Receiving a denial from FEMA after a disaster can be incredibly disheartening. However, it’s crucial to remember that you have the right to appeal their decision. A well-crafted appeal letter is your best chance to present additional information, correct misunderstandings, and ultimately, receive the assistance you deserve. This article provides helpful appeal letter samples, and guidance to help you understand what makes a good FEMA appeal.
Crafting a compelling FEMA appeal letter requires clarity, precision, and supporting documentation. Start by clearly stating your FEMA registration number, disaster number, and the specific reason for your appeal. Address the points raised in the denial letter directly, providing evidence to refute or clarify each concern. Remember, being organized, providing evidence, and staying professional will strengthen your case.
Your letter should demonstrate how your situation meets the criteria for FEMA assistance. Emphasize the damages sustained, the impact on your ability to live safely, and any hardships you face as a result. Include copies (never originals) of receipts, repair estimates, insurance documents, photos of damage, and any other relevant supporting information to bolster your claims. If your appeal is based on medical or financial reasons, include the necessary documentation from medical professionals or financial institutions.
Finally, remember to keep a copy of your appeal letter and all supporting documents for your records. Mail your appeal via certified mail with return receipt requested, ensuring you have proof of delivery. Be polite and professional in your tone, even if you are frustrated by the denial. A well-written and properly documented appeal significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome. Below are some samples to guide you.
FEMA Appeal Letter Samples
Sample Letter 1: Proof of Occupancy
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the decision regarding my application for disaster assistance, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. My application was denied because I allegedly did not provide sufficient proof of occupancy at the address of the damaged property, [Your Property Address].
I am submitting the following documents as proof of occupancy:
* A copy of my current driver’s license with my current address.
* A copy of my utility bill ([Name of Utility]) dated [Date of Bill] showing my service address.
* A copy of my lease agreement, which confirms my residency at the property.
I have resided at this address for [Number] years, and the damage caused by [Name of Disaster] has rendered my home uninhabitable. I am requesting that you review my application with the included documentation and approve my request for assistance. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 2: Insurance Coverage Issues
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. The denial stated that I have sufficient insurance coverage to cover the damages caused by [Name of Disaster].
While I do have homeowner’s insurance, I would like to inform you that I have exhausted my coverage by [date]. I am attaching the letter from my insurance company showing that it has been depleted and the repairs it covered did not solve the issues stemming from the storm damage. I have used my coverage to repair [list repairs already performed with insurance funds].
I am unable to afford the remaining necessary repairs to make my home habitable. I am requesting that you reconsider my application, taking into account my circumstances. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 3: Unmet Need
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the decision regarding my application for disaster assistance, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. My application was denied because FEMA states that I don’t have any unmet needs.
Since the disaster, I have incurred significant costs including: [list your costs]. Due to [reasons], I do not have the funds to meet these needs. I am submitting documentation of my expenses, as well as my current financial statement to highlight my need.
I respectfully request that you reconsider my eligibility for assistance and approve my application. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 4: Denied for No Damage (Damage Actually Exists)
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. My application was denied because it was determined that the residence did not receive any damages.
I want to clearly state that there *was* indeed damage to my property. This included [list damage]. I was unaware that I needed to make them visible before FEMA came to inspect my property, but these damages directly resulted from [type of disaster]. I have attached pictures of these damages in order to illustrate the damage from the storm.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 5: Disagreement with Scope of Work
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the scope of work determined by the FEMA inspector, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. While I appreciate the initial assessment, I believe it does not fully encompass the necessary repairs to return my home to a safe and habitable condition.
Specifically, the inspector did not include [list of items missing]. These items are essential for the functionality and safety of my home and were directly damaged by [name of disaster]. I have included estimates from licensed contractors demonstrating the cost of these repairs. These estimates clearly illustrate that without addressing [specific issues], my home will remain unsafe and prone to further damage.
I respectfully request that you reassess the scope of work to include these necessary repairs. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 6: Late Application Due to Extenuating Circumstances
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal – Late Filing
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. I understand that my application was submitted after the designated deadline. I am requesting a waiver for this late filing due to extenuating circumstances.
Specifically, immediately following the disaster, I was [explain reasons, e.g., hospitalized due to injuries sustained during the disaster; caring for a sick relative who lost their home; dealing with the loss of a loved one]. I have included [medical records/death certificate/supporting documentation] to substantiate my claim. Due to these overwhelming circumstances, I was unable to focus on submitting the FEMA application within the prescribed timeframe.
I understand the importance of adhering to deadlines and sincerely regret my delayed submission. I kindly request that you consider these circumstances and approve my application for disaster assistance. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 7: Undocumented Worker – Assistance with Children
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Your Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. I understand I may not be eligible for some forms of assistance due to my immigration status. However, I am the parent of [number] US citizen children, and the disaster has severely impacted our family’s ability to meet basic needs.
While I may not qualify for all FEMA programs, I am seeking assistance specifically for my children, as allowed under FEMA guidelines. The damages to our home have created unsanitary and unsafe living conditions, jeopardizing their health and well-being. I am submitting copies of their birth certificates as proof of citizenship. We need help with [list specific needs, e.g., temporary housing, essential repairs to make the home habitable for children].
I respectfully request that you review my application, focusing on the needs of my US citizen children. Thank you for your consideration of our situation.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 8: Address Correction
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal – Address Correction
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Incorrect Address: [Incorrect Address on File]
Correct Address of Damaged Property: [Your Correct Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the status of my FEMA application, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number]. I believe the reason for the delay/denial is due to an incorrect address listed on my initial application. The address currently on file is [Incorrect Address on File]. The correct address of the damaged property is [Your Correct Property Address].
This error likely occurred because [brief explanation, e.g., I was still in shock and gave the wrong information; I have two properties and accidentally listed the wrong one]. I am attaching documentation confirming my residency at [Your Correct Property Address], including [list documents, e.g., utility bill, driver’s license, property tax statement].
I respectfully request that you update my application with the correct address so that my claim can be properly processed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Letter 9: Heirship Issues – Requesting Assistance as an Heir
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA National Processing Service Center
P.O. Box 10055
Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
RE: FEMA Application Appeal – Heirship Claim
FEMA Registration Number: [Your FEMA Registration Number]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Address of Damaged Property: [Property Address]
Dear FEMA Representative,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, FEMA Registration Number [Your FEMA Registration Number], Disaster Number [Disaster Number], for the property located at [Property Address]. I understand that the property owner of record is deceased. I am an heir to the property and am requesting assistance to repair the damages caused by [Type of Disaster].
I am attaching the following documentation to support my claim as an heir: [List documents e.g., Death Certificate of the deceased property owner, Will or probate documents naming you as an heir, Affidavits of Heirship, documentation showing you are responsible for property maintenance and/or payment of property taxes]. I am now responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring its safety. The disaster has caused significant damage, making it unsafe and uninhabitable.
I respectfully request that you review my application and supporting documentation and consider my eligibility for assistance as an heir to the damaged property. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion
Appealing a FEMA decision can be a challenging process, but with the right preparation and a well-documented appeal letter, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving the disaster assistance you need. Use these FEMA appeal letter samples as templates, and tailor them to your specific circumstances. Don’t give up – your efforts can make a real difference in your recovery.
