Week 2: FEMA Appeal Examples.

Example Appeals for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

§ 206.115 Appeals.

1. Eligibility for assistance, including recoupment
2. Amount or type of assistance
3. Cancellation of an application
4. The rejection of a late application
5. The denial of continued assistance under § 206.114, Criteria for continued assistance
6. FEMA's intent to collect rent from occupants of a housing unit that FEMA provides
7. Termination of direct housing assistance
8. Denial of a request to purchase a FEMA-provided housing unit at the termination of eligibility
9. The sales price of a FEMA-provided housing unit they want to purchase or
10. Any other eligibility-related decision.

The following list contains helpful information about what documentation you will need to submit to FEMA for an appeal. Selecting an item from the list will take you directly to the information for that item or you can view the entire document. Use the Appeals Form "Any other eligibility-related decision" for any group that is not listed above.

1. Dental Assistance
2. Home Repair Assistance
3. Insurance Assistance
4. Medical
5. Moving and Storage
6. Occupancy
7. Other Miscellaneous
8. Proof of Ownership
9. Personal Property
10. Transportation

(b) Appeals must include a written explanation or verifiable documentation for the appeal and meet the requirements of § 206.117, as applicable. See §§ 206.117(b)(2)(vi), 206.117(b)(3)(iv), and 206.117(b)(4)(iii). If someone other than the applicant files the appeal, then the applicant must also submit a signed statement giving that person authority to represent them. If a written explanation is submitted, it must be signed by the applicant or a person the applicant designates to represent them.

(c) Applicants must appeal to FEMA for decisions made under this subpart, unless FEMA has made a grant to the State to provide assistance to individuals and households under § 206.120(a), State administration of other needs assistance then the applicant must appeal to the State.

(d) An applicant may ask for a copy of information in his or her file by writing to FEMA or the State as appropriate. If someone other than the applicant is submitting the request, then the applicant must also submit a signed statement giving that person authority to represent them.

(e) FEMA or the appropriate State official will review the original decision after receiving the appeal. FEMA or the State, as appropriate, will give the appellant a written notice of the disposition of the appeal and a reason for the determination within 90 days of receiving the appeal. The decision of the FEMA or State appellate authority is final.

Below are examples of appeals for the various FEMA eligibility determinations under 44 CFR § 206.115.

Appeal 1: Eligibility for Assistance (Including Recoupment)

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally appeal FEMA's determination regarding my eligibility for assistance under the Individual Assistance Program. On [Date], I received notification from FEMA that my application for disaster assistance was denied due to [reason for denial—e.g., "ineligible for housing assistance"]. However, I believe this decision was made in error due to the following circumstances:

[Provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for the appeal, including any verifiable documentation supporting your claim. Examples could include a lack of adequate damage assessment, missing or incorrect information used to determine eligibility, or newly discovered information showing damage that was not considered.]

I am attaching [list of documents such as contractor estimates, insurance documents, photos, or inspection reports] as evidence to support my claim.

Please reconsider my eligibility for assistance based on this additional information. I appreciate your time and consideration of my appeal.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 2: Amount or Type of Assistance.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal the amount of assistance provided by FEMA in response to the damages I sustained during [disaster name]. On [Date], I was awarded [$amount], which I believe does not accurately reflect the extent of the damage and the cost to repair my property.

[Provide details of the situation, referencing estimates, receipts, or evaluations that show the necessary repair costs are higher than what was awarded. Explain why you believe the amount provided is insufficient for the repairs.]

I have attached [list of supporting documents such as contractor bids, insurance assessments, receipts for temporary repairs] to demonstrate that the amount awarded does not fully cover the necessary repairs or meet my needs as outlined under FEMA guidelines.

Thank you for reviewing my appeal. I look forward to your timely response.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 3: Cancellation of an Application.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal FEMA's decision to cancel my application for disaster assistance. On [Date], I was informed that my application had been canceled due to [reason for cancellation]. However, I believe this decision was made prematurely and does not take into account the following information:

[Provide a detailed explanation for why the application cancellation should be reversed, such as providing updated contact information, missing documentation that is now available, or an explanation of any misunderstanding that led to the cancellation.]

Please find attached [list of documentation such as missing documents, contact information updates, or letters explaining any extenuating circumstances] that should be considered in your review.

I request that FEMA reinstate my application and continue to process my claim for assistance. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 4: Rejection of a Late Application.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal FEMA's rejection of my application due to late submission. I submitted my application on [Date], which was [number of days] past the deadline. However, the delay was caused by [explain the reason for late submission, such as medical reasons, communication issues, or inability to access FEMA application services during the deadline period].

I have attached [list of supporting documents such as medical records, statements showing inability to access services, etc.] that explain the reason for the late submission.

Given these circumstances, I respectfully request that FEMA reconsider my application and allow me to apply for assistance despite the late submission. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 5: Denial of Continued Assistance.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal FEMA's decision to deny my continued assistance under the Individual and Households Program. On [Date], I received notification that my request for continued assistance was denied, citing [reason provided, such as "failure to demonstrate continued need"].

However, I believe this decision was made without full consideration of the circumstances. Since receiving the initial assistance, I have experienced ongoing challenges, including [list specific challenges, such as inability to return to home, lack of employment, etc.]. These conditions continue to make it impossible for me to meet my basic living needs.

I am attaching [list of documents, such as financial statements, updated damage reports, or proof of continued displacement] to demonstrate my need for ongoing assistance.

I kindly request that FEMA reconsider its decision and provide me with continued support during this difficult time.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 6: FEMA's Intent to Collect Rent from Occupants of a FEMA-Provided Housing Unit.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal FEMA's decision to charge rent for the FEMA-provided housing unit in which I currently reside. On [Date], I received notification that I would be required to begin paying rent starting on [Date]. However, I believe this decision was made without considering my current financial situation.

Due to [briefly explain the reason—e.g., "job loss," "continued displacement," or "medical hardship"], I am unable to afford rent at this time. I have attached [list of supporting documentation, such as proof of unemployment, medical bills, or financial statements] to provide further insight into my situation.

Given these circumstances, I respectfully request that FEMA reconsider its decision to charge rent and allow me to continue residing in the housing unit without additional financial burden.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 7: Termination of Direct Housing Assistance.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal the termination of my direct housing assistance. On [Date], I was notified by FEMA that my assistance would be terminated as of [Termination Date]. I believe this decision was made in error, as I continue to require assistance due to [provide reasons, such as "the inability to return to my home due to ongoing repairs," "financial hardship," or "continued displacement from my residence"].

I am attaching [list of supporting documentation, such as contractor estimates, damage reports, or financial statements] to show that I am still in need of direct housing assistance and have not yet been able to secure alternative housing.

I kindly request that FEMA extend my direct housing assistance until I am able to secure a permanent living situation.

Thank you for your consideration.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 8: Denial of Request to Purchase a FEMA-Provided Housing Unit at Termination of Eligibility.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal FEMA's denial of my request to purchase the FEMA-provided housing unit I currently reside in. On [Date], I was informed that my request to purchase the unit was denied due to [reason for denial].

However, I believe this decision was made without considering my unique circumstances. I have resided in this unit since [start date] and have been unable to secure alternative housing due to [briefly explain your situation, such as "lack of affordable housing in the area" or "ongoing repairs to my home"].

I have attached [list of supporting documents, such as financial records, local housing market data, or proof of ongoing home repairs] that I believe justifies my request to purchase the unit.

I kindly ask FEMA to reconsider its decision and allow me to purchase the housing unit. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 9: Sales Price of a FEMA-Provided Housing Unit.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal the sales price FEMA has determined for the housing unit I wish to purchase. On [Date], I received notification that the sales price for the unit was set at [$amount]. However, I believe this price is not reflective of the current market value or the condition of the unit.

I have attached [list of supporting documents, such as independent appraisals, estimates of needed repairs, or market comparisons] that demonstrate why I believe the sales price should be adjusted.

I kindly request that FEMA reevaluate the sales price for the unit based on this new information. Thank you for your consideration.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 10: Any Other Eligibility-Related Decision.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to appeal FEMA's decision regarding [briefly describe the decision—e.g., "my eligibility for Other Needs Assistance" or "the eligibility of certain household members for assistance"]. On [Date], I was notified that [briefly describe the notification and FEMA's decision].

However, I believe this decision was made based on incomplete or incorrect information. Specifically, [explain the reasons for the appeal, such as incorrect documentation, missing information, or other verifiable details that impacted FEMA's decision].

I am providing [list of supporting documents] that I believe will clarify the situation and demonstrate my eligibility for assistance.

Please reconsider your decision based on this additional information. Thank you for your attention and time.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

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Appeal 11: Standard format for all other FEMA appeals.

Applicant Name: [Last, First]
Date of Birth: [Month/Day/Year]
Damaged dwelling addressed: [Street Number, Street Name, City, State, Zip as it appears on your FEMA correspondence.]
DR-XXXX [FEMA Disaster Identifying Number]
FEMA Registration ID: [Your FEMA registration number that was sent to you by email when you applied for FEMA assistance.]
Disaster Number: [Disaster Number]
Date of Notification of Award/Denial: [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

This letter is sent to Appeal the Inspector's report of damages to my home as a result of the recent floods in [NAME OF TOWN, COUNTY/PARISH, STATE]. The Inspector was unable to enter a bedroom because the sliding doors to the bedroom were jammed and would not slide back into the wall. All of the contents in the bedroom were destroyed. Since that time, the "All Hand Volunteers" removed the doors and the contents from the room. The Chief Client Services Coordinator for the "All Hand Volunteers" said he would verify the lost of contents in the bedroom. In addition, I was unaware of the deadline to request an appeal; however, I have attached pictures of the damaged contents from the bedroom. Would you please consider these losses in addition to those determined by the Inspector. Any consideration you may give to my request will be appreciated.

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
[Print Your Name]
[Your Contact Information, Phone, Email.]
Signature_______________________

• If someone other than the survivor is writing the letter, a statement must be included stating that the person may act on survivors behalf. Survivor MUST sign the letter. IF they are unable to write, have them put an X in signature line and you or whoever is acting on their behalf must explain.
• Documents that must be included: Licensed contractors estimates / proposal; which must contain the contractors name, phone number, and a detailed line items of repair specifically indicating quantity and costs associated with each line item.
• This appeal letter must be submitted to the NPSC via mail to:
  FEMA P.O. Box 10055 – Hyattsville, MD 20782 or fax; 800-827-8112
• You can also login to disasterassistance.gov and file your appeal online

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For disaster related DENTAL expenses, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents.

• A verifiable statement from the dental provider(s) which verifies the date of the dental injury occurred and if the injury is disaster related.
• A verifiable itemized bill/receipt from the provider(s) including the name, address, phone number and the date of service. If prescription medication has been lost or the treating physician has prescribed prescription medication, you will need to provide a verifiable physician's statement stating your condition requires the medication, and receipts from a pharmacy showing the cost of the medication.
• Name, address, telephone number and policy number of your medical/health insurance carrier including Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans Administration Benefits. A claim must be filed with your insurance carrier before submitting it to FEMA for consideration. (FEMA cannot duplicate benefits payable from your insurance company)
• You must submit either the written denial from your insurance carrier, or the explanation of benefits statement(s) for the amount which they have covered. If you are Not covered by any health/medical insurance, please sign and date the Statement of Insurance form and return it to FEMA

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For disaster related HOME REPAIR assistance, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents, dated prior to the disaster and indicating the physical street address of the damaged dwelling.

• A written description of previously unidentified disaster related damages
• Verifiable itemized estimates from a licensed contractor(s) to show the cost for repair or replacement of disaster related structural damage.
• Store receipts for building materials.

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For a denial due to INSURANCE coverage, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents. The documentation submitted must contain the address of the damaged property and show that you filed a claim for damages to your home or personal property that occurred during the federally declared disaster incident period.

• A verifiable copy of your insurance denial letter.
• A verifiable copy of an itemized insurance settlement worksheet or a Proof of Loss statement.
• A verifiable statement or letter from your insurance company stating that you have no Loss of Use coverage or that the amount of this coverage is inadequate or exhausted.

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For disaster related MEDICAL expenses, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents.

• A verifiable statement from the medical provider(s) which indicates the date the medical injury or illness occurred and if it is disaster related.
• A verifiable itemized bill/receipt from the provider(s) including the name, address, phone number and the date of service.
• If prescription medication has been lost or the treating physician has prescribed prescription medication, you will need to provide a verifiable physician's statement stating your condition requires the medication, and receipts from a pharmacy showing the cost of the medication.
• Name, address, telephone number and policy number of your medical/health insurance carrier including Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans Administration Benefits.
• NOTE: A claim must be filed with your insurance carrier before submitting it to FEMA for consideration. (FEMA cannot duplicate benefits payable from your insurance company)
• If insured, you must submit either the written denial from your insurance carrier, or the explanation of benefits statement(s) for the amount they have covered.
• If you are not covered by any health/medical insurance, please sign and date the Statement of Insurance form and return it to FEMA.

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For disaster related MOVING and STORAGE expenses, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents.

• Documentation of why the moving and storage expense was necessary.
• Date(s) for the moving and storage, provide telephone number and address of the storage facility used and furnish a copy of the receipts or lease of the storage unit.
• If essential personal property was damaged or lost in a storage unit, furnish an itemized list of losses and a written statement of why and how long the essential personal property had been stored at the time of the disaster.
• Signed 009-0-3

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For proof of OCCUPANCY of the damaged dwelling you will need to provide one or more of the following documents. The documentation must be dated prior to the disaster and indicate the physical street address of the damaged dwelling. You must prove occupancy of the damaged dwelling in order to receive home repair, rental assistance, personal property or other miscellaneous items.

• Utility bill
• Merchants statement (credit card bill)
• Copy of Federal or State Tax return
• Employer's statement
• Official's statement (postmaster)
• Copy of driver's license
• Statement/letter from your landlord
• Voter's registration

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For disaster related OTHER MISCELLANEOUS expenses, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents indicating the location at the physical street address of the damaged dwelling. Miscellaneous Purchases are those services or items purchased for recovery efforts usually immediately following the disaster.

Example: dehumidifier, chainsaw, wet-dry vac.

• Documentation outlining what "Other" expenses you have incurred as a result of the disaster
• Documentation of why these expenses were required
• Verifiable estimates or itemized bills signed by the person providing the services
• Verification of occupancy at the damaged dwelling

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For proof of OWNERSHIP of the damaged dwelling, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents. The documentation submitted must be dated prior to the disaster and indicate the physical street address of the damaged dwelling. You must prove ownership of the damaged dwelling in order to receive structural repair assistance.

• Deed or Official Record - original deed or deed of trust to the property
• Verification of Structural Insurance Coverage
• Mortgage Payment Statement/Book - mortgage payment statement/book, late notice or foreclosure notice
• Tax receipts or a property tax bill
• Title - the actual escrow or title document for the purchase of the dwelling
• Real Estate Proviso - an amendment to the title or to the deed that documents rent-free ownership which has been filed at the county courthouse
• Land Installment contract / Contract for deed
• Quitclaim Deed - sometimes referred to as the quick claim deed, this document conveys all ownership rights to another co-owner of a property, this document must be recorded at the courthouse to be valid
• Death Certificate/Will - if the home is titled or deeded to a deceased relative, a will naming the applicant as the heir to the property and verification of death would satisfy as proof of ownership
• Maintenance receipts - major maintenance receipts which pre-date the incident period
• NOTE: Lease/Purchase, or a Rent to Own agreement, does not serve as proof of ownership.

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For disaster related PERSONAL PROPERTY loss, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents identifying the property located at the physical street address of the damaged dwelling.

• A service dealership or repairman receipt, estimate or statement of disaster related damage to appliances or furniture
• Merchandise receipts to show replacement of damaged property
• If applicable, a verifiable landlord's statement of the damages to the dwelling to show justification for personal property loss

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For disaster related TRANSPORTATION loss, you will need to provide one or more of the following documents.

• Copy of title for damaged vehicle(s)
• Copy of current registration card for damaged vehicle(s)
• List of all owned vehicle(s) with the year, make and model and a brief description of the damages and whether or not all or any of the vehicles are drivable
• Verification of vehicle(s) expenses, a verifiable estimate or bill from a licensed mechanic verifying the repair cost and verifying that the damage is disaster related, include the name of the mechanic and company name, address and telephone number
• Verification of comprehensive insurance coverage settlement or statement from you stating insurance coverage does not exist
• Verification of liability insurance coverage or statement from you stating insurance coverage does not exist
• Signed 009-0-3

If you still have questions about what you need to send to FEMA to Appeal a decision you may call the FEMA Helpline number at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585.

If you use a relay service (a videophone, InnoCaption, CapTel, etc.), please provide your number assigned to that service. FEMA must be able to contact you. Be aware that phone calls from FEMA may appear to come from an unidentified number.

Please have your Registration ID number and Social Security Number available when calling.