How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -Thousands of Alaskans affected by the severe storms, flooding and remnants of Typhoon Halong on October 8-13, 2025, have applied for FEMA disaster assistance.

After applying, FEMA will send you a decision letter by mail or email. If the letter from FEMA states that you were denied, you have 60 days to appeal from the date of the decision letter. FEMA may simply need additional information to continue processing your application.

The decision letter will explain the reason for FEMA's determination and provide instructions on how to appeal. It is often as simple as a missing document, which you can upload to your FEMA application or submit with your appeal letter.

How to Appeal

Stay in touch with FEMA about your disaster assistance application.

If you need help understanding your decision letter:

• Call the FEMA Alaska Call Center at 1-866-342-1699 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Visit the Bethel Assistance Hub (AVCP Tugkar Building at 570 3^rd Ave, Bethel, AK 99559) from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. FEMA staff can help explain what is needed for your application and the appeal process.

Below are three ways to submit your appeal:

• You can set up an online account at DisasterAssistance.gov by clicking on "Apply Online" and following the directions. Once you have set up an account you can check the status of your application, upload personal information and documents as well as the appeal letter.
• Mail to FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055. Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date on your disaster assistance eligibility notification letter.
• Send as a Fax to 800-827-8112 or 540-504-2113 (Attention: FEMA)

Supporting Documents for Your Application:

• Proof of insurance: You must provide a copy of your insurance settlement approval or denial letter to FEMA. If your insurance settlement is insufficient to meet your disaster-related needs, you may be eligible for federal assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate insurance benefits but may provide assistance for what your policy does not cover.
• Proof of occupancy: Documents that prove the damaged home or rental was your primary residence at the time of the disaster. These may include a government ID, driver's license or verification from a community or tribal leader.
• Proof of ownership: Provide mortgage or insurance documents, tax receipts or a deed. If you don't have a deed handy, contact your local or tribal official about obtaining a copy. If none exists, please ask tribal leadership for a letter verifying ownership.

• Lost documents: Visit the following website for information and resources that can help you replace lost documents, such as driver's license, Medicare card or Social Security card. https://www.usa.gov/replace-vital-documents#item-213436

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FEMA is committed to ensuring disaster assistance is accomplished impartially, without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status. Any disaster survivor or member of the public may contact the FEMA Civil Rights Office if they feel that they have a complaint of discrimination. FEMA's Civil Rights Office can be contacted at [email protected] or toll-free at 833-285-7448.

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FEMA's mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.