# Appeal a denied benefit, application, or official decision

A focused appeal that answers the stated reason for denial, organizes your evidence, and meets the appeal deadline.

- Topic: Writing & Editing
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Advanced
- Tags: Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/appeal-a-denied-benefit-application-or-official-decision

## Prompt

```text
Help me appeal a decision that went against me.

**What was denied or decided:** [e.g. unemployment benefits, disability benefits, a permit, housing assistance, a school placement, a parking ticket]
**Who made the decision:** [AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION]
**The decision letter:** [PASTE the reason given and the appeal instructions - remove ID numbers]
**Appeal deadline and method:** [DATE, and form / letter / hearing]
**Why I think it's wrong:** [MY SIDE, with facts and dates]
**Evidence I have or can get:** [documents, records, letters from others]

Steps:
1. Restate the exact reason for denial and what rule or requirement it points to.
2. Match each part of that reason to my facts and evidence. Show where the case is strong and where it has gaps.
3. List evidence that would strengthen the appeal and who could provide it.
4. Draft the appeal: who I am and the case number [CASE NUMBER], what I'm appealing, why the decision should change (point by point), the evidence attached, and what outcome I'm asking for.

Rules:
- Stick to facts and the stated reason. No emotional appeals unless they're relevant evidence (e.g. hardship).
- Keep it under one page if the process allows.
- Highlight the deadline. If it's close, tell me to file on time even if the evidence isn't complete, and ask what can be added later.

Return: the evidence table, the appeal draft, and a checklist for submitting and following up. This is general information, not legal advice - for large benefits or hearings, suggest free legal aid or an advocate.
```

## What to fill in

- AGENCY OR ORGANIZATION
- DATE, and form / letter / hearing
- MY SIDE, with facts and dates
- documents, records, letters from others
- CASE NUMBER

Free to copy and use. From ThinkWithPrompt (https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/), a library of 2,663 curated AI prompts.