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If you’re a resident of Los Angeles County affected by the Eaton Fire and have applied for FEMA assistance, you may have received a letter stating that your application was “not approved.” This can understandably be frustrating, but it’s important to know that a “not approved” status doesn’t mean you’ve been denied assistance outright. At Danko Meredith Fire Lawyers, we’ve seen how these decisions can be part of the process, especially for those with insurance.
It’s vital to understand the next steps, so you can continue on your recovery journey.
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If you receive a “not approved” letter from FEMA, it’s essential to read it carefully. The letter will likely outline several key pieces of information including:
For many survivors of the Eaton Fire, receiving a “not approved” letter is common —especially for those with insurance coverage. FEMA will need to verify that your insurance has been processed and that it doesn’t cover the full cost of your losses before offering additional assistance.
If your letter says you are not eligible due to insurance coverage, don’t give up hope just yet. FEMA is prohibited by law from providing aid for costs already covered by insurance. However, if your insurance doesn’t fully cover your damages, you may still qualify for FEMA assistance to help bridge the gap.
If you’ve filed an insurance claim and haven’t received your settlement after thirty (30) days, FEMA can potentially offer you initial financial assistance while you wait. You can contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 for guidance on how to proceed.
If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, or if you believe the amount of assistance offered is insufficient to fully address your needs, you have the right to appeal. FEMA allows you to file a written appeal within sixty (60) days of receiving your letter. Be sure to include any supporting documents, such as:
When submitting your appeal, be sure to include the following information:
Appeals can be submitted online through your FEMA account, by fax, or by mail to FEMA’s processing center (the address will be provided in your letter).
If you receive funds from both GoFundMe and FEMA for the Eaton fire, here are some general things to consider:
GoFundMe is a personal fundraising platform that has been integral for Eaton Fire survivors. The funds you receive from GoFundMe are typically considered gifts and are not subject to taxation as income. However, if the funds are used for specific expenses related to the Eaton fire, they might be considered as part of the total funds you’ve received, and they may affect your FEMA assistance. If FEMA grants your assistance, you need to use it only for the expenses it was intended for (e.g., temporary housing, home repairs). If you receive additional money from GoFundMe for the same purpose (e.g., housing or home repairs), FEMA may reduce the amount of assistance they provide, as they typically consider other sources of funding when determining your eligibility for aid.
If you use both GoFundMe and FEMA funds for the same specific expenses (like home repairs or housing), FEMA may adjust or reduce your assistance based on the amount you’ve received from GoFundMe. It’s crucial to keep track of how you use each source of funding. You must be careful and transparent to avoid allegations of double-dipping. If FEMA asks about any other financial assistance you’ve received, you must disclose any funds from GoFundMe to avoid potential fraud or penalties. There could be serious repercussions to duplicating recovery funds.
To be safe, it’s always a good idea to check FEMA’s guidelines on “duplication of benefits” and keep receipts or records to show specifically how funds from GoFundMe and FEMA are being used.
FEMA provides various types of assistance to help you recover. Here are some of the key programs that may apply to you:
Remember, the deadline for FEMA assistance applications is March 10, 2025, so take action as soon as possible.
In addition to FEMA, you may qualify for further assistance through the California State Supplemental Grant Program. If you receive the full $43,600 in housing assistance from FEMA, you will automatically qualify for an additional $10,000 in state aid to help with rental costs, home repairs, personal property replacement, medical expenses, and more.
For homeowners and renters who face additional financial challenges, FEMA’s “Other Needs Assistance” can provide up to another $43,600, separate from the housing grant.
If you haven’t yet applied for FEMA assistance or need to follow up on your application, you can:
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is March 10, 2025. Don’t miss this critical deadline to ensure you receive the support you need.
In addition to FEMA aid, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses affected by the Eaton Fire. These loans can cover:
You can apply for SBA loans through the Disaster Recovery Center or at an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center. For more information, visit the SBA Disaster Assistance Website.
If you lost important documents in the Eaton fire, many can be replaced through the relevant agencies. Additionally, if you are out of work due to the Eaton Fire, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits. Apply online through the California Employment Development Department (EDD) at edd.ca.gov, or by phone at 800-300-5616 (English) or 800-326-8937 (Spanish).
While receiving a “not approved” letter from FEMA can be discouraging during an already traumatic time, it’s often just a temporary obstacle. With the right approach—whether that’s appealing FEMA’s decision, submitting additional documentation, or seeking alternative forms of financial support like SBA loans or state grants—you can continue your recovery.
If you’re a survivor of the Eaton Fire, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. At Danko Meredith Fire Lawyers, we are dedicated to helping fire victims navigate the complex recovery process and secure the compensation they deserve.
