair or replace essential appliances including a hot-water heater or furnace. FEMA may provide funds to eligible homeowners to elevate a destroyed furnace or water heater on a framed platform. Before elevating a furnace or water heater, homeowners should check with their utility company to find out whether any requirements would limit elevation of these items.
Q. How do individuals and businesses obtain flood insurance?
A. The National Flood Insurance Program provides affordable flood insurance for homeowners and businesses in participating communities. Call your insurance agent for information or visit the National Flood Insurance Program website at floodsmart.gov.
Q. I live in Orange County and had damage from Hurricane Ida. Is it too late for me to apply to FEMA for assistance?
A. No. Orange County residents have until Monday, Jan. 31, to apply for FEMA disaster assistance as the county was designated for assistance on Dec. 1. Residents of the other nine New York counties that were affected by Hurricane Ida have until Tuesday, Jan. 4, to apply.
Ways to apply for FEMA disaster assistance:
- Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Lines are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 3 for an interpreter who speaks your language.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center and meet with FEMA staff and representatives of other federal and state agencies who can provide information about disaster assistance. To find a recovery center near you, visit fema.gov/locations/new%
20york#drc.
For additional online resources as well as FEMA downloadable pamphlets and other aids, visit DisasterAssistance.gov
For the latest information on New York’s recovery efforts, visit fema.gov/disaster/4615. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/FEMARegion2 and on Facebook at facebook.com/fema.
