ORLANDO, Fla. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency is calling for action ahead of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season from past applicants whose claims are still pending due to some degree of missing documentation, according to a news release.
More than 32,700 assistance applications remain ineligible in the wake of hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton, yet FEMA has singled them out due to how the agency says the applicants may still have a chance to move the process forward.
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Such applicants must submit an appeal that includes a signed letter explaining their situation along with any supporting documentation, FEMA’s news release states. These appeals must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the applicant’s FEMA determination letter, according to the release.
For FEMA to provide aid, survivors must prove:
-Identity
-Home ownership
-Occupancy at the time of the storm
This applies to both homeowners and renters. Without official documents verifying these details, FEMA is unable to process assistance - no matter how great the need.
FEMA - Help Your Community: Over 32,700 FEMA Applications Still Pending Due to Missing Documentation (excerpt)
From 2017 through May 16, 2025, FEMA approved at least $20.4 billion in disaster spending across Florida for cash payments, grants and loans to individuals, businesses and governments, according to CBS News analysis of FEMA disaster spending data. So far, $16.4 billion of the $20.4 billion has been paid out, with about $5.3 billion having been paid to individuals for emergency living expenses.
[MORE: Sen. Rick Scott talks hurricane preparedness, urges local readiness in Sanford amid FEMA cuts]
See below for what FEMA described as “a helpful fact sheet for disaster survivors outlining what’s needed to move forward with their applications in the weeks and months ahead.”
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.