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              I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?
                          I Applied for Assistance. What's Next?

                      How Do I Appeal FEMA's Decision?
                  
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
                                        
                    
          
                    
                            
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          How Do I Appeal FEMA's Decision?
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Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:



whether you are approved for assistancehow much assistance you will receivehow the assistance must be usedhow to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with itThe letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.



alert - infoFor disasters declared before March 22, 2024, you may need to submit an SBA loan application before being considered for certain types of FEMA assistance. Learn more about SBA loans and how the SBA loan application process relates to FEMA disaster assistance.



If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you may appeal. It must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.



If you have questions regarding the letter you received or how to file an appeal, 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.



Documents to Include in Your Appeal



The letter sent from FEMA will provide additional information on the types of documents or information that will need to be provided if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision. The documents apply specifically to the decision made. For example, if you are appealing for additional assistance to help repair your home, you will want to provide FEMA with any receipts, bills or repair estimates received for the repairs needed to your home as a result of the disaster. If you are affected by a disaster that is declared after March 22, 2024, you are not required to send a signed appeal letter with your documentation for the appeal.



Download Instructions



To fill out the appeal form: 1. Download the form and save it to your computer. 2. Open the form in Adobe Reader. Get the latest version from the Adobe website.



With the letter, FEMA will provide an appeal form that may be used to provide additional information, if you choose to do so.



When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA, you must include your FEMA application number and disaster number on every page.



Graphic
              How to Write An Appeal  Banner GraphicBefore March 22, 2024



If you were affected by a disaster declared before March 22, 2024, you are required to submit a signed appeal letter explaining why you think the decision about the amount or type of assistance you received is incorrect.



This letter is in addition to your new or additional information or documents not previously submitted. You, or your co-applicant, must sign the letter. You may also send in the signed appeal form instead of a letter.



Ways to Submit Your Appeal Documents



You can submit your appeal documents online, in person, by mail or by fax.



alert - infoIf you choose to have a third party submit an appeal on your behalf, include a statement signed by you, authorizing the third party to appeal a decision on your behalf, unless those documents are already on file.



Online



If you set up an online account, appeals can be managed through this account. Visit DisasterAssistance.gov, log into your account and to upload all supporting documents using the Correspondence "Upload Center."



In Person



You can take your appeal documentation to a Disaster Recovery Center.



By Mail



Mail your appeal documents to:



**FEMA - Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service CenterP.O. Box 10055Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055**



By Fax



Fax your appeal documents to:



**(800) 827-8112Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program**



After Submitting Your Appeal



All appeals are reviewed. Decisions usually are made within 30 days of receiving the appeal, however, it may take up to 90 days for a decision.Additional information may be requested from you if FEMA does not have enough information to make a decision.



You will be notified in writing of the response to your appeal, either by mail or via the DisasterAssistance.gov account you created when you applied with FEMA.



Individuals and Households Program Debt Collection (Recoupment) Appeal



If you received a Notice of Potential Debt letter, it is important to read the letter carefully.



You may appeal the decision in writing and request a hearing within 60 days from the date of receiving the debt letter. Oral hearings are scheduled when FEMA determines that the question of the debt cannot be resolved solely by review of paper file.



A hearing is an opportunity to present relevant evidence (e.g., testimony or additional documents) to support your claim.



Visit the Individuals and Households Program Debt Collection (Recoupment) Appeal Hearings page to learn more the process.
Last updated April 11, 2024

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