What to Look For
If FEMA Needs More Information
FEMA's Decisions
Appeal Form
Additional Help
After you apply for help from FEMA, you will get an introduction letter that explains the types of help FEMA provides. FEMA will also send other letters that explain what money you are receiving and what documents you need to send FEMA if we are missing information needed to move your application forward.
What to Look For
Read the whole letter carefully. The top things you should look for in your FEMA letter are:
- Your Disaster Number and Application Number will be at the top of your letter. Save this information as you will need it later.
- Pay attention to bolded words for key information.
- Look for any dates or timeframes.
- Pay attention to where it says “OR” in required documents as only one document from a long list may be needed.
- Check for additional pages or forms since letters often come with additional forms that may need to be completed.
Note: You still may be eligible for FEMA assistance even if your insurance doesn't cover all of your losses or expenses. Just keep in mind that FEMA cannot give you money for what your insurance already paid for.
If FEMA Needs More Information from You
FEMA wants to help as much as we can. Sometimes we need some additional information like an insurance settlement, copy of a receipt for disaster costs, or documents that confirm your identity and where you live.
Your FEMA letter will explain exactly which documents you need to send and how to submit them. For example, you may need to send documents that show the following:
Insurance Settlement or Denial
This is to show what your insurance does or doesn’t cover.
Social Security Number (SSN)
This is to confirm your identity.
You may send documents that show your full SSN or documents from other federal agencies that show the last four digits of your SSN.
Occupancy
This is to show you live in your home most of the year.
Ownership
This is to show you own or are responsible for your home most of the year.
Estimates or Receipts
This is to show your costs from the disaster.
FEMA will use the documents you send to decide what help you may get.
Review common documents you may need to send to verify home occupancy and ownership.
FEMA’s Decisions
You will get a letter that explains FEMA's decision after FEMA reviews your information.
Approved
If you are approved for FEMA assistance, your letter will explain how much money you will get and what the money can be used for.
Please read your entire letter as it will explain how to ask for more help if you need it.
Next Steps if You’re Not Approved
If you are not approved for FEMA assistance, your letter will explain what to do if you disagree with FEMA’s decision. You can send more information to show why you need help, like repair estimates or an insurance settlement, and we will take another look at your case.
Look for the section labeled “Your Next Steps” to find out which documents FEMA needs from you.
Appeal Form
At the end of your letter, look for an appeal form that can be used to send us additional information about your situation. You may also download the appeal form.
This form can help make sure you have the information FEMA needs and gives you a space to explain any important context why you need help. If it's easier to just write us a letter, that's fine too. Sending an appeal form or letter with your additional information is optional.
For more information on how to file an appeal, visit How Do I Appeal FEMA's Decision?
Additional Help
If you need more help understanding your FEMA letter, you can:
- Look for information and status updates about your case at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) for in-person help. Find the nearest DRC at fema.gov/drc.
- Call FEMA’s Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.