HONOLULU—Anyone who applied for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damage stemming from the severe storms and flooding that hit Oahu Dec. 10-16 and who received a letter stating they were "not eligible for federal disaster assistance," may reopen their application by submitting an appeal letter, FEMA officials said.

There are many reasons a request for individual disaster assistance may be denied, or for the amount of an assistance grant to be lower than expected, the officials said in a news release. One of the most common is insurance-related. FEMA's application process cannot proceed until a private insurance settlement is paid.

FEMA assistance programs do not replace insurance coverage or meet deductibles for disaster- related loss or damage, according to the news release.

Applicants whose private insurance claims have not yet been settled may receive a letter of ineligibility from FEMA. Once a claim is settled, FEMA should be notified of the amount so that the disaster assistance registration process can continue. FEMA may be able to assist with losses not covered in an insurance policy.

Other reasons an applicant may receive a denial letter:

• An unreturned disaster loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

• No record of the damaged property as your primary residence at the time of the disaster.

• Damage was due to deferred maintenance (pre-existing conditions).

• No acceptable evidence of identity, documentation of disaster damage, or proof of ownership of damaged property.

• A missing signature.

• A determination made in error.

• Lack of verification of occupancy.

In writing appeal letters, applicants should explain why they think the decision about the amount or type of assistance they received was not correct. Be as specific as possible in describing any issues not addressed in the inspection process.

Appeal letters should include the applicant's FEMA disaster registration number and the federal disaster declaration number. It is important to have an appeal letter postmarked within 60 days of the date on the decision (denial) letter.

For more information about filing a FEMA appeal, call the FEMA Hotline at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. HST, seven days a week.