The State of Georgia and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened a Disaster Recovery Center at the Lowndes County Civic Center on 2108 East Hill Ave and is ready to serve Hurricane Idalia survivors from Cook, Glynn and Lowndes counties. The center will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for seven days a week.

VALDOSTA – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) released details Thursday for applicants seeking disaster assistance to better understand their eligibility letter.

Hurriance Idalia survivors from Lowndes, Cook and Glynn counties were recently named eligible to apply for assistance from FEMA following the storm. Applicants will soon receive an eligibility letter in the mail or via email, according to the press release.

“The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of any assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster assistance funds,” the release said.

The State of Georgia and FEMA recently opened a Disaster Recovery Center in Lowndes County. The center officially opened at noon Sunday, Sept. 17, and served about 50 residents from the listed areas. The center will operate from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for seven days a week.

Applicants may only need to submit additional information or supporting documentation for FEMA to continue processing the application.

Examples of missing documentation may include:

Proof of insurance coverage.

Settlement of insurance claims or denial letter from insurance provider.

Proof of identity.

Proof of occupancy.

Proof of ownership.

Proof that the damaged property was the applicant’s primary residence at the time of the disaster.

Applicants who were initially found ineligible or disagree with the amount of assistance approved can appeal FEMA’s determination. Any applicant who disagrees with FEMA’s decision, or the amount of assistance, may submit an appeal letter and documents supporting their claim, such as a contractor’s estimate for home repairs, or missing documents as described in the determination letter.

“FEMA cannot duplicate assistance provided by another source, such as insurance settlements. However, those who are underinsured may receive further assistance for unmet needs after insurance claims have been settled,” the release said.

The appeal must be in writing. In a signed and dated letter, explain the reason(s) for the appeal. It should include the following :

Applicant’s full name.

Disaster number (DR-4738 for Hurricane Idalia in Georgia).

Address of the pre-disaster primary residence.

Applicant’s current phone number and address.

Applicant’s FEMA application number on all documents.

If you choose to have a third party submit an appeal letter on your behalf, the appeal letter must be signed by the third party. Additionally, please include a statement signed by you authorizing the third party to appeal on your behalf.

Appeal letters must be postmarked within 60 days of the date at the top of the eligibility letter. Applicants may also visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) to submit your appeal.

Letters and supporting documents may be submitted to FEMA by fax, mail or via a FEMA online account. To set up an online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055

By fax: 800-827-8112 (“Attention: FEMA“)