LA County official tells residents to reapply for FEMA aid after immediate rejection 'glitch'

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said she has been in contact with Washington D.C. about the debacle, which she previously referred to as "mind-boggling," and said it appears to be an issue with residents who claim they have insurance.

Published: January 10, 2025 6:44pm

Updated: January 10, 2025 8:23pm

A Los Angeles County official on Friday said a glitch in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's system has led residents affected by the Southern California fires to be immediately denied assistance, despite filling out a form by the agency.

A series of fires have been blazing across Los Angeles County this week, forcing more than 180,000 residents to evacuate their homes, and resulting in the deaths of at least 10 people so far. Thousands of structures have also burned.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said she has been in contact with Washington D.C. about the debacle, which she previously referred to as "mind-boggling," and said it appears to be an issue with residents who claim they have insurance. 

“We have been in contact with Washington," Barger said at an Eaton Fire community meeting. "What they’re saying is, if you identify that you have insurance, you will get denied. It’s a glitch that they are fixing, but do not feel that denial is real." 

Barger said residents who have been told that they were denied the assistance should reapply.

The explanation aligns with what FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told CNN, which is that one reason the denial could be issued is if the agency is waiting for more information, such as information from insurance companies. 

“Typically what it is, is we’re still waiting to find out what their insurance company is going to cover, because we can’t duplicate those benefits,” she said.

Criswell and Barger have not provided a timeline for when the glitch would be resolved, or how residents should apply for the assistance if they do have insurance.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.

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