How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision

Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection, and documentation you provided, you will receive a letter explaining:

• Whether you are approved for assistance.
• How much assistance you will receive.
• How the assistance must be used.

If you are not initially approved for assistance, you may appeal within 60 days of the date of the decision letter. If you have questions regarding the letter or how to appeal, you may visit a Disaster Assistance Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

What to Include When You Appeal

The FEMA letter will provide additional information on the types of documents or information that you may need to submit. It will also include an optional appeal form to help with this.

When submitting any information to FEMA, you must include your FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4906) on every page.

For appeals by a third party, the applicant or co-applicant must also have a valid written letter of consent on file for the third party with authorization to appeal or represent the applicant. For help submitting this letter, visit a Disaster Assistance Center or call 800-621-3362.

It may take up to 90 days for a response to the appeal.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Log into your account and upload supporting documents via the Correspondence Upload Center.
• In-person at a Disaster Assistance Center.
• By mail: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• By fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA

If you have questions regarding your letter or how to file an appeal, visit a Disaster Assistance Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service.