How to Appeal: About the HARP Appeals Process

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If you applied to HARP or are already participating in the program, you have the right to challenge certain decisions made by the program.^[1] For example, an applicant might appeal if the program says they do not qualify or if the program determines an applicant should receive a smaller grant award.

Common reasons for appeals

HARP appeals can involve:

Program qualification
Calculation of grant award^[2]
Cost estimates for repairs or reconstruction^[3]
Duplication of benefits
File closure

Appeal deadlines and what to expect

All appeals must be submitted in writing to HARP within 30 calendar days of getting a program determination letter or denial notice.

Your written appeal must include a detailed explanation of the reason for the appeal.
Include any documents that support your case. Your case lead can help explain what required documentation you may need.
An appeal may include more than one issue, but all reasons must be submitted in the same written appeal.

If you miss the 30-day deadline, you may request more time to complete your appeal.

All requests should include a detailed explanation why your appeal is late.
Submit your extension request to your case lead.
If an extension is approved, you will receive up to 30 more calendar days to complete your appeal.

Once a written appeal is received, the program will send a confirmation within three to five business days.

Appeals for Tenants

If tenants occupy part of the property, they may also appeal decisions concerning relocation assistance. Their appeals process is similar to that of applicants, but tenants have 60 calendar days to submit their appeal.

How appeals are reviewed

Sometimes, the appeals team may request more information from you or a third party. Once the team receives all necessary documents, or confirms no more information is available, they will begin reviewing your appeal.

In most cases, the program will issue an appeal determination within 20 business days of receiving a completed appeal. The letter will explain the results in detail, and the appeals team will follow up within seven business days with the applicant or tenant.

You will then be asked to either:

Accept the appeal determination
Reject the appeal determination
Ask for a Level II final appeal review within 15 business days. If no response is received, the program will accept the appeal determination on the applicant’s or tenant’s behalf.

If more time is needed to review your appeal, HARP will let you know and provide updates.

How to submit or withdraw an appeal

Submitting an appeal

You can submit your appeal at a ReOregon Intake Center by email, on the HARP Application Portal, or through postal mail addressed to:

HARP Appeals Team

Disaster Recovery & Resiliency Division

Oregon Housing & Community Services

725 Summer St NE, Suite B

Salem, OR 97301

If you submit an appeal by email or mail, be sure to include a detailed explanation of the reason for the appeal and supporting documentation.

Withdrawing an appeal

You can voluntarily withdraw your appeal at any time before a final appeal determination is made. Send a written, signed request by email or mail. If you withdrawal your appeal, your HARP status remains as it was prior to submitting the appeal.

Questions?

Email reoregon@hcs.oregon.gov or contact your case lead or relocation specialist.

Footnotes:

[1] Program policies and federal statutory requirements cannot be appealed. ^

[2] Prior to execution of grant agreement. ^

[3] Limited to measurements of the home and/or quantities of damaged materials only. ^