How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision

The Appeal Process

To appeal, you must submit a signed letter explaining why you disagree with FEMA’s decision and provide additional information or documents supporting your appeal.  The appeal must be submitted within 60 days of the date on the determination letter. Please include the following: 

• Applicant’s full name, disaster-damaged primary address, current address and current phone number  
• Applicant’s 9-digit FEMA application number on each page, found at the top of the determination letter. 
• FEMA disaster declaration number DR 4754 (on every page)
• Applicant’s signature and the date.
• Additional documentation to support your appeal (verifiable contractor’s estimate, insurance paperwork, any additional documents FEMA requested in the eligibility letter)

Questions about your letter or the appeal process can be answered by calling the FEMA’s help line at 800-621-3362. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week and help is available in most languages. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the nearest center, go to: fema.gov/drc.

If you choose to have a someone else submit an appeal letter on your behalf, the letter must be signed by that person. Additionally, please include a statement signed by you giving permission for that person to appeal on your behalf. 

You can submit your letter and document by:

• Mail to: FEMA, P. O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055
• Uploading to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov, Click “Check Status” on the home page and follow the instructions.
• fax to 800-827-8112 Attn: FEMA, or
• visiting your nearest Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) and submit your appeal.