After applying for FEMA disaster assistance, you might receive a determination letter stating you’re ineligible or receiving less aid than anticipated. Don’t despair! You have the right to appeal. Understanding how to effectively communicate your situation and provide supporting documentation is crucial for a successful appeal. This guide provides essential information and 14 sample FEMA appeal letters to help you navigate the process.
A well-crafted appeal letter should clearly explain why you believe FEMA’s decision was incorrect. Include any new or missing information that supports your claim. This might include repair estimates, insurance documentation, or medical bills. Remember to adhere to FEMA’s deadlines for submitting your appeal, usually within 60 days of the determination letter.
Below are 14 sample appeal letters covering various scenarios, such as denial of assistance, insufficient funding for repairs, and ineligibility due to insurance coverage issues. Use these as templates, but always personalize your letter to reflect your specific circumstances and provide accurate information. Remember to keep a copy of your appeal letter and all supporting documents.
Ensure your letter includes your FEMA application number, disaster number, full name, address, and phone number. Clearly state the reason for your appeal and provide detailed explanations. Support your claims with relevant documentation, such as repair estimates, receipts, insurance policies, and photographs of the damage. If possible, consult with a legal aid organization or disaster relief agency for assistance in crafting your appeal.
14 FEMA Sample Appeal Letters
Sample Appeal Letter 1: Denial of Assistance
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the decision regarding my application for disaster assistance, application number [Your Application Number], related to disaster [Disaster Number]. I received a letter dated [Date of FEMA Letter] informing me that my application was denied because [State the reason FEMA provided for the denial].
I believe this decision is incorrect. [Explain why you believe the decision is incorrect. Provide specific details and evidence. For example: The damage to my property was directly caused by the floodwaters from the hurricane, as evidenced by the attached photographs and repair estimates. While I had insurance, it did not cover flood damage].
I am attaching the following documents to support my appeal:
* Photographs of the damage
* Repair estimates
* [Any other relevant documentation, like insurance policy details, contractor reports, etc.]
I am requesting that FEMA reconsider my application in light of this new information. I believe I am eligible for assistance to repair the damage to my home.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 2: Insufficient Assistance for Repairs
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the amount of assistance I received from FEMA, application number [Your Application Number], related to disaster [Disaster Number]. While I appreciate the assistance provided, it is insufficient to cover the necessary repairs to my home.
The FEMA inspection estimated the damage at [FEMA’s Damage Estimate]. However, after obtaining several independent repair estimates, the actual cost of repairs is [Actual Cost of Repairs]. I am attaching these estimates for your review. The additional costs are due to [Explain why the costs are higher than FEMA’s estimate. For example: unforeseen damage discovered during the initial repairs, the need to bring the property up to current building codes, etc.].
I am attaching the following documents to support my appeal:
* Three independent repair estimates
* [Any other relevant documentation, like building code requirements, etc.]
I am requesting that FEMA reconsider the amount of assistance provided and provide additional funding to cover the full cost of repairs.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 3: Ineligibility Due to Insurance Issues
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my application for disaster assistance, application number [Your Application Number], related to disaster [Disaster Number]. I received a letter stating that I am ineligible because I have insurance coverage.
While it is true that I have insurance, [Explain why the insurance is not sufficient. For example: My insurance policy has a high deductible that I cannot afford, or my insurance claim was denied because the damage was not covered under my policy. Attach documentation from your insurance company].
I am attaching the following documents to support my appeal:
* A copy of my insurance policy
* A letter from my insurance company explaining the denial of my claim or the high deductible.
* [Any other relevant documentation]
I am requesting that FEMA reconsider my application. The insurance coverage I have is not adequate to cover the necessary repairs to my home.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 4: Proof of Occupancy Issue
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, number [Your Application Number], for disaster relief related to disaster [Disaster Number]. I was informed that my application was denied due to a lack of proof of occupancy.
I have been residing at [Your Address] since [Date you moved in]. To prove my residency, I am including the following documents: [List the documents you are including, e.g., utility bills, lease agreement, bank statements, etc.]. These documents clearly show that this is my primary residence.
Please reconsider my application given the evidence of my occupancy. I need FEMA’s assistance to recover from the damage caused by the disaster.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 5: Identity Verification Problems
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am appealing the decision regarding my FEMA application, [Your Application Number], for disaster relief following [Disaster Number]. I understand that my application was held up due to issues verifying my identity.
To confirm my identity, I am providing copies of [List documents, e.g., driver’s license, social security card, passport, etc.]. These documents should sufficiently verify my identity and allow my application to proceed.
I urge you to review these documents and continue processing my application, as I am in desperate need of assistance to recover from the damage caused by the recent disaster.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 6: Dependent Issue
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the determination made on my FEMA application, number [Your Application Number], for assistance related to the [Disaster Number] disaster. The denial was based on an issue regarding my dependent, [Dependent’s Name].
[Dependent’s Name] is indeed my dependent, and I am providing supporting documents such as [List documents, e.g., birth certificate, school records, tax returns, etc.]. These documents should clearly establish that [Dependent’s Name] is my dependent and resides with me.
I kindly request that you review the attached documents and reconsider my application. My family and I are greatly affected by the disaster, and FEMA’s assistance is crucial for our recovery.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 7: Damage Not Related to Disaster
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the rejection of my application, [Your Application Number], for disaster assistance in relation to [Disaster Number]. The reason given for the rejection was that the damage was not related to the disaster.
I respectfully disagree with this assessment. The damage to my property was directly caused by [Explain how the disaster caused the damage. Be specific: e.g., the flooding from the hurricane caused the foundation damage, the high winds tore off the roof, etc.]. I have attached [Photographs, expert opinions, etc.] to support my claim.
I am requesting that you reassess my application based on the evidence provided. The disaster has left me with significant damage, and FEMA assistance is vital for my recovery.
Thank you for considering my appeal.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 8: Home Uninhabitable
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am appealing the decision concerning my FEMA application, [Your Application Number], for disaster relief aid following [Disaster Number]. The reason stated for the denial was that my home was not considered uninhabitable.
The current state of my home renders it uninhabitable due to [Describe the damage that makes the home uninhabitable. Be specific: e.g., severe structural damage, no running water, exposure to the elements, etc.]. I am including [Photos, contractor’s report, etc.] that detail the extent of the damage. I am currently unable to live in my home.
I kindly request that you review these documents and reevaluate my application. I am in urgent need of assistance to make my home safe and livable again.
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 9: Assistance Used for Other Needs
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the determination made on my FEMA application, number [Your Application Number], concerning the disaster relief provided after [Disaster Number]. I received a notification that I must repay the assistance because it was used for purposes other than intended.
I acknowledge that some funds were allocated to cover immediate needs such as [Explain the circumstances that led to the fund allocation to other needs. E.g., urgent medical expenses, basic supplies, etc.]. However, these expenditures were essential at the time due to the extreme circumstances following the disaster. I can provide receipts or other proof of these expenses.
I am requesting a waiver or some leniency, as I was operating under immense stress and trying to prioritize immediate safety and survival. I am committed to using any further assistance strictly for the intended purposes of repairing my home and restoring my living conditions.
Thank you for your understanding and reconsideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 10: Duplicate Application
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am appealing the rejection of my FEMA application, [Your Application Number], following [Disaster Number], because it was labeled as a duplicate application.
To my knowledge, I have only submitted one application for disaster relief under my name and social security number. If another application exists, it was not authorized by me. Perhaps there was a clerical error or a case of mistaken identity.
I request that you investigate this matter and ensure that my application is processed independently. I am in dire need of the assistance that FEMA provides to recover from the disaster.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 11: Assistance Not Enough to Make Home Safe
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the amount of disaster assistance provided to me following the [Disaster Number] disaster under application number [Your Application Number]. While I am grateful for the assistance I received, it is simply not sufficient to make my home safe and habitable again.
The current conditions of my home include [Detail what needs to be done to make the home safe: e.g., mold remediation, structural repairs, electrical repairs, etc.]. The funds I received will only cover a portion of these necessary repairs. I have attached [Contractor’s estimates, inspection reports, etc.] to demonstrate the full scope of the required work.
I implore you to reconsider my situation and provide additional assistance so that I can fully restore my home to a safe and livable condition. My family’s well-being depends on it.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 12: Late Application – Extenuating Circumstances
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my FEMA application, [Your Application Number], related to [Disaster Number], which was denied due to being submitted after the deadline.
I understand that the deadline has passed, however, I was unable to apply earlier due to [Explain the extenuating circumstances that prevented timely submission. Be specific: e.g., severe injury requiring hospitalization, lack of access to communication due to power outage, caring for a family member with a serious illness, etc.]. I am including [Medical records, supporting documentation, etc.] to verify my circumstances.
I respectfully request that you make an exception in my case given the circumstances that prevented me from applying on time. I am in genuine need of disaster assistance and would greatly appreciate your consideration.
Thank you for reviewing my appeal.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 13: Small Business Assistance Denial
[Your Name]
[Your Business Name]
[Your Business Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the denial of my application, number [Your Application Number], for disaster assistance for my small business, [Your Business Name], following the [Disaster Number] disaster.
I understand that my application was denied because [State the reason for denial, e.g., insufficient proof of damage, business not located in the disaster area, etc.]. However, I believe that [Explain why the reason for denial is incorrect. Provide specific details and evidence: e.g., the business suffered significant damage due to flooding, the business is located within the designated disaster area, etc.]. I am including [Photographs of damage, business records, maps, etc.] to support my claim.
I request that you re-evaluate my application based on the evidence provided. My business is vital to the community, and disaster assistance is crucial for its survival.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Sample Appeal Letter 14: Household Goods Damage
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
FEMA – Appeals Officer
[FEMA Address]
Re: Appeal of Application Number: [Your Application Number] Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Dear Appeals Officer,
I am writing to appeal the determination regarding assistance for damaged household goods as part of my FEMA application [Your Application Number] related to [Disaster Number]. I believe the assessment of damages to my household goods was underestimated.
Many of my household items were damaged beyond repair due to [Describe the cause of the damage: e.g., flooding, fire, etc.]. The replacement cost of these items significantly exceeds the amount offered by FEMA. I have included [Photographs, receipts, appraisals, etc.] to show the extent of the damage and the value of the lost items. Items such as [Specific examples] were completely destroyed.
I kindly request that you review these additional documents and reconsider the amount of assistance provided for my damaged household goods. Restoring my home’s contents is essential for resuming a normal life after the disaster.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Typed Name]
Conclusion: Appealing a FEMA decision can be a complex process, but understanding your rights and presenting a well-documented and compelling case significantly increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Utilize these sample letters as a starting point, tailor them to your specific situation, and always remember to provide all relevant supporting documentation. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from legal aid or disaster relief organizations for guidance and support throughout the appeal process.
