FEMA Assistance Application To Close Next Week Unless Deadline Is Extended

By Megan Gleason, Source New Mexico

September 2, 2022

As things stand, Tuesday, Sept. 6 is the last day for victims with damaged property or homes caused by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and flooding-related disasters to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.

We’ll update this story when we hear back about a possible deadline extension.

"A deadline extension may come through soon," spokesperson Angela Byrd said Thursday.

In addition to damage caused by the fire, property harm from flooding, mudflows and debris flows are applicable. The help is aimed at those who are underinsured or without insurance.

Applying

Applicants must provide FEMA with ID, proof of ownership, an insurance determination letter, and a list of damaged and missing property or homes, along with photos.

Applications can be completed online, by phone (800-621-3362), in person (Old Memorial Middle School in Las Vegas, N.M.) or by mail or fax:

• Mail to: FEMA, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

• Fax to: Attn: FEMA, 800-827-8112

"FEMA has so far approved 1,240 applicants and allocated more than $4.7 million in funding as of Aug. 31," Byrd said. She declined to say how many applicants have been denied. FEMA won’t offer aid if insurance already covers the damage. “We don’t duplicate efforts,” she said.

But there are other reasons applications are denied, including missing documentation. People can appeal those and other denials.

Applicants have 60 days to appeal a decision after the date of the determination letter, even after Tuesday. This can be in the case of a denial or if the applicant doesn’t believe they’re getting enough assistance. Financial aid is capped at just under $40,000.

FEMA representatives are reaching out to people daily to help them in the appeal process, Byrd said. The agency has been criticized for automated denial letters sent to applicants or rejections based on incorrect information gathered by FEMA.

“If we are reaching out, if you can, please respond, and that will help,” she said. “That would absolutely help.”

Assistance can include:

• Funds for temporary housing or a direct temporary housing unit
• Repair or replacement of homes or other damaged property, such as roads or vehicles
• Disaster-caused expenses, such as for moving or storage, funeral needs or child care

Source New Mexico, an independent, nonprofit news organization, delivers original reporting and stories that center the lived experiences and expertise of the people of New Mexico, alongside insightful opinion and analysis. Source New Mexico is part of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers.