Writing a Strong Appeal Letter (with Samples)
Use these sample appeal letters as templates for your formal appeal letter.
Last updated on July 17th, 2022
There are many reasons why a person may need to write an appeal letter. Whether there has been a denial for Social Security Disability, Unemployment or a person has an issue with the IRS, this type of letter may come in handy.
Most people, at some point of time or another. will have to appeal a decision that has been made on their behalf. Sometimes, a situation deserves a second look, and this is just the letter that allows that to happen.
The goal is to write a letter that is not only professional but can accomplish the end result, a reconsideration of the matter. Usually, there is only one chance to have a reconsideration, so it is important to make the most of it. The letter must be compelling and stick to the point. The letter should be in standard business format, which includes, date, recipients address, subject line, salutation, Body and closing.
Most people, at some point of time or another. will have to appeal a decision that has been made on their behalf. Sometimes, a situation deserves a second look, and this is just the letter that allows that to happen.
The goal is to write a letter that is not only professional but can accomplish the end result, a reconsideration of the matter. Usually, there is only one chance to have a reconsideration, so it is important to make the most of it. The letter must be compelling and stick to the point. The letter should be in standard business format, which includes, date, recipients address, subject line, salutation, Body and closing.
Goal of the Letter
The goal of the letter should be established within the first paragraph. However, a person doesn't want to go into great detail in the opening section. The goal here is to explain the situation briefly to the person whom you are appealing the situation.
The second paragraph is the section when the full story comes out. Be very detailed and give a good explanation for what happened, or what went wrong. Make sure to always use chronological order and ensure that all the facts are correct. If there is a relevant fact that helps in the determination of the appeal, make sure the date is included.
The hardest part about this section is learning to remain calm. Some writers’ error because they use a harsh tone here, and this can be offense to the reviewer. Try not to make the letter person, but rather make it professional.
The goal of the letter should be established within the first paragraph. However, a person doesn't want to go into great detail in the opening section. The goal here is to explain the situation briefly to the person whom you are appealing the situation.
The second paragraph is the section when the full story comes out. Be very detailed and give a good explanation for what happened, or what went wrong. Make sure to always use chronological order and ensure that all the facts are correct. If there is a relevant fact that helps in the determination of the appeal, make sure the date is included.
The hardest part about this section is learning to remain calm. Some writers’ error because they use a harsh tone here, and this can be offense to the reviewer. Try not to make the letter person, but rather make it professional.
Keeping a Calm Tone
By keeping a calm tone, even when things are a heated matter, it can help accomplish the goal. Always make sure all details are factual, there is never a reason to lie. Fabrications can be immediate grounds to have the appeal denied a second time without a fair chance.
In this section, write the reviewer and let them know why they should grant this action. If the initial ruling was unfair and was against specific regulations or rules that the company has, make sure and state what section it violated.
Sometimes people do deserve a second chance. It is not wrong to quote state revised codes or to include any documentation that will support the claim. Again, tone in this section will be very important. The letter should never be offensive, but rather provide the documentation needed to make an informed decision.
This is a chance to thank the reviewer for looking at the appeal again. This is also a chance to reaffirm the contact information and make sure they understand how important this matter is. Thank them for their time and consideration and end on a pleasant note.
By keeping a calm tone, even when things are a heated matter, it can help accomplish the goal. Always make sure all details are factual, there is never a reason to lie. Fabrications can be immediate grounds to have the appeal denied a second time without a fair chance.
In this section, write the reviewer and let them know why they should grant this action. If the initial ruling was unfair and was against specific regulations or rules that the company has, make sure and state what section it violated.
Sometimes people do deserve a second chance. It is not wrong to quote state revised codes or to include any documentation that will support the claim. Again, tone in this section will be very important. The letter should never be offensive, but rather provide the documentation needed to make an informed decision.
This is a chance to thank the reviewer for looking at the appeal again. This is also a chance to reaffirm the contact information and make sure they understand how important this matter is. Thank them for their time and consideration and end on a pleasant note.
Sample Appeal Letter for Social Security Disability
DATE
Social Security Administration
Box 8973900
Kansas City, MO 98056
Attn: Appeals Department
To Whom It May Concern,
I applied for Social Security Disability for my son, Jesse Thomas, who suffers from Autism Spectrum. We have filed this claim four times and all four times have been declined. I have provided the agency updated documentation of the child’s need for services and yet we still receive a decline. Jesse is classified as having a major illness that will last 6 or more month. We are asking that the application should be reconsidered.
Jesse is classified as having ADHD, Autism Spectrum, Mood Disorder, Cognitive Delays and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. While it appears that he may function somewhat well in a classroom, he has major cognitive problems that require a lot of one on one attention.
Jesse has social interaction problems that make attending a normal school system next to impossible. He has to have monitoring 24x7 due to lack of impulse control. I have to pay for caregivers to be able to even go to the grocery store. He requires a dedicate person to be with him at all times.
We keep being denied for this assistance, yet according to the Social Security guidelines, a person with Autism Spectrum falls under the category for assistance. We have provided diagnosis information from his doctors stating he has this condition. There should be no problem getting this claim through, as we clearly have the criteria met for allowing its approval.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. I can be reached anytime at 740-710-8596. We look forward to settling this matter in a timely fashion.
Sincerely,
Signature of Claimant
Printed Name of Claimant
Sample Appeal Letter for Unemployment Benefits
Name of Claimant
Address of Claimant
City, State, Zip Code
Case Number of Claimant
DATE
State Unemployment Compensation Board
Address
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Appeal for the denial of unemployment benefits
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is a formal appeal of the decision by the State Unemployment Board to deny me unemployment compensation benefits. I received the denial in a letter dated DATE, that informed me that my employer was fighting my right to compensation because I quit my job. This is a false accusation. They fired me and paid me one month’s salary compensation. I have included the documents to prove this.
I respectfully request an unemployment hearing in order to have the opportunity to present the documents that prove my claim. I am confident that my documents will prove that the claims of my employer are false.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my case. I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Signature of Claimant
Printed Name of Claimant
Enclosures: Severance Documents, One Month’s Severance Pay Stub, Relevant Forms
Sample Appeal Letter for Property Taxes
Homeowner’s Name
Homeowner’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
To the Board of Review or Tax Board or Tribunal:
I am sending this letter as notice that I would like to appeal my property tax assessment. The details as to why my home is over assessed are given below.
1. There are three main discrepancies between the property record that was filed and what is actually in my home.
- I have a two car garage, not a three car garage as indicated. Tax value - $2,000
- I have 1,000 square feet of living space not 1,800 square feet as indicated – Tax value $7,000
- I do not have a wooden deck. Tax value - $1,500
Kindly deduct $10,500 from my assessment.
2. There is structural damage to my home that reduces its resale value.
- An exterior wall and the corresponding foundation are severely cracked, which is not mentioned in the assessment. Tax value - $5,000
- The roof leaks in the kitchen. Tax value - $3,000
Kindly deduct $8,000 from my assessment.
3. In comparison to two homes that have recently sold on my street, I am requesting a reevaluation of the value of my home. Both of these houses have similar square feet, age and upgrades.
- The house at ADDRESS sold for $250,000
- The house at ADDRESS sold for $225,000
Kindly change the assessment of my home to $250,000.
The information given in this letter clearly shows that my property taxes have been incorrectly assessed. The assessment shows improvements and upgrades that do not exist in my home. Also, the value of my home should not be more than $250,000.
I am requesting that my tax assessment be adjusted according to the provided information. I would be happy to meet you informally to discuss the situation or will submit a formal request. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected]
Sincerely,
Homeowner’s signature
Homeowner’s Name printed
List of enclosures
By Andre Bradley
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