How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

If you have received a denial letter from FEMA and wish to appeal, the first thing to do is let them know your intentions by calling 1-800-621-3362. After that, complete the following steps:       
 
 
·          Ask for the exact forms you should fill out.
·          Explain in a signed, dated letter why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you receive is not correct.  
·          Include the FEMA registration number and disaster number (shown at the top of your decision letter) in your letter of appeal.
·          Provide photocopies of your social security card, your driver’s license, a utility bill or other proof of residence, bills or estimates from contractors, and any photos of your damaged property.
·          Mail to FEMA-National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055. 
·          All appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of the decision letter’s date. 
·          FEMA states you are notified by mail “usually” within 30 days following receipt of your request.
·          While all appeals are handled through mail, it may be helpful to go to a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) near you to present your documents to FEMA officials for review before sending.  To locate a DRC, visit www.houstonhurricanerecovery.org/node/35 
 
 
Documents required checklist:
 
For occupancy verification:
-         Utility bill dated within 90 days prior to disaster
-         Landlord declaration with name and phone number
-         Merchant receipts/mail addressed to applicant at residence
-         Employer's pay stub showing employees home address
-         Current and valid driver's license
-         Current and valid voter's registration
 
For proof of ownership:
-         Deed or official record
-         Mortgage payment book
-         Real property insurance
-         Tax receipts or property tax bill paid by applicant
-         Quitclaim deed, title or real estate proviso
-         Land installment contract
-         Death certificate or will
-         Maintenance receipts from pre-disaster major repairs
 
Insured Home:
-         Insurance denial letter including declaration page
-         Itemized insurance settlement letter including declaration page
-         Proof of no coverage for 'additional living expense (ALE)' or Loss of Use
-         Proof of forced mortgage payoff (lender requires proceeds to be used as payment)
 
Lodging expense reimbursement:
-         Receipts with applicant name, motel name and phone number, dates of occupancy, daily expenses itemized
 
Home repair:
-         Appeal letter from applicant listing damages not addressed by inspector
 
Other Needs Appeal:
 
Generator:
-         Verifiable receipt of purchase
-         Letter from physician of medical condition and need for equipment
-         Verification of occupancy and identity
 
Vehicle:
-         Proof of ownership (title)
-         Proof of registration
-         Proof of liability insurance
-         Estimate of damages from reputable, licensed mechanic
 
 
For more information, visit http://www.fema.gov/news/newsrelease.fema?id=46727