Questions & answers · Flood insurance
My NFIP flood claim was denied. How do I count the 60 days to appeal to FEMA and how do I send it?
Flood insuranceAppealChecked Nov 6, 2026
From K.Actuary, founded by Sangmin Kwon, ASA · sources checked 2026-11-06 · Source: FloodSmart.gov (FEMA NFIP) View original ↗
In short
- FloodSmart says you have a 60-day window from the date of the denial letter to appeal to FEMA.
- FEMA counts calendar days; a weekend or federal-holiday end date moves to the next regular day.
- Mail needs a postmark inside the window; email needs a time stamp inside it.
What this means
This answer is about the federal National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). FloodSmart says that if your claim is denied you have a 60-day window to file an appeal with FEMA from the date of the letter. To file, within 60 calendar days of the date written on the denial letter you explain the issues in writing, include a copy of the denial letter, and provide supporting documents like photos or contractor estimates. FloodSmart says FEMA uses calendar days, not business days. If the 60th day is a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, the window extends to the next day that is not one of those. By mail the envelope needs a postmark inside the window; by email the time stamp must be within the 60 days. There is no fee.
Your next step
Find the date written on your denial letter and count 60 calendar days from it. The source says the 60 days run from the date written on the letter. The mailing address and the form are on the FloodSmart page.
Check it yourself
Open the FloodSmart page «What to do if your flood insurance claim is denied» and read the FAQ on submitting on time.
Where this comes from (1)
[1] FloodSmart.gov (FEMA NFIP) · checked 2026-11-06
If your claim is denied, you have a 60-day window to file an appeal with FEMA from the date of the letter. … To file an appeal, you must do the following within 60 calendar days of the date written on the denial letter: Explain the issue(s) in writing. Use FEMA’s claim appeal form (See below) to help ensure your appeal is eligible. Include a copy of the denial letter from your insurer. Provide supporting documentatio…
How we found this
We matched your question to 1 official source, quoted the exact lines, and re-checked each quote against its source on 2026-11-06.
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This answer quotes the official sources listed above, with the date we checked them. Your own policy, notice and state rules control. We are not your lawyer or your insurer. We don’t file, argue or negotiate claims for you — you send any letter or form yourself.
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