This is a two part public assistance post created by homeowners in Louisiana after our 2016 Floods DR-4263 and DR-4277. Please read the second post for more details regarding how your repair estimates from your licensed contractor have to be and other resources we have prepared for you to help you with your disaster recovery. 
More details are provided from this post: "What to expect when you register with FEMA after your disaster from a homeowners point of view."

Always Appeal when Denied, ALWAYS!

Download PDF or DOCX version of this document/page. The contractor estimate example is listed in the resources section at the end of this article.

Disaster Survivors Name
Date of Birth
Damaged dwelling addressed
DR-XXXX
FEMA Registration # 1234567890

To: Whom It May Concern:

This letter is sent to Appeal the Inspector's report of damages to my home as a result of the recent floods in [NAME OF TOWN, COUNTY/PARISH, STATE]. The Inspector was unable to enter a bedroom because the sliding doors to the bedroom were jammed and would not slide back into the wall. All of the contents in the bedroom were destroyed. Since that time, the "All Hand Volunteers" removed the doors and the contents from the room. The Chief Client Services Coordinator for the "All Hand Volunteers" said he would verify the lost of contents in the bedroom. In addition, I was unaware of the deadline to request an appeal however, I have attached pictures of the damaged contents from the bedroom. Would you please consider these losses in addition to those determined by the Inspector. Any consideration you may give to my request will be appreciated.

(adjust this according to what is being appealed)

(The following line is required)

I do hereby declare under perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.

Sincerely,
Signature_______________________

• If someone other than the survivor is writing the letter, a statement must be included stating that the person may act on survivors behalf. Survivor MUST sign the letter. IF they are unable to write, have them put an X in signature line and you or whoever is acting on their behalf must explain.
• Documents that must be included:
• Licensed contractors estimates / proposal which must contain the contractors name, phone number, and a detailed line items of repair specifically indicating quantity and costs associated with each line item.
• This appeal letter must be submitted to the NPSC via mail to:
• FEMA P.O. Box 10055 - Hyattsville, MD 20782 or fax 800-827-8112

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Resources that may help: 

• What to expect when you register with FEMA after your disaster from a homeowners point of view.
• FEMA Example Appeal Letter PDF  (PDF)
• FEMA Example Appeal Letter (DOCX)
• FEMA Example Appeal Letter (IMG)
• FEMA Example Contractors Estimate (IMG)
• You have 30 days to 6 months to appeal anything FEMA. Get it done in under 30 days. 
• Civil Action No. 06-1521-RJL
• Case 1:06-cv-01 521 -RJL Document 3-3 Filed 08/31/2006
• What to expect from FEMA after you apply for aid.
• How Do I Appeal the Final Decision?
• Understanding FEMA Decisions and Your Appeal Options
• Appealing FEMA's Decision on Your Application for Assistance