How to Appeal a FEMA Decision

Release Number:
008
Release Date:
June 30, 2025

If you applied for FEMA assistance, you will receive a letter in the mail or via email. The letter will explain your application status and how to respond. It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of assistance FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of disaster funds. 

Once FEMA has reviewed your application and supporting documentation, you will receive a letter explaining:

  • whether you are approved for assistance
  • how much assistance you will receive
  • how the assistance must be used
  • what additional information may be needed to process your application,
  • or how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it

What to Include When You Appeal

If initially you are not approved for assistance, you may appeal within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

You can appeal any FEMA decision or award amount by sending documents that show you qualify and need more help. You may send FEMA estimates for repairs, receipts, bills, etc. Each decision letter you receive from FEMA explains types of documents that may help you appeal the decision or award amount for that type of assistance. 

Supporting documents may include: 

  • receipts
  • bills
  • repair estimates
  • property titles or deeds, or
  • any other information that may support the reasons for the appeal.

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

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

If you have questions regarding the FEMA decision letter or about how to file an appeal, you may call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You can submit your appeal and supporting documentation:

  • Online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Once you set up an account, appeals can be managed here. Log in and provide all supporting documents by using the Correspondence "Upload Center."
  • By mail

    FEMA Individuals & Households Program

    National Processing Service Center

    P. O. Box 10055 

    Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

  • By fax

    (800) 827-8112

    Attention: FEMA - Individuals & Households Program

After Submitting Your Appeal

Decisions are usually made within 30 days of receiving the appeal. However, it may take up to 90 days for a decision to be issued. FEMA may request additional information if it 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 your DisasterAssistance.gov account.

For the latest information about Oklahoma’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4866. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/

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