Appealing a FEMA Decision

You can use this interactive interview tool to create a FEMA appeal letter.

An appeal is a written request to review your file again with additional information you provide that may affect the decision. You may appeal any decision provided by FEMA regarding your individual assistance.

Appeals may relate to your initial eligibility decisions, the amount or type of assistance provided to you, late applications, requests to return money, or a denial of Continued Temporary Housing Assistance.

Before requesting an appeal review, you should review your file with a FEMA helpline agent at 800-621-3362 (FEMA), or (TTY) 800-462-7585, or request a copy of your file from FEMA so you can understand why you received the decision you want to appeal.

You cannot file an appeal if you have already signed a Release and Certification form.

Your appeal letter must be postmarked, delivered, or electronically timestamped within 60 days of the date of FEMA's decision letter.

No. An initial decision letter from FEMA denying assistance is not the last word. If your circumstances have changed, if FEMA's decision does not make sense to you, or if additional information has become available that may entitle you to assistance, you can visit a FEMA disaster assistance center or call 800-621-3362 to ask for clarification.

Yes, you should send in your appeal before the 60-day deadline and explain the circumstances in the letter.

Yes. If the damage to your home was not covered by insurance and you believe you are eligible, you should appeal.

If you think you have a good excuse for not appealing earlier, send your letter anyway and explain why it is late.

Use this tool from Lone Star Legal Aid to learn more about how to get help after a disaster.

Collecting the following documents before you start your appeal may make the process easier:

• Decision letter from FEMA in response to your request for assistance;
• If you rent your apartment or home, a copy of the lease;
• Homeowners or flood insurance policy and any correspondence to/from the insurer regarding denial or settlement of the claim;
• Rent receipts or other proof of payment for alternate housing (if FEMA denied rental assistance);
• Correspondence from the Small Business Administration demonstrating ineligibility for a loan;
• Estimates, contracts, receipts, canceled checks, or other proof of expenditures for home repair, personal property replacement, moving and storage costs, medical or dental treatment, or funeral expenses; and/or
• Inspection reports, photographs, or other proof that the storm made your home uninhabitable.

Read FEMA Appeals FAQs on the website of Advocates for Disaster Justice.