If you’ve been injured by the negligence of a federal employee or federal agency, the first step toward compensation is not a lawsuit—it’s a form. Specifically, Standard Form 95 (SF-95).
At National Security Law Firm, our FTCA attorneys guide clients through every step of the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) process, beginning with this critical document. A single mistake or omission on an SF-95 can lead to denial or loss of your right to sue. This post explains what the form is, why it matters, and how to file it correctly.
Understanding the SF-95 Form
The SF-95, or Standard Form 95, is the official government form used to file an administrative claim for damages against the United States under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA).
Before you can sue the government, you must first give the relevant federal agency notice of your claim using this form. It tells the agency what happened, who was involved, and how much compensation you’re seeking.
This step is mandatory. You cannot file a lawsuit in federal court unless you first submit a valid SF-95 and allow the agency time to respond.
Why the SF-95 Is So Important
Filing the SF-95 correctly is not just a procedural step—it’s a legal requirement that affects your entire case.
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It starts the clock on your claim.
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It preserves your right to file in court later.
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It allows the agency a chance to settle before litigation.
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It ensures the proper agency receives your claim.
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It locks in the “sum certain” (the exact dollar amount you’re claiming in damages).
If your SF-95 is incomplete, inaccurate, or late, your case can be dismissed entirely—even if your underlying claim is valid.
Who Should File an SF-95?
Anyone who has been injured, harmed, or suffered property loss due to the negligence or wrongful act of a federal employee acting within the scope of their employment may need to file an SF-95.
This includes:
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Patients at VA hospitals or medical centers who experienced malpractice
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Drivers or pedestrians injured in accidents caused by postal vehicles or other federal employees
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Travelers harmed by TSA negligence or airport incidents involving federal agents
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Visitors injured at national parks, federal courthouses, or military installations
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Families filing wrongful death claims for loved ones harmed by federal negligence
How to Fill Out an SF-95
While the form is only two pages long, each section carries legal significance. Here’s a breakdown of what it includes:
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Claimant Information (Boxes 1–9)
Provide your name, address, and contact information. If you’re filing on behalf of someone else (such as a family member who has passed away), specify your relationship and authority. -
Date, Time, and Place (Boxes 10–12)
Clearly state when and where the incident occurred. Specificity matters—include exact addresses, facility names, or federal property details (e.g., “VA Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio”). -
Basis of the Claim (Box 8)
Describe what happened in detail. Explain what the federal employee did (or failed to do) that caused your injury. Use plain facts, not legal conclusions. -
Witnesses (Box 12a–b)
Include names, contact details, and any available statements or reports. -
Damages (Boxes 13a–d)
This section requires a “sum certain”—a specific dollar amount for personal injury, property damage, or wrongful death. Without this, your claim will be rejected. -
Signature (Box 14)
You must sign the form personally or through an authorized representative (such as your attorney). Unsigned claims are invalid.
How and Where to File the SF-95
You must file your SF-95 with the specific federal agency responsible for your injury—not just any government office. For example:
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Injuries at a VA hospital → File with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Accidents involving postal trucks → File with the U.S. Postal Service.
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Incidents involving TSA or FAA employees → File with the Department of Homeland Security or Federal Aviation Administration.
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Accidents in national parks → File with the National Park Service.
The form can typically be mailed or emailed to the agency’s regional or general counsel office. Always keep proof of delivery—such as certified mail or a tracking number.
At National Security Law Firm, we help clients identify the correct agency, prepare all supporting evidence, and submit the claim securely.
What Happens After You File
Once the agency receives your SF-95, it has six months to respond. During that time, it may:
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Investigate your claim
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Request more documentation
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Offer a settlement
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Deny the claim
If the agency denies your claim or fails to act within six months, you gain the right to file a lawsuit in federal district court.
This step is time-sensitive. Once you receive a denial letter, you typically have six months to file your lawsuit—or your right to recover could be permanently lost.
Common SF-95 Filing Mistakes
FTCA claims are routinely denied for avoidable reasons. Some of the most common include:
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Failing to include a “sum certain”
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Filing with the wrong agency
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Omitting key details or witnesses
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Missing the two-year deadline from the date of injury
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Signing errors or missing signatures
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Submitting the claim without required evidence
An experienced FTCA attorney can catch these issues before they cost you your case.
Why Choose National Security Law Firm
Filing an SF-95 might seem simple—but one wrong step can derail your entire claim. Our attorneys know the process inside and out because we’ve worked inside the very agencies we now hold accountable.
When you hire National Security Law Firm, you get:
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A dedicated FTCA legal team with federal government and military backgrounds
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Transparent pricing and legal financing through Pay Later by Affirm
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Nationwide representation
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4.9-star Google Reviews
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Free consultations and contingency-based cases (you don’t pay unless we win)
National Security Law Firm: It’s Our Turn to Fight for You.
Explore Our FTCA Resource Center
Want to learn more about filing claims against the federal government? Visit our FTCA Resource Center for in-depth guides, examples, and plain-English explanations of every stage of the Federal Tort Claims Act process.
You’ll find answers to questions like:
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What is the difference between an administrative claim and a lawsuit?
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How long do you have to file an FTCA claim?
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What kinds of damages can you recover?
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What happens if your claim is denied?
Whether you were injured at a VA hospital, post office, airport, or national park, our Resource Center breaks down everything you need to know to protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Talk.
If you were injured at a VA hospital, post office, airport, national park, or any federal facility, you may have a valid FTCA claim—but only if your SF-95 is filed correctly and on time.
Our team can handle the entire process for you—from completing your form to negotiating with the agency and, if necessary, litigating in federal court.
