How to Appeal a FEMA Individual Assistance Decision

How to Appeal a FEMA Individual Assistance Decision

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – If you’ve recently received a determination letter from FEMA regarding your disaster assistance application and you disagree with the decision or assistance amount, don’t worry—you have the right to appeal. FEMA’s first decision may not be the final decision.

Appeals are a common part of the assistance process. FEMA may simply require more information or supporting documentation from the applicant in order to approve the application or approve additional types of assistance. The process does not end when you get your FEMA letter.

Keep the following in mind when preparing an appeal: 

• Carefully read your determination letter.
• Act quickly: appeals must be filed within 60 days from the date on the determination letter.
• Keep an organized record of your documentation to submit with your appeal.

All FEMA determination letters explain the types of documents that may help an applicant appeal FEMA’s decision or the awarded amount for that type of assistance. Supporting documents may include: 

• Receipt and bills for any eligible repairs or expenses related to the disaster.
• Repair estimates from contractors or repair services.
• Property titles or deeds to prove ownership of the damaged property.
• Additional information or any other documents that may support the reasons for the appeal.

Applicants may include an explanation in their appeal about why they believe FEMA’s decision was incorrect, but it is not required. When submitting any documentation or information to FEMA for an appeal, applicants must include their:

• Your full name;
• Your current phone number and current address;
• Your FEMA application number and disaster number (DR-4861) on every page; and
• The 911 address of the disaster-damaged home.
• Additionally, receipts, bills, and estimates must include the business name and contact information to help FEMA confirm the information is accurate.

Appeals may be submitted: 

• Online to DisasterAssistance.gov.
• By mail: FEMA Individuals & Households Program, National Processing Center P.O. Box 10055 Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055.
• By fax: (800) 827-8112, Attention: FEMA – Individuals & Households Program.
• In person at one of our FEMA West Virginia Disaster Recovery Centers. 

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If you have insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA can’t pay for losses your insurance will cover. 

If an applicant is unable to submit their appeal, someone else can do it for them. FEMA will need the applicant’s written permission to share information about the application. Applicants can do this by completing an Authorization for the Release of Information Under the Privacy Act form and sending it to FEMA with your appeal paperwork.

Applicants will be notified in writing of the response to your appeal, either by mail or your DisasterAssistance.gov account.

For more information on West Virginia’s disaster recovery, visit emd.wv.gov, West Virginia Emergency Management Division Facebook page, www.fema.gov/disaster/4861, and www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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