This information can change. Please double check sources and continue to monitor them for up to date information.

Oregon homeowners and renters who applied for FEMA disaster assistance have the right to appeal FEMA’s eligibility decisions. Survivors who don’t agree with FEMA’s eligibility decision may file an appeal within 60 days of receiving their letter, even though the application deadline has passed. To learn more about the appeals process, including what to include and how to file an appeal visit How to Appeal FEMA decisions. Appeals must be made in writing explaining why the agency should re-evaluate its decision and sent to FEMA by mail, fax or uploading to your online FEMA account. Why did FEMA find me ineligible?

Applicants should stay in touch with FEMA to ensure the disaster assistance process stays on track. This includes individuals seeking temporary FEMA housing in areas with few rental opportunities. Missing or incorrect information could result in delays in receiving assistance. Update contact information, report additional home damage or a delay in insurance claims in the following ways:

• Going online at **DisasterAssistance.gov** or FEMA Spanish website
• Downloading the FEMA app
• Calling the FEMA Helpline 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585). Multilingual operators are available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
• Those who use a Relay service, such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel, should provide their specific number assigned to that service. It is important that FEMA is able to contact you. Phone calls from FEMA may come from an unidentified number.
• While the deadline to apply with FEMA has passed, late applications may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.

WHAT HAS FEMA DONE IN OREGON?

FEMA DISASTER ASSISTANCE EXPLAINED

Basic disaster assistance from the Federal government falls into three categories: assistance for individuals and businesses, public assistance, and hazard mitigation assistance. A Governor’s request may seek any or all of these. However, hazard mitigation assistance is implemented only if one of the other categories is designated available. Mitigation assistance can be used throughout the affected State, though, rather than just in the declared counties. Oregon has received all three types of FEMA assistance for the wildfire events of 2020.

FEMA & Immigration Status

You do NOT have to be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or Qualified Alien to receive assistance.

You must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a Qualified Alien in order to be eligible for FEMA cash assistance (Individuals and Households Program) and Disaster Unemployment Assistance.

• A Qualified Alien includes anyone with lawful permanent residence (a “Green Card” holder). Other Qualified Aliens include:
  • Refugees
  • Refugee status
  • Withholding of deportation
  • Parole into the U. S. for at least one year
  • A Cuban-Haitian entrant
  • Certain aliens subjected to battery or extreme cruelty to them or a relative
  • Certain trafficking victims.
• Applicants should consult an immigration expert concerning whether or not their immigration status falls within the Qualified Alien category.
• You will be asked to sign a Declaration and Release (FEMA Form 009-0-3) that you, or a member of your household, is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a Qualified Alien.
• If you cannot sign the Declaration and Release form, another adult household member who is eligible can sign it, and no information regarding your status will be gathered.