FEMA Appeals

FEMA Appeals

This is a free and secure service provided by National Disaster Legal Aid, The Legal Services Corporation, LawHelpInteractive and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.
LawHelpInteractive helps you create legal forms and documents.
Answer a series of questions and print your legal form.

You can use this site to appeal a denial by FEMA even if you are not able to meet with a lawyer.
After you respond to the questions in this interactive interview, the program will use your answers to create a letter to request your file and to appeal your FEMA denial.

Important: This program does not e-file or submit your letters to FEMA.
You must mail or fax the letters to FEMA yourself.
The address and fax number are listed in the instructions that will print with your documents, as well as in the FAQs.

Before you begin the interactive interview, you should talk to a lawyer about your letter. If you cannot afford a lawyer, call the Legal Aid Disaster Legal Services Hotline at 888-602-8494

Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for an overview of the appeals process and other very important information, including:

• deadlines for mailing or faxing the Appeal Letter
• documents you need
• where to send
• other ways to get information about your appeal.

What is the deadline for filing an appeal?
Your appeal letter must be postmarked within 60 days of the date of FEMA's decision letter.

Is an appeal the only way for me to dispute FEMA's decision?
No. An initial decision letter from FEMA denying assistance is not the last word. If your circumstances have changed, if FEMA's decision does not make sense to you, or if additional information has become available that may entitle you to assistance, you can visit a FEMA disaster assistance center or call 1-800-621-3362 to ask for clarification.

I sent FEMA additional documents but have not heard back and the 60-day appeal period is almost over. Should I still file an appeal?
Yes, you should send in your appeal before the 60-day deadline and explain the circumstances in the letter.

Visit the FAQs for more essential information.

If you need more help, call Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma's Disaster Legal Services Hotline at 888-602-8494.

I am filing the appeal for someone over whom I have a Guardianship or Power of Attorney.  Do I need any other forms?

You will need to attach a copy of the Letters of Guardianship or your Power of Attorney with the Appeal forms.
If you are a lawyer, there is an authorization form that will print.

Create the FEMA Appeal of Denial Letter and letter to request your file