FEMA Extends Deadline To Review Sandy Flood Damage Claims
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for homeowners to challenge their Superstorm Sandy flood damage claims.
FEMA sent letters to 142,000 policyholders in New Jersey and New York after congressional delegations in those states responded to complaints from homeowners who said they were shortchanged by insurers under the National Flood Insurance Program.
FEMA says more than 20,000 homeowners have asked for reviews. The agency says 459 claims worth $7.3 million have been approved, so far.
Requests can be made by clicking here or by phone at 866-337-4262.
The 30-day extension came just before Tuesday's deadline expired and after the Housing and Urban Development Department announced it would not seek to recoup duplicate benefits already paid to homeowners, up to $20,000.
"These families have suffered enough and shouldn't be further victimized through no fault of their own," said Harriet Tregoning of HUD. "We have a larger responsibility to facilitate recovery, not to hinder it just because these families didn't receive sufficient flood insurance payments."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio hailed HUD's decision.
"Today's decision by HUD to forgive most duplication of benefit reviews for Sandy victims will provide much-needed peace of mind to many New Yorkers. It would have been unacceptable and unfair to ask New Yorkers to clean up a mess they didn't create, and to slow down Build it Back after our overhaul put the program on track," De Blasio said. "This decision will allow most Sandy impacted homeowners – who have already been through so much – to keep their flood insurance settlements without worrying about potential clawbacks. We appreciate HUD heeding our calls and taking this important step."
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