MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The deadline to apply with FEMA will pass at the end of the business day Tuesday for victims of late July flooding in northern West Virginia.
Applicants from Marshall, Marion, Wetzel, and Harrison Counties, can still appeal a FEMA denial letter up to 60 days after receiving one from FEMA, but must at least start the process by applying for aid before the Oct. 17 individual assistance deadline. Flooding damaged at least 790 structures in the affected areas following a late burst of heavy rain beginning late on Friday, July 28 and continuing into Saturday, July 29.
It’s unclear how much individual aid has currently been provided to those under the individual assistance declaration. Assistance for public infrastructure damage includes Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Monongalia, Ohio, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, and Wetzel counties.
According to FEMA Public Information Officer Thomas Kempton, a FEMA Determination Letter is “not always the final word.” He did say before the DRC in Hundred closed last month that there was no longer anyone actively seeking short-term housing in that region.
Common reasons for rejection of individual assistance can include:
- Failing to provide FEMA with a copy of a letter verifying insurance coverage and detailing the settlement
- Failing to sign all required documents
- Failing to prove occupancy or ownership
- Damage is not at a primary residence, but rather second home or rental property
- Another member of the same household applied and received assistance
- Disaster-related losses could not be verified
All Disaster Recovery Centers related to the late July flooding are closed. Applicants or those appealing can send the necessary documentation to FEMA’s Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center at P.O. Box 10055 in Hyattsville, Maryland 20782-7055.
Documents can also be faxed to 800-877-8112. Additional questions can be addressed by calling 800-621-3362 (FEMA).