Appealing FEMA’s Decision on Your Application for Assistance

If you've received a letter from FEMA indicating that your application for disaster assistance is incomplete, you've been deemed ineligible, or you disagree with the amount of assistance determined, you have the right to appeal the decision within 60 days from the date on the letter.

Understanding the Appeals Process

All appeals are thoroughly reviewed and decisions may take up to 90 days. During this period, FEMA may request additional information if necessary. You will be informed of the outcome of your appeal in writing, either by mail or through your DisasterAssistance.gov account.

For any questions regarding your letter or the appeal process, you can contact the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

Download this information in Spanish

What to Include in Your Appeal

Your FEMA letter will outline the following:

• Your eligibility status.

• The amount of assistance you will receive.

• Specifics on how the assistance should be used.

• Additional documents or information are required if you choose to appeal the decision.

• Instructions on how to appeal if you disagree with the decision.

FEMA provides an optional appeal form to help structure the additional information you may need to provide. For instance, if you seek additional assistance to repair your home, include receipts, bills, or repair estimates related to the disaster.

When submitting any documentation, ensure that your FEMA application and disaster numbers are on every page. If a third party submits an appeal on your behalf, include a signed statement authorizing them to do so unless such documents are already on file.

For comprehensive information on the FEMA appeals process, including instructions in American Sign Language, visit FEMA Answers: Questions on the Appeals Process.

How to Submit Your Appeal

You have several options to submit your appeal:

1. Online:

   • Visit DisasterAssistance.gov.

   • Log into your account and upload all supporting documents using the Correspondence "Upload Center".

2. In-Person:

   • Visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) where FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration specialists can assist you with submitting documents and guide you through the appeals process.

   • A Mobile Disaster Recovery Center (available through August 3 only) is located at:

     • Rio Arriba County Senior Citizens Center

       • 214 County Road 142, Medanales, NM

   • DRCs are located at:

     • Lincoln County Horton Complex

       • 237 Service Road, Ruidoso, NM

     • Angus Church of the Nazarene

       • 103 Bonita Park Road, Angus, NM

     • Mescalero Apache Reservation Mescalero Library

       • 148 Cottonwood Dr., Mescalero, NM

     Hours for all centers:

     • Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. MT

     • Closed Sundays

3. By Mail:

   • Send your appeal letter to:

     • Appeals Officer

     • National Processing Service Center

     • P.O. Box 10055

     • Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055

4. By Fax:

   • Fax your letter and supporting documents to 1-800-827-8112 with a cover sheet addressed to Attention - FEMA Appeals Officer.

For the latest information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4795. Follow FEMA Region 6 on X (Formerly Known as Twitter) and Facebook.

Stay informed and ensure you provide all necessary information to support your appeal effectively.

Para traducir la información a Español, los visitantes pueden utilizar la pestaña de traducción en la esquina superior derecha de la página web.