During the inspection, the inspector will attempt to verify the applicant’s name, address, contact information, occupancy and ownership status, and insurance coverage.The inspector is not able to determine whether a survivor is eligible for assistance. The FEMA inspector documents disaster-caused damage as part of the inspection. The inspector will never ask for bank information. FEMA never charges a fee for an inspection.If the applicant or co-applicant are unable to meet with an inspector, a third-party can be designated in writing and pre-authorized before the scheduled time and date. The survivor may invite another individual such as a household member, relative, or friend, to assist in communicating with the inspector. Inspections can only be completed if an applicant or co-applicant is able to meet with the inspector. During InspectionĪ typical inspection takes up to 45 minutes to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. The individual should also notify FEMA directly by contacting the FEMA Helpline at 80, or by visiting a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center. If contacted by a FEMA home inspector but no one in the household applied for FEMA disaster assistance, the individual should inform the inspector that they did not apply for FEMA assistance and ask the inspector to withdraw the application. If the survivor cannot be reached to set an appointment for the inspection, a letter and/or e-mail will be sent to the address provided at the time of application. The inspector will attempt contact three times on different days and at different times of the day to schedule an appointment to conduct the inspection. When the FEMA inspector calls, write down: The inspector’s phone number may be from out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable”.įor the survivor’s protection, the inspector may ask the survivor to verify personally identifiable information (PII) by phone. In some cases, an applicant may be contacted the same day they apply, but usually not more than 10 days after they apply. Typically, after a survivor applies for disaster assistance, they will be contacted by a FEMA inspector within a few days to schedule an appointment. Setting up the InspectionĪ FEMA home inspection is part of the process for verifying disaster-caused damage and loss, as well as helping to determine federal assistance options available for applicants. When survivors are apprehensive, due to ongoing COVID-19 uncertainties, or when otherwise unable to enter the home, FEMA will follow Centers of Disease Control and Prevention guidance to conduct an exterior validation of the home including using social distancing and utilizing protective personal equipment. Disaster survivors’ health and safety remain FEMA’s priority so the agency will retain the ability to conduct inspections without entering the home. Multiple virtual methods were used to inspect survivor homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of June 1, 2022, FEMA reinstituted verification of disaster-caused losses through in-person home inspections.
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