How to Write Appeal Letters for Denial of Short Term Benefits

For many people, short term benefits are a safety net that keeps food on the table and allows them to receive the medical treatment they need. Unfortunately, these benefits are sometimes denied, and it's up to the recipient to do what he or she can to have them reinstated. Writing an appeal letter is one important step to achieving that goal. With a little planning and some research, you can write an appeal letter that will improve your chances of reinstatement.

Things You'll Need

• Documentation

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Instructions

• 1

  Compile all your documentation. To create a solid appeal of your case, you'll need evidence. Ask your doctor for notes or letters to reinforce the state of your physical or mental condition. For example, attorney Gregory Michael Dell points out that a psychiatrist's notes were part of his documentation for a client who suffered a psychotic episode.

• 2

  Consider the one you will want to use. Being informed that your benefits will be discontinued can cause a lot of stress. It's important, however, to use words and sentences that will be perceived as professional. Include as many specific dates and details as you can and avoid emotional rhetoric. According to Christine Acker, writing for the University of Texas at Austin, emotional arguments can sometimes be perceived as unfair and can fail to move the reader as much as factual arguments do.

• 3

  Formulate an outline for your appeal letter. The first paragraph should contain two very important elements: what you want and why you want it. Describe in clear terms why your short term benefits should be reinstated. Your next couple of paragraphs should each describe a reason and proof for the assertion. Finish with a concluding paragraph that politely restates what you are asking for.

• 4

  Compose your paragraphs. If you don't feel you're a great writer, don't worry. The important thing is to write sentences that make sense; you don't necessarily need to write pretty paragraphs. Feel free to stick to simple sentences if you like.

• 5

  Finish and proofread your appeal letter. One of the best ways to make sure what you've written is grammatically correct and effective is to read your words aloud to yourself. Your ear will often catch mistakes that your eyes may miss.