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The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.

Updated on 9/12/2022

Do you think your FEMA personal property or home repair amounts are too low? You can ask for a second FEMA inspection, even if you have already appealed.

Write to FEMA to ask for the second inspection as part of your appeal.

Request the inspection:

• You can request a second inspection if:
  • FEMA’s award missed damage inside your home or
  • A FEMA inspector did not say you could show them pictures or video on your phone.
• To request a second inspection, call:
  • 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. CST. Explain that the award missed damage or that you were not told you could show photos or video of the damage inside, and that you want a second inspection.
  • If you have language, disability, or other barriers to completing the inspection you can request accommodations: call 800-621-3362 (TTY 800-462-7585) in advance of the inspection and let FEMA know your needs.

After you request the inspection:

• A FEMA inspector may have an out of state phone number. The FEMA inspector may show up on your caller ID as “unavailable.” So answer all calls if you are waiting for a second inspection. If the call goes to voicemail, the inspector will leave a call-back number.
• At a time you agree to, the inspector will come to your damaged home. You need to show your photo ID to the inspector.
• FEMA inspectors will enter your home for an inspection, unless it would be unsafe or you specifically state that you do not want that.
• If you do not want the inspector to enter your home, show them photos of the inside damage to your home. Take a video (even on your phone) of the inside damage to show the inspector. Try to use clear pictures and video.
• Give the inspector a list of everything that was damaged.

Other things to know:

• FEMA only covers costs to make your home to a safe and fit to live in. It does not replace everything damaged.
• When meeting with an inspector, you can ask for his or her Photo ID badge. The badge has the inspector’s name and photo.
• Inspectors do not charge you a fee.
• Inspectors will not ask for your Social Security Number. Inspectors do not ask for your financial information.
• If you are unsure if someone is trying to steal your information or identity, do not give out any information. Call the FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720- 5721 or call your local police department.