HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The Federal Emergency Management Agency has clarified that timely appeals made on Typhoon Mawar related disaster assistance decisions don’t need to contain all necessary supporting documents upon initial submission.
Although appeals must be submitted within 60 days of a decision, this can be done with any available supporting information and documents, according to Zachary Usher, deputy director of FEMA’s Individual Assistance Division.
“FEMA’s existing policy allows for additional information to be provided after an applicant submits their timely appeal. After FEMA receives the appeal, a caseworker reviews the appeal and file to determine if there is sufficient documentation to change FEMA’s determination. If more information is needed to decide, FEMA may call the applicant and send a letter requesting additional information with a deadline of 30 additional days to submit the additional information,” Usher stated in a letter to Guam Del. James Moylan.
If an applicant needs more time beyond the 30 days to gather documents, they can inform FEMA and receive more time, according to Usher.
“FEMA recognizes disaster survivors do not all start from the same place. We strive for an equitable appeals process within the statutory framework and our appeal process which will provide flexibility for the territory of Guam to secure contractor estimates in support of their appeal,” Usher wrote to Moylan.
According to a release from the delegate’s office, Moylan inquired with FEMA last month regarding appeals on disaster assistance awards, as several residents raised concerns over how challenging it was to gather all appeal information within 60 days, inclusive of securing a contractor to obtain estimates.
“We appreciate the response of FEMA on our inquiry, and more importantly, thank them for their flexibility. The process of applying for disaster relief, let alone an appeal, is very daunting; hence, any support is welcome. If any resident has questions or concerns with their appeals process, they can reach our office at 671-922-6673 to obtain some assistance,” Moylan stated in the release.
People wait in line at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center Sunday June 4, 2023, at the Guam Community College in Mangilao.
