FEMA application denied? What LA fire victims should know

(NewsNation) — Victims affected by the deadly Los Angeles County wildfires whose federal disaster relief claim was denied may actually just be missing documentation or information on their claim.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking fire victims who filed claims for federal assistance to read a letter detailing their eligibility for federal assistance before becoming discouraged. FEMA officials said repeatedly that a simple fix can be made during the appeal process.

Since the outbreak of the fires last week, many applicants for federal assistance have reported receiving denial letters from FEMA. Although such letters may seem to indicate that a person is ineligible to receive financial help from the federal agency, applicants may still be able to receive relief aid.

FEMA says a common reason why applicants received letters denying their claim or stating that a decision was pending was a lack of information provided by the applicant. Missing information that could result in a denial includes insurance details, an estimate for a contractor’s work, proof of occupancy or a missed appointment with a FEMA inspector.

On Monday, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairperson Kathryn Barger said FEMA has set up several field offices to work with victims of the deadly fires.

“FEMA relief is essential to getting our impacted residents back on their feet,” she said.

On Tuesday, efforts that began with FEMA officials setting up workstations at local libraries will transition to centralized assistance centers. The centers will be located at Pasadena City College and the UCLA Research Park. Barger said residents will be able to receive in-person support for lodging and essential items and help with other large-scale needs.

More than 26,000 people have registered for assistance under President Joe Biden’s Major Disaster Declaration. Biden has said that the federal government will cover 100% of the costs for the next six months associated with the fires.

Barger said that she has heard from many residents, especially those who are uninsured, who are concerned that they will not receive enough federal assistance to help them with their rebuilding efforts. Barger said in addition to advocating for federal assistance, she will also be pushing for what she called innovative loan and housing solutions that will allow residents to return to their communities.