FEMA News:

If you filed a Notice of Loss (NOL) but not all of your supporting documents are readily available, you may need to ask for an extension.

Claimants can submit a written deadline extension request before the due date explaining why they need more time, such as if they are unable to submit the supporting documents (i.e., an NRCS plan) prior to the deadline due to circumstances beyond their control. you will miss either the Proof of Loss (POL) or Release and Certification (R&C) deadline, contact your Navigator before the deadline to request an extension either by letter or email.

Claims Deadlines

Proof of Loss Submission Deadline Extension – Claimants can request an extension of the 150-day deadline after NOL acknowledgement for submitting their final completed POL.

Release & Certification Form Submission Deadline Extension – Claimants can request an extension of the 120-day deadline after receiving their Letter of Determination for submitting their signed R&C Form.

Your Navigator will discuss an appropriate extension timeline with you. To be considered, the extension request must be received by email or postmarked no later than 10 days before either submission deadline. Requests for extensions will be considered no earlier than 60 days before these deadlines. 

​​​​​​​EXAMPLES OF REASONS THAT MAY JUSTIFY EXTENDING THE 150-DAY DEADLINE FOR POL SUBMISSION:

• Personal hardship (i.e., medical emergencies, family emergencies/deaths, etc.).
• Records were destroyed or damaged by either the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, subsequent flooding, or some other cause.
• The claimant was not able to find documents in a timely manner and /or is awaiting delivery of documentation.

Once the Claims Office has received your extension request, it will be either approved or denied. If it is approved, your navigator will call to inform you of this decision, and you will receive confirmation in writing. This letter will note the length of the extension. If you have questions, you can contact your navigator or the Advocate. The Claims Office can process a claim without all of the necessary documentation but will determine compensation based on the documentation received. The Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire Assistance Act directs the Claims Office to provide full compensation available under the law to claimants who have suffered loss as a result of the fire and subsequent flooding.

A sample extension request letter is below: 

FEMA Hermit’s Peak /Calf Canyon Claims Office
P.O. Box 1329
Santa Fe, NM 87504

Dear Navigator, 

My name is John Smith, and my claim ID is 00XX1234. I will be unable to submit my signed Proof of Loss by the current deadline of XXday, Month XX, 2023.  I have not received my (document you are lacking) and the reason why is XXXXXYYYZZZ. At this time, I am unable to provide the necessary documentation to complete my Proof of Loss. For this reason, I am requesting an extension of XX days and will submit my signed Proof of Loss to the Claims Office no later than XXday, Month XX, 2023.  Thank you for your consideration,