FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE:
Important Deadlines for
Federal Assistance

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

It is hard to believe that it has now been two months since this summer’s terrible flooding devastated communities across our state. As we continue the difficult and too often heartbreaking work of recovery and rebuilding, I wanted to share some good news with you, as well as some important updates.

The good news: So far, over 3,000 Vermonters have applied and received assistance from FEMA, and recently some important application deadlines to apply for federal assistance have been extended. The deadlines for FEMA Individual Assistance, Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance, have all been extended – giving individuals, homeowners, displaced employees, and small business owners more time to apply for the aid they need. Although the extensions are good news, I encourage you to apply for aid as soon as possible. The sooner you apply, the sooner your application can be reviewed.

While it is good news that thousands of Vermonters have already received assistance from FEMA, I know many others have yet to receive help.

If you already applied and have received a notification from FEMA that says you are NOT ELIGIBLE for assistance, PLEASE REMEMBER: THIS IS NOT A FINAL DENIAL. You can appeal this decision by providing more information. Believe it or not, applications are often not approved at first for reasons that are easily fixable, including simply sending along some additional personal documents, like receipts or insurance claims. I know this can be frustrating. But please read on below to see some common mistakes that can trigger an “ineligible” response from FEMA. We want to make sure we’re doing everything possible to get you the aid that you need.

Finally, if you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance provided, you have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to appeal.

Please read on below for more detailed guidance around these important deadlines, understanding your FEMA letter, and the appeals process. If you have questions, call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 1-800-621-3362. If you need more assistance in navigating these flood resources, including your application, please do not hesitate to call my office at 1-800-339-9834.

I am working hard in Washington to secure as much additional aid for Vermont as possible. I hope to be able to share updates on that fight soon. All this to say, this is a very difficult time for Vermont. And we have a long way to go to fully recover from this crisis. But I do believe we will get through this together.

Sincerely,

P.S. If you or someone you know is having a hard time with the emotional impact of this crisis, you can call/text the National Disaster Stress Hotline, 1-800-985-5990, or 9-8-8.

Important Flood Recovery Deadlines and How to Apply

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

• ASAP — If you have insurance, remember to contact your home/renter/flood/car insurance carrier and file a claim as soon as possible. Remember, you can still apply for FEMA assistance and provide them with insurance information when you receive it. You have 60 days from the date on the decision letter to appeal the FEMA decision.
  
  
• **UPDATED DEADLINE** September 29, 2023 — To apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
  
  
• **UPDATED DEADLINE** October 12, 2023 — To apply for FEMA Individual Assistance.
  
  
• **UPDATED DEADLINE** October 12, 2023 — To apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Home and Personal Property Loan or a Business Physical Disaster Loan. Both of these loans cover physical damage.
  
  
• April 15, 2024 — To apply for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans. These loans help small businesses and certain nonprofits meet their working capital needs following a disaster.
  
  
• Multiple Deadlines — If you are a farmer or own an agricultural business that experienced damage, speak with your local USDA Service Center as soon as possible about your eligibility for assistance and relevant deadlines.
  
  

HOW TO APPLY

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA): Before you can apply for DUA, you must apply for regular unemployment benefits. If you do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, the Vermont Department of Labor will provide you with the application for DUA. File an initial unemployment insurance claim (Monday-Friday) by calling 1-877-214-3330. Visit https://labor.vermont.gov/dua for information, including eligibility details.

FEMA Individual Assistance: Applicants should register online at DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA mobile app, or call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362 or 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. To apply in person, visit a Disaster Recovery Center, where FEMA and SBA specialists can answer questions, help upload documents, and refer you to available resources. Find a Disaster Recovery Center near you here: https://egateway.fema.gov/ESF6/DRCLocator.

SBA Assistance: Business owners, homeowners, renters, and private nonprofit organizations affected by the flooding may qualify for SBA assistance and should first register with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov. Then, complete and submit a SBA disaster loan application at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ela/s/.

Understanding Your FEMA Letter

Vermonters impacted by the flooding disaster this summer in Caledonia, Chittenden, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor counties are eligible to apply for individual assistance from FEMA. Some Vermonters have already received an eligibility determination letter from FEMA in the mail or via email.

It may look like this if your letter says you are ineligible for assistance.
But REMEMBER this is not necessarily a final denial.

Common Application Mistakes and Steps You Can Take: It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of financial assistance FEMA can provide, information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds, and other assistance that may be available to you. The letter will also explain your application status and advise what additional steps you need to take to appeal an unfavorable decision. Often, FEMA simply needs additional information or documentation from you to continue reviewing your application. Common examples of missing documentation may include:

• Proof of insurance coverage
• Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider
• Proof of identity
• Proof of occupancy
• Proof of ownership
• Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster

Have questions about your letter or need assistance?: If you have questions about your letter, you can call FEMA’s disaster assistance helpline at 800-621-3362. Specialists are available seven days a week, 365 days a year, with language translation services available. If you use a relay service such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, provide FEMA your number for that service when you apply.

Visit a Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help, where FEMA specialists can assist with applications, answer questions, and provide referrals to resources. To find a center near you, visit fema.gov/drc.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, including the amount of assistance approved, or if you can provide the additional information requested in the letter, you have 60 days from the date of your FEMA determination letter to submit an appeal. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. Appeals must be in writing, and should also include:

• Applicant’s full name
• Disaster number (DR-4720 -VT)
• Address of the pre-disaster primary residence
• Applicant’s current phone number and address
• Your nine-digit FEMA application number on all documents

Ways to submit your appeal:

• If someone other than an applicant or co-applicant writes the appeal letter, that person must sign it and provide FEMA with a signed statement authorizing the individual to act on behalf of the applicant.
  
  
• Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA determination letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account. To set up an account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov and follow the directions.
  
  
• Other ways to submit documents include:
  • Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
  • Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA
    
    

Still Need Help? Call My Office

My office is working closely with FEMA and other agencies involved in disaster response and recovery to help Vermonters navigate this complicated process. We can help point you in the right direction for assistance directly from these agencies or assist you in communicating with the agencies. If you need help, call my Vermont office toll free at 800-339-9834.