How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision

If you are found eligible for assistance, the letter will explain the grant amount that FEMA has approved and information on the appropriate use of the disaster assistance grant.

If you are found ineligible for assistance, the letter will explain the reasons. It is possibly something as simple as missing documentation or information.

If you disagree with any decisions made by FEMA, including your eligibility status or the amount of grant you may receive, you have the right to appeal.

1. 1. Appeal Process

It is important to include documentation to support your reason for appeal. Provide any information FEMA has requested, such as documents from your insurance company and documents that prove occupancy or ownership.

Be sure to write your FEMA application number and the disaster number (DR-4810-VT) on each page of your appeal and on any documents that are submitted. Writing your application number on each page submitted helps FEMA to organize your case.

Mail your appeal within 60 days from the date on your FEMA decision letter to:

• FEMA – Individuals & Households Program National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-8055

You can also upload your appeal documentation to your account on DisasterAssistance.gov, or fax to
800-827-8112.

If you are unable to send an appeal yourself, ask someone to do it for you. It could be someone in your household, a friend, or an attorney. You will need to provide FEMA with a statement signed by you that the person is authorized to appeal on your behalf.

For additional information about FEMA’s appeal process or about authorizing a third party to act on your behalf, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The line is open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight, ET. Assistance is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone, or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center; to find the nearest center, go to: fema.gov/drc. The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is October 21.

For the latest information on Vermont’s recovery from the July 9-11 severe storm, flooding, landslides, and mudslides, as well as news releases, fact sheets and other helpful documents in multiple languages, please visit fema.gov/disaster/4810. Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion1 and at facebook.com/fema.

To view information about how to apply for FEMA disaster assistance in American Sign Language with captioning and a voiceover, please check the YouTube link.

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FEMA’s mission is helping people before, during, and after disasters.

All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency, or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, you can call the Civil Rights Resource line at 833-285-7448.