GULFPORT, Miss.--This is for anyone affected by HurricanE Isaac who applied for FEMA aid and was denied. FEMA sent out rejection notices for a variety of reasons, and now the federal agency says you can try again.

A news release sent out over the weekend contained the following info:

Some of the reasons for an initial determination of ineligibility can be easily remedied with more information such as:                    

• Calling or writing to FEMA when a final insurance settlement is agreed upon.
• Indicating a willingness to re-locate to another residence; answering "Yes" to this question indicates flexibility in considering other temporary housing solutions but does not commit an applicant to move.·                                                                  
• Providing proof of ownership or residence, especially documents showing the damagedproperty was the primary residence at the time of the disaster.·      
• Returning the SBA disaster loan application.·      
• Signing essential documents.

Survivors can ask for another review to appeal the amount or type of help provided or any other decision about federal disaster assistance. Many issues can be resolved and allow applicants to receive disaster assistance. When appealing, applicants should explain in writing why they disagree with a decision along with any new or additional documents supporting the appeal.  Appeal letters for Hurricane Isaac also should include:  ·      

• Federal disaster declaration number 4081-DR-MS on all pages of documents·      
• Applicant information, including;       Nine-digit FEMA application number on all pages of documentso      Name      Date and place of birth      Address of the damaged dwelling·      
• Copies of verifiable documentation that supports the appeal. All receipts, bills and estimates must include contact information for the service provider. Keep all originals for your records.  
• A copy of a state-issued identification card, unless the letter is notarized or includes the following statement: "I hereby declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct." ·      
• The applicant's signature.

Applicants can call the Disaster Legal Services hotline phone number at 877-691-6185 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday for free legal help with insurance claims. They can also call the Mississippi Insurance Department at 800-562-2957.

Mail the appeal letter to:

FEMANational Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD  20782-7055

Applicants may fax their appeal letter to:(800) 827-8112 Attention: FEMA

It is important to have appeal letters postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision letter. If applicants have any questions about the letters, they should call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 or go to www.fema.gov/help-after-disaster.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards. Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585. FEMA's temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.