Babin Bulletin | November 21, 2017 Click here if you have trouble viewing this email
Babin: We Are Here to Help in Your Recovery, Do Not Hesitate to Contact Our Office
Dear Friend,

As our communities continue their recovery from Hurricane Harvey, I share the deep and mounting frustrations from many of you. My staff and I have been working tirelessly to help our friends, neighbors and constituents get through this difficult process. We have been able to help hundreds of constituents in their difficulties.


Rep. Babin assists in local Harvey response and discusses federal relief efforts.

I encourage anyone who needs help to contact our office at 832-780-0966 (Deer Park), 409-883-8075 (Orange) or Washington, DC (202-225-1555). While we cannot guarantee a certain outcome, we have the ability to help get to the bottom of your case. In this email, you will find helpful information on the resources that are available to you and the steps that you can take to get help.

Thank you and God bless,
Brian Babin
FEMA Determination Letters:
"How to File an Appeal"
If FEMA's determination letter indicated that you were ineligible for assistance or you feel FEMA's award amount is insufficient, you have every right to an appeal. Sometimes you may only need to provide additional information to be eligible for assistance. The determination letter you received from FEMA should have included specific instructions on how you may appeal FEMA’s denial. Importantly, you must appeal by the deadline included in your FEMA response. For more information on how to best understand FEMA's decision letter, click here.
What to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision letter 
 
1. Read the letter carefully to find out why the decision was made.

Do you need to provide additional information?

• Insurance determination letter.
• Proof of occupancy or ownership.
• Proof of ID.
• Applicant’s signature.

Common reasons for the initial decision:

• There was insufficient proof (or evidence) of substantial damage
• The damage was to a secondary home or a rental property, not a primary residence.
• Someone else in the household applied and received assistance.
• Disaster-related losses could not be verified.
• Insurance covered all losses.

2. Contact FEMA for help with filing an appeal or any questions.

Call: 800-621-3362 or visit: A Disaster Recovery Center

3. File a written appeal.

Explain why you think the decision was not correct.

• Provide supporting information and documents.
• Include your FEMA registration number on all documents.
• Sign the letter.

Mail or fax your appeal within 60 days of the decision letter date, or drop it off at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Nov. 30th FEMA Registration Deadline
The deadline to register for FEMA assistance is Nov. 30, 2017. This includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance and repair or replacement of damaged homes for eligible individuals and families who have suffered losses as a result of Hurricane Harvey.

You may register in the following ways:
Direct Temporary Housing Information
Those whose primary residences were destroyed or received major damage as a result of Harvey may qualify for direct temporary housing assistance based on established criteria. To apply, homeowners and renters must first register for federal aid at www.disasterassistance.gov. One or more of the criteria listed below must be met to be eligible for direct temporary housing. When determining eligibility, consideration is given to the severity of losses as well as the time needed to repair the home or find a safe place to live. 
  1. Consideration for a direct temporary housing is given to those needing temporary housing for a period of up to 18 months from the start of the disaster. The period of assistance ends on Feb. 25, 2019.
  2. Owners must receive a determination by FEMA that their permanent residence has at least $17,000 of FEMA Verified Loss.
  3. Renters must receive a determination by FEMA that their property has sustained major damage or has been destroyed.
  4. Owners and renters must have had 18 inches or greater of water in their home.
Hotel Stays Extended to Nov. 27 for Flood Victims
Flood victims staying in hotels under the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program may be eligible to stay longer—the new deadline is Nov. 27, 2017. For more information from FEMA, click here.

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