Writing A Funeral Cost Hardship Letter

When someone you care about passes away, and particularly if this is unexpected, you may find yourself in shock not just because of the sad passing, but also because of the significant burial and funeral expenses. It is quite common for people to neglect saving up for their funeral, which means that their loved ones left behind have to scrimp and scramble to come up with the money that is required. That said, hardship funds exist as well, so you may want to consider writing a funeral cost hardship letter.

There are a number of different associations that you can write to in order to ask for a hardship grant. These include government employee funds, mutual aid associations, and religious organizations. You will usually have to be a member of these groups in order to apply for them, and they tend to have their own specific requirements in terms of what you should put in the hardship letter.

Social Security

The most commonly used program is Social Security. As a surviving spouse, you are entitled to a lump sum death benefit, which is designed to pay for the funeral costs. You will also start receiving monthly Social Security checks if you are entitled to them. Social Security has standard forms for this.

For Military Personnel

You may also attempt to access the charitable organizations associated with the U.S. Army, Marines, Air Force, and Navy. They each have their own requirements in terms of what you have to supply and demonstrate. Their criteria for economic hardship will also vary. You may also want to consider the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Naturally, these benefits are only available to those who have served in one of those departments.

Special Tragic Circumstances

You may also be classed as having “special tragic circumstances”. For instance, your loved one may have died as the result of a crime, negligence of another organization, or a natural disaster. If so, then you may be able to access crime victim grants through the Department of Justice or your local police department. You can also check out the forms at the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Association), which has grants available for natural disaster victims.

State Department of Human Services

Different state, county, and city governments may also have grants and funds available to help people cover the costs of funeral expenses. In most cases, you should contact the State Department of Human Services for this. They will supply you with the relevant forms and explain to you how to write your hardship letter. If your loved one, or you, has already received certain state benefits, burial help may be available to you as well.

It is important to learn the guidelines in relation to how much money you can receive towards a burial or cremation. You will usually not receive any of these funds yourself. Rather, they will be paid to the funeral parlor that you have chosen to conduct the service. In most cases, you will have to fill out a reimbursement form with a letter explaining your hardship. Although all of that may sound complicated, don’t worry because help is available.

Writing A Funeral Cost Hardship Letter Examples

{Name}
{Address}
{Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {memorial society/burial claims agency}:

I am reaching out to your {nonprofit/agency} in the hopes of receiving financial assistance relating to funeral and burial services for my mother, who {has died/is dying}.

I’ve spoken with {funeral home} and the director there, {name}, told me about your fund. {Director} is willing to discount fees and is even offering {a casket at wholesale pricing}. However, I will still be responsible for {amount}. Even that is too much for me to absorb. If you’re able to contribute {amount}, that will ease the burden and allow me to participate in the funeral home’s payment plan.

Nearly all of my financial resources have been depleted due to {end-of-life care/taking time off work/etc.}.

Please consider assisting me in honoring my mother’s wishes for a funeral and traditional casket burial.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Modification

When you write an adjustable rate mortgage loan modification hardship letter, you are formally requesting that the terms and conditions of your loan be changed. The letter is an opportunity for you to highlight your financial difficulty and to attempt to get better terms and thereby avoid a foreclosure. Remember, however, that lenders are not interested in life stories. All they want to know are the facts that surround your current situation.

Key Reasons for Writing the Hardship Letter

There are two key reasons why you may want to send this letter: medical issues and job loss. In addition, some lenders will accept death of a spouse, divorce, military duty, a newborn child, and relocation. Sometimes, they will even accept a failing or failed business. However, they are unlikely to assist if there isn’t a benefit in it for them. Lenders don’t generally want to repossess properties, which means they will want to avoid foreclosing the property as well. Hence, if you can explain that you don’t want to get out of paying your debt, but that you simply need some help, you have the best chance of being accepted.

Basic Rules in Writing the Hardship Letter

Make sure that your letter comes across as positive. They want to see that you are a responsible borrower who wants to do the right thing. Hence, you should be matter of fact about your situation and about what you have done and are doing to stay on top of your bills. You have to be able to prove everything that you state as well, so do make sure to show some documents.

The letter is perhaps the most important thing in this entire process. Hence, you need to make sure it includes all pertinent details:

  1. Why you are behind in your payments
  2. When you first fell behind
  3. When and how you expect your situation to improve
  4. What kind of modification are you asking for
  5. How much you are able to pay each month, if anything
  6. Whether you are seeking treatment if the difficulty is due to an addiction

The letter must be signed by you, even if you have asked a consultant to write it for you. You also have to make sure that it is a genuine letter, and not simply a template with some details changed. You should not include a lengthy narration of your situation, nor should you exaggerate your situation. Be to the point and honest instead.

Finally, remember that this is a formal letter. Hence, address it to the right person in the right format. The subject line should include your reason for writing, as well as your account number. You should also make sure that there are no grammatical or spelling errors in the letter, so proofread it or ask someone to do that for you. You should also try to have all the information on a single page. Longer letters are more likely to be dismissed, simply because hundreds of them are received every week and lenders have a limited time in which to read through all of them.

Hardship Letter Adjustable Rate Mortgage Loan Modification

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Your Loan #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this hardship letter to request a loan modification. My financial situation cannot currently accommodate the adjustable mortgage rate that is being asked of me.

For the last {number} years, my mortgage has been billed to me at a fixed rate of {amount} per {time}. As of {date}, however, the amount due jumped to {amount} per {time}.I understand that I entered into an adjustable rate contract, and originally I had a financial plan that was flexible enough to meet the projected expense. Unfortunately, new circumstances have drastically depleted my funds, and I find myself facing foreclosure if I cannot meet the new payments.

My finances have changed due to unexpected {medical bills, job loss, etc. Be specific.} While I could afford the fixed rate, this new expense is too much for my limited account. I have attached last year’s federal income tax return and my credit card bills from the last two months. Also included is a worksheet detailing the dispersal of income among essential payments.

I would like to request a return to my former fixed rate, which is still a payment I can afford. If that does not work, perhaps we could come to terms on a deferral plan or a principal loan reduction.

I hope to avoid foreclosure at all costs. Please contact me as soon as possible so that we can work out a payment plan.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter To Doctor

Health care is indeed expensive and doctors are often busy. In many cases, only those with significant funds and some sort of private health insurance are able to get the treatment that they need, when they need it. If you are in financial hardship, then it is likely that you will find it particularly difficult to obtain the medical care that you require. If this is the case for you, and you have been denied an early appointment with a specialist, you may consider writing a letter to have that decision reconsidered.

Basic Guidelines for Writing a Hardship Letter to Doctor

Hardship letters are usually quite formal pieces of writing. When writing to a doctor, however, it is often better to become somewhat more personal. That being said, you should still make sure that your letter is properly presented and addressed, that it is dated, and that it includes all the important information that the doctor may need.

Starting the Letter

You should start by explaining that you had requested an appointment, but that you have not been granted one before a specific date. Make sure to include the date on which you requested an appointment, the date on which you received a decision, and the date on which the appointment is offered.

Content of the Hardship Letter

Next, explain why it is important for you to see that specific doctor. He or she may, for instance, be the only specialist in a certain field within a certain geographical area. Explain that you are aware of this because you have already seen other physicians but the treatment you received were not successful for you. State that you feel that the said doctor would be the one to be able to provide an accurate diagnosis, or who would be able to provide appropriate treatment. Flattery can help here, although you do have to make sure that you don’t lay it on too thick at the same time.

Explain that your condition is life limiting, and that, should you have to wait for an appointment, it may get much worse. Do not be afraid to explain that you feel desperate and that your hopes are pinned on this particular doctor. If such is the case, emphasize that your illness has also prevented you from being productive, and that waiting for such a long period of time will make it impossible for you to continue to pay all your bills as well.

Ending the Letter

Do also state what you would be willing to offer the physician in return. Your case may be particularly interesting, for instance, and you may be willing to let your details to be shared with medical students. Physicians are always interested in unique cases, after all.

Finally, make sure that you send the letter via registered mail, and indicate that you will follow up by a certain date over the telephone to confirm not just receipt, but also whether you can indeed have an earlier appointment with the doctor. Do also include any evidence you have to support the things you have stated before.

Hardship Letter To Doctor Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {Doctor}:

On {date}, I was informed by your staff that you have no openings over the next {amount of time} and that you can’t schedule an appointment with me until {date} at the earliest. I am writing to beg you to reconsider.

I know that you are the only medical doctor focusing on {field} in a {number}-mile radius. I know this because I have been to every general physician in the area, and it is my sincere belief that you are the only person who can help treat me, or even tell me what, precisely, is wrong with me. I’m not an impatient person, but I’m afraid that if I have to wait {amount of time}, my condition will have worsened to the point of severe illness or even death. I admit that I’m afraid and even desperate at this point to get answers that will help me.

If there’s one thing I can offer you, it’s the guarantee that you will find my case unique and medically relevant to your research into {field}. {Brief medical history}. I have been to {list of other doctors/clinics} and no one can help me. I am happy to come in at any time you can fit me into your schedule, and I will try not to take up too much of your time.

I will call your office again next week. I’m so sorry to be an inconvenience, but I hope that we can find a time to meet very soon.

Thank you,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Distribution 401k Letter

Some people may realize at some point in their life that they need to make use of their retirement savings in order to meet their financial obligations. By opting for an early 401k withdrawal, they are often able to stay afloat just long enough to get back on their feet. To do this, they must write a hardship distribution 401k letter. The steps in writing it are described below.

1. Meet the Relevant Criteria

The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) will only accept an early withdrawal if the account holder can demonstrate “immediate and heavy financial need“. This means that it must be used to pay for funeral expenses, repairing extreme property damage, stopping an eviction, paying for educational expenses, buying a primary residence, or medical care. Details are listed in Reg. 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(1).

2. Format It Properly

Next, speak to your broker or HR department to ensure that you are addressing the letter to the right people. The document you write should be free from spelling and grammatical errors. It should highlight your personal details, as well as your account number. Do also complete some online research for samples of opening sentences.

3. Draft Your Letter

Your letter should start with an explanation of your circumstances. Include any evidence of this as attachment. Explain why the only recourse you can see is an early withdrawal. Be specific about the amount and state that you know the consequences of doing this. Make sure to include any dates on which you have missed payments as well.

4. Edit Your Letter

As much as possible, your letter should be no longer than one page. Your desired outcome should be one of the first things that you mention. Take out any of the details that were added in the draft that are obvious and make sure to stick to facts and avoid showing any emotion.

5. Proofread and Send the Letter

One you have edited your letter, you need to proofread it. If at all possible, you should ask someone else to do it for you. If not, leave the letter overnight and read it the next day. Read it aloud as well, to make sure that it sounds right. Include all the relevant attachments and make sure that you photocopy everything. Date your letter and send it, and make sure that you request a return receipt.

6. Follow Up

Do not accept silence as a response to your letter. Call your fund manager, your contact in HR, or your broker after a week, even if it is just to make sure that the letter has been received. Make sure that you have also consulted with your tax preparer or accountant. This is all about being proactive and understanding what is going to happen next. If your request is accepted, for instance, you may not be able to contribute to your plan for between six months and a year.

There are never any guarantees that a hardship letter will be accepted favorably. However, with these tips, you may greatly increase your chances. Do remember that withdrawing from your retirement account should be a last resort only.

Hardship Distribution 401k Letter Example

{Name}
{Address}
{Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {fund manager}:

Due to immediate and heavy financial need, I must now apply for hardship distribution of funds in my 401(k), as allowed under IRS “safe harbor” regulations.

I am now responsible for {medical expenses/purchase of a principal residence/mortgage payments/tuition/repairs to my residence/funeral expenses}. These costs far exceed the amount of cash or credit I am able to access.

I am seeking to withdraw {amount}, which is only the amount necessary to satisfy this immediate need. I cannot obtain funds from any other source or by liquidating assets.

I understand that I will be taxed on the amount distributed and that I may face additional related taxes.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter After Foreclosure

Once you start to fall behind on your mortgage payments, there is the possibility that you will end up in foreclosure. Indeed, there could be a time when you find no other way but to allow your property to be foreclosed because there was no opportunity for your financial situation to improve at that point in time. However, this does not mean that you will always remain in that situation. There may come a time in which things have picked up again, and you are ready to apply for a new mortgage. Unfortunately, many lenders will likely decline your application upon knowing your foreclosure. However, if you can explain that this was due to real financial hardship, you may find a lender who may approve your application.

Tips in Writing a Hardship Letter After Foreclosure

If you were in genuine hardship, a lender may consider this when deciding whether or not to provide you with a new mortgage. However, you will have to submit significant evidence to prove your situation. Additionally, you must write a proper hardship letter.

A hardship letter is a personal document. You must use it to provide an overview of the situation that you were in, and how this eventually led to your foreclosure. The letter, in this instance, must also prove that your hardship has now ended.

The hardship letter after foreclosure has to be a formal letter. This means that you have to give factual reasons, such as the death of a spouse, involuntary reduction in hours and income, loss of job, relocation, incarceration, divorce, or medical bills, and other past problems. Essentially, you must provide factual details about the personal circumstances that have affected you. At the same time, these should be clear, concise, short, and to the point.

If at all possible, you should keep the letter contained to a single page. It should provide all the important details:

  1. Why you were in difficulty
  2. When the difficulty started
  3. Why you are now no longer in difficulty

It is quite difficult to prove to a lender that your credit history reflects a glitch in your circumstances and is not, therefore, a full picture of who you are today. Indeed, that is why credit files exist. However, this does not mean that it will be impossible for you to get back on the property ladder after some time. Situations resulting to hardship are mostly beyond your control, and lenders do realize that.

Remember that the hardship letter after foreclosure is a formal document. It will be kept on your permanent file as well. Hence, you should write it in a business style, addressed properly, and with your account details in the subject line. Do also make sure that you include photocopies (not originals) of every piece of evidence you supply. The letter should be free from spelling or grammatical errors and it is recommended that a third party proofread it for you. Lastly, send your letter via registered post and do follow up if you have not received a reply within one week.

Hardship Letter After Foreclosure Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing this hardship letter to request that the waiting period between conventional mortgage loans be reduced in my case. The foreclosure on my previous house was due to a number of extenuating circumstances beyond my control, and I foresee no such difficulty in my new situation.

I was forced to foreclose on my former residence because of {job loss, illness, family death, be specific}. Because this sudden change caused a devastating {monetary amount} loss to my income, I could no longer pay my mortgage. Foreclosure was the only option for my situation. I have attached {documents} as a testament to my honesty. My financial detriment had nothing to do with overspending or irresponsible purchases.

Since my foreclosure, however, I have regained my credit through {getting a new job, paying off bills, etc. Be specific}. I have attached my last two credit card bills, a copy of my credit report, and last year’s federal income tax return to prove my present situation. I am financially stable and able to easily cover mortgage payments. I would like to take advantage of the current housing climate, but I cannot get a loan for another {number} years.

Please contact me at the aforementioned number at your earliest convenience. I am asking that the loan waiting period be reduced from the traditional 4 to 7 years to {number} years. I look forward to speaking with you regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter For Medical Benefit Extension

When you sign up to a health plan, it will have certain limitations on the types of treatment you can have, how often you can have treatment, and where you can go for that treatment. The result is that sometimes, you may either have to forego on the treatment or pay for it yourself. Both of these situations can cause undue hardship, which can possibly be avoided if you write to your health care insurance company to request for a medical benefit extension.

Tips on Writing a Hardship Letter for Medical Benefit Extension

You must at all times remember that this letter is a formal letter in which you are asking for help. This means that it has to be presented in the right format, be short and to the point, addressed to the right person, and free from grammar and spelling mistakes. The most important thing, however, is that it presents the insurance company with facts. They do not want to hear your life story or how emotionally affected you have been by the lack of therapy or your illness.

Starting the Letter

Start by indicating that you wish to request for a medical benefit extension under your existing health plan. Provide the name of your plan and your policy number. Explain what your plan currently allows in terms of therapy for a certain condition, and ask that an exception be made for you. Specifically, you need to ask for an extension.

Content of the Hardship Letter

State that something has occurred with regards to your medical condition, including the date. This could be an accident, major surgery, or a sudden illness, for instance. Explain how this situation has affected you on a practical basis, particularly if this also has had an impact on your finances. Again, make sure that you include documented evidence to support your statements.

Indicate the name and contact details of your physician and then state that he or she has recommended that you undergo a number of treatment sessions as a form of rehabilitation. If at all possible, you should ask for a letter from your doctor in which it is explained that the proposed therapy could have significant positive benefits for your condition.

Explain that your current health plan does not cover the number of sessions recommended by your physician. State that this means you would have to pay a certain amount towards the treatment yourself. Include copies of income stubs, bank statements, and other bills to further support the fact that you are unable to pay for this treatment out of pocket. Explain that, should you not be able to access the treatment, you will also be unable to work and that this will eventually lead to you needing to file for bankruptcy. Emphasize that this could be avoided if you be granted a medical benefit extension. But do be careful with this. You should not come across as feeling entitled for an extension, nor should you express any anger against your insurance company.

Hardship Letter For Medical Benefit Extension Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {Insurance Representative}:

I am writing with regards to the benefits offered by my health plan, {plan and policy number}. My health plan currently only allows {maximum number} therapy sessions for {condition}, and I would like to request an extension of these benefits.

On {date}, I had {an accident/major surgery/injury}. The result was that {I can no longer work/I’m unable to move/I have to walk with a cane, etc.}. Aside from these restrictions, I also {list of debilitating or painful symptoms}. My doctor has recommended {number} {therapy type} sessions to rehabilitate and heal. It is {his/her} professional opinion that with this therapy, I could {positive projected result}. Enclosed is {his/her} statement.

Unfortunately, my health plan only covers {number} therapy sessions, meaning that I will be forced to pay {amount} out of pocket. Enclosed are my bank statements and income stubs to prove that I will be unable to meet these expenses, and therefore unable to continue therapy. If that is the case, I will be forced to {file for bankruptcy, go on disability, quit my job, etc.}. I am trying to avoid such extreme circumstances, and as such I am requesting an extension of my benefits to {benefits required}.

I hope that we can reach an agreement, as this therapy is medically necessary for me to continue as a functioning member of society. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Fund Application Letter

There are numerous situations in which you may need to write a hardship letter. Depending on your situation and which fund you are writing to, the things that have to be included in the letter will vary substantially. In the vast majority of cases, the letter is designed to appeal for funds to pay for an unexpected expense, such as a funeral, or to ask a creditor for an extension on costs. Either way, there are a number of key things that you have to include in your hardship letter.

How to Write a Hardship Fund Application Letter

The key thing to remember is that you need to be open and honest about your situation. If you have waited for a very long time with writing your letter, particularly if it is in relation to a loan or a mortgage, you also have to outline why you did not consider communicating with your creditor sooner. The letter should not be one in which you beg, but rather one in which you explain what is wrong, why you need help, how long you will need help, and what you aim to do in order to get back on track.

Checklist of Requirements

There are a few things that you have to remember to include in your hardship letter. It doesn’t matter whom you are writing it to. There are a number of criteria that you have to meet. Usually, you also have to follow a specific format. Hence, find out those requirements first. Your letter should, at the very least, include:

  • Your personal details
  • The date it was written
  • Your case or customer number, if you have one
  • The type of hardship request you want to make
  • Why you are in hardship
  • How you have tried avoiding being in hardship, and why this was unsuccessful
  • How you intend to improve your situation
  • Your gratefulness for the consideration given to you
  • Details of any documents that you have included to support your letter

Overall, your letter should be just one page long. Make sure that you ask someone to proofread it for you. You have to make sure that there are no mistakes in the letter.

When Can You Not Write a Hardship Letter

Hardship describes a situation in which you are truly not able to meet certain responsibilities due to situations beyond your control. You are not, for instance, in hardship if you spent your savings on a five star all inclusive vacation and then found that your mortgage monthly amortization cannot be paid. If you have voluntarily left your job or reduced your hours, if you chose not to have certain forms of common insurance in place, or if you are unwilling to remove certain unnecessary expenses from your budget, then it is unlikely that you will be accepted for a hardship grant.

Nobody wants to be in a situation where they need to write a hardship letter. However, certain situations do happen and it is important to know that help is out there for you. Writing a letter is not overly complicated if you follow the tips provided above.

Hardship Fund Application Letter Example

{Name}
{Address}
{Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {Hardship Fund board/administrator}:

I would like to apply for financial relief under the {name of hardship fund}. As an {employee/union member}, I realize the {strike/work stoppage/temporary layoff} was necessary. However, our family just doesn’t have the financial cushion to weather the time without a paycheck.

Our savings and monetary resources are limited due to {reason}. Therefore, we can only go without salary for {time period} before {we face eviction/utilities are shut off/etc.}. A grant of just {amount} would be enough to stave off disaster.

Thank you for considering offering relief. The generosity of {donors/union members/etc.} is much appreciated.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter Keep House

When you buy a home, you do so with the intention of staying there for a long time. Nobody wants to start a mortgage expecting it to go into foreclosure at some point. However, there are situations beyond your control that may push you towards that. If that has happened to you, and you want to keep your house, one option is to write a hardship letter to your mortgage provider.

Basic Tips in Writing a Hardship Letter to Keep House

This letter is a formal letter that must be written to the right person, in the right department. It is also highly likely that your mortgage lender has a standard form that you must complete. Hence, it is advisable to contact your lender first to ask for this form, and to find out to whom you should write to.

As a formal letter, it should be properly formatted, dated, and free from spelling and grammar mistakes. It should also hold your account number in the subject line, as well as other identifying information so the lender can confirm who you are.

Content of the Hardship Letter

Your letter should make it clear that you want to keep your house. A lot of people who experience hardship are in the process of selling their property and therefore simply want an extension of payments. Others want to request approval of a short sale. It is vital, therefore, that you start your letter by stating that you are experiencing hardship, but that you want to remain in your home.

State how important your property is to you and your family. Give a brief description of your family makeup and how you would be affected if you and your family were forced to leave the property. State that your home is at the heart of your family, educational, social, professional, and spiritual lives. Write that you would like to come up with a loan modification or forbearance plan that will enable you to keep your property.

Explain what has forced you to become delinquent in your payments and make sure that you include documented evidence for that. Examples may include losing your job, the death of a relative, incarceration of the breadwinner, a sudden illness or disability, and other such situations. All of these are situations that are beyond your control, but have caused you significant financial hardship.

Next, you must propose a solution that you believe to be mutually beneficial for you and the lender. Loan modifications of this kind tend to be temporary only. For instance, state how long you will be able to making reduced payments, and in what amount. Also explain how you intend to repay the amount that you will have missed as a result of this modification. Do not make any promises that you cannot keep, however. It is better to only offer $5 a month and pay that, than to offer $500 and not be able to make the payment. After all, your lender is only likely to give you such a chance once.

Hardship Letter Keep House Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Your Loan #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to you today concerning my mortgage foreclosure. This home is extremely important to me and my family, as it is in the center of our professional, social, educational, and devotional lives. I would like to work out a forbearance plan or loan modification that would allow me to keep the house.

My inability to pay the mortgage on my house has arisen from {specific and detailed situation. Family problems, medical emergencies, death, loss of income/job, etc. Attach documents as necessary to prove financial hardship}.

I would like to propose a temporary loan modification plan. With my savings of {amount} I can make a reduced payment of {amount} from now until {date}, when I shall hopefully {resolution of aforementioned problems}. At that time I would resume paying the previous amount of {amount}. I hope that I have made it clear how necessary my home is to both me and my {members of family}. It is critical to our daily lives in {specific ways} and we cannot afford to lose it at this time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Hardship Letter For When Insurance Denied Coverage

There are various reasons as to why an insurance company may deny coverage. Whatever those reasons are, however, the impact can be significant for an individual. This denial often becomes a cause for new hardship, particularly in cases of medical bills. There usually is no opportunity to decide whether or not to have treatment before speaking to an insurance company, which means you could be left with significant bills to pay. If this is the case, you may want to consider writing a hardship letter to appeal the decision.

Basics of Writing a Hardship Letter for When Insurance Denied Coverage

This type of letter is a formal letter and should be treated as such. It should be properly formatted, therefore, and addressed to the right person in the right department. Contact the insurance company to determine to whom you should write to if you’re not sure. The letter should be short and to the point, preferably fitting on a single page. It should also be proofread, so that it does not contain any grammatical or spelling errors.

Starting the Letter

Your first paragraph should explain what has happened. For instance, you may have had an operation. Indicate the date when this occurred and why it was needed. You should then specify when you were told and by whom that your request for insurance coverage was declined. You should, at the point, have been given a reason, which usually is that the company does not feel the treatment was “medically necessary”. Whatever the reason that was given to you, include that in the letter as well.

Content of the Hardship Letter

You should then explain that you wish for the case to be reconsidered and why. For instance, you may have been in hardship which stopped you from seeking medical treatment in any other way. Alternatively, you may have additional evidence that demonstrates that the treatment was necessary, in which case you should also explain what the consequences would have been should you not have accessed the treatment. It is also possible that the denial of coverage now causes you financial hardship. Whatever it is, you must provide documented evidence and facts for all your statements.

There is one exception to this matter. If you feel the decision is completely wrong, then you can appeal it. However, that is different from writing a hardship letter, which essentially states that the decision made by the company is correct, but you would like them to make an exception in your particular case. If you want to appeal a decision, you are likely to have to follow different policies and procedures. Your insurance company should be able to provide you with details on what those steps are and how to get the ball rolling.

Ending the Letter

End your letter by respectfully requesting that the insurance company reevaluate your case. Unfortunately, the insurance company has no obligation to actually do so. Hence, you do have to make sure that you write your letter in a respectful manner and one that does not accuse the insurance company of anything.

Hardship Letter For When Insurance Denied Coverage Example

{Your Name}
{Your Address}
{Your Phone #}
{Your Account #}

{Date}

To Whom It May Concern:

On {date}, I required {brief but specific description of medical transportation, operation, etc.} due to {medical emergency}. I was notified on {date} from {insurance company representative} that my request to have {percentage} of the cost covered by my insurance was denied because the {operation/transportation/etc.} was not medically necessary.

I request reconsideration in this case. Due to {hardship}, I was unable to seek out {medical alternative}. This {action} was my only option and therefore was completely medically necessary. If I had not sought out this action, I would have {medical consequence}.

In light of these circumstances, I respectfully ask for a reevaluation of my case. I have attached {a doctor’s note, medical records, financial stubs, etc.} to substantiate my claim. Thank you for your consideration.

Thank you,

{Sender Name}

Writing A Job Termination Appeal Hardship Letter

If your employment has been terminated, it is still possible for you to appeal that decision, particularly if you can demonstrate financial hardship. Employers usually have specific human resources (HR) policies and procedures in place in terms of how they want to see an appeal presented, and what steps need to be taken. Hence, do make sure that you look into the relevant policy and follow the specified procedure.

Reasons Why the Appeal May Be Granted

There are many reasons as to why you may feel your appeal should be granted. Perhaps you were terminated based on incorrect or incomplete evidence, for instance, or perhaps you feel the entire process has been unfair. Hardship, however, is not always accepted by an employer, although it does depend on the reason for termination. It is for this reason that you must be very clear about why you are writing in the first place.

How to Write a Job Termination Appeal Hardship Letter

You must ensure that your letter is properly written in a professional format, and that it is free from grammatical and spelling mistakes. It should also be short and to the point, being no more than one page in length.

The letter is a formal request, so you must make sure it is clear as to what you are requesting. Hence, you must highlight why your employment has been terminated, the financial hardship you now find yourself in, and your suggestion to ameliorate the situation. There are numerous situations in which your employment could have been terminated, including:

  • Disciplinary action
  • Redundancy
  • End of contract
  • Refusal to make changes to contracts

Because this is in relation to employment laws, it is usually recommended to make use of the services of a professional. You can choose to see an employment lawyer, or perhaps you can have a union representative working on your side. With professional representation, you have bigger chance of actually following the established procedure and being successful.

What Must Be in the Letter

Writing your letter should begin with the correct form of address, sending it to the person who will make the decision. You must then explain that you are formally appealing the termination of your contract. If it was terminated because of your performance, and you only want to appeal based on hardship, not based on new evidence, then you must, in the letter, admit that your performance was substandard.

The hardship element of a termination of employment is a complex one. In many cases, termination causes hardship, and this could be a sufficient reason to have the decision overturned. In other cases, it is hardship that caused your performance to be below what is expected, and this eventually led to your termination. It is very important that you are clear, open, and honest about this.

Whether or not the termination of employment will actually be reconsidered, you can never be sure. It is not common for leniency to be shown, but you also don’t have anything to lose by at least giving it a try. So long as you are open and honest, your request should at least be considered.

Job Termination Appeal Hardship Letter Example

{Name}
{Address}
{Phone #}

{Date}

Dear {supervisor}:

Since I’ve already been terminated, I feel I have nothing to lose by laying it all out there. Please consider this my appeal of my firing from {position} on {date}.

Working for {company} has been the highlight of my career. I still can’t wrap my head around how {incident} led to me losing a job I truly loved.

What I haven’t told you is that I’ve been under a huge amount of stress due to {describe severe and private personal matter}. It was all too much. I’m ashamed that I let things build up; I truly believe that’s what led to {incident}. I’ve taken steps to get a handle on what’s going on in my private life, and how to keep it from spilling into the workplace.

Please take another look at my performance reviews. They are all stellar. Please check my {sales records/customer feedback}. Please think back on our interactions with one another; we have always had a respectful working relationship. Please ask my coworkers if I am someone they’d trust to have their back.

Please reconsider.

If I could take back {incident}, I would do so in a heartbeat. Since I cannot, I can only tell you how much I regret what happened, and how intensely I would rededicate myself to my job if I were reinstated.

I am open to any performance improvement plan, job reassignment, or disciplinary action the company feels appropriate.

Thank you very much for your consideration. Regardless, I wish only the best for you and the company in the future.

Appreciatively,

{Sender Name}