The deadline for individuals to apply for FEMA assistance following the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire is Oct. 7. (Photo by Bright Quashie for Source NM)
Victims with damaged property or homes caused by the Hermits Peak-Calf Canyon Fire and flooding-related disasters now have until Oct. 7 to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance.
FEMA extended the deadline for another month, spokesperson Angela Byrd said Tuesday. It was previously set to end on Tuesday, Sept. 6.
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 the deadline passes. 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
Update: Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 at 9 a.m.
This story was updated to reflect the new Oct. 7 deadline for FEMA applications announced Tuesday morning.Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site.
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