Don't Deny Yourself FEMA Benefits Due To Insurance Coverage

Updated :: Fri, 10/31/2008

Having insurance is not a reason to be denied FEMA assistance, but it can be an obstacle. For example, if you answer "yes" to the question; "Do you have insurance coverage?" FEMA will not inspect your property for damages until certain documentation is submitted from your insurance company. FEMA is looking for both a "Declaration Page" and a "Settlement Page" from your insurance company. If you are refused coverage, FEMA wants a copy of your "Declination (or denial) Page."

Even if you receive some insurance payment, you may qualify as "underinsured" by FEMA. For example if your insurance doesn't cover flood or wind damage, and your primary residence is uninhabitable for one or both of these reasons, you may qualify for FEMA assistance. Also, you may qualify for assistance if you cannot afford your insurance deductible.

If your insurance settlement is delayed by more than 30 days from the time you file the claim, you may write a letter to FEMA explaining the circumstance. Include documentation proving you filed the claim. If you filed over the telephone, include the claim number, date when you applied and estimated time it will take to receive your settlement.

For help with these questions and more, contact the City of Houston Ike Call Center at 713-276-3955.

DONATE TO RELIEF
EFFORTS!

Checks can be made payable
to Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund:

Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund
c/o The Greater Houston
Community Foundation
4550 Post Oak Place
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77027
www.ghcf.org

Mayor Bill White has
established a relief fund to
help fill unmet human needs
for victims of Hurricane Ike in
Houston, and Harris and
Galveston Counties and other
affected areas. The Fund is
being administered by Albert
Myres, senior vice president
at Reliant Energy, with
fundraising and distribution
overseen by a special citizens
advisory board. The Fund is
now accepting donations and
is assessing humanitarian
needs. People are asked to
mail donations to the above
mailing address or donate
online at the above website.

The Gulf Coast Ike Relief
Fund is modeled after the
successful Katrina/Rita Fund,
which was also managed for
the region by Myres.

To contribute online please go
to www.ghcf.org and then the Gulf Coast Ike Relief Fund
DONATE NOW button.

Would you like to receive
periodic e-mail on important
City issues of interest to you
and your neighborhood? If
so, please click the graphic
above and register with
CitizensNet today.
Register Now!

View the CitizensNet Archive