Written By: Glenn Michaels, Op-Ed Writer
Super Storm Sandy also known as Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeastern United States on October 29, 2012. After the storm hit and the damage was done, all of the news media and politicians came out in mass to report on the storm and what has happened since.
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Politicians came out for their photo opportunity and for their speech, now we hardly hear from any politician regarding Sandy and their victims.
Many federal and local, governments got involved to put forth numerous programs to assist the victims and repair the damaged infer structure. Some of the moves were behind the scenes and others were out front.
The insurance companies all had disaster teams to help their insured but many through technicalities in the classification of the storm were able to get out of paying claims for certain damage. Some insurance companies only paid out if a homeowner had federal backed flood insurance. Most insurance companies paid out for damage due to wind damage.
Immediately after the storm the American Red Cross sprang into action and assisted many people with damaged homes. THE American Red Cross provided food, water, clothes and temporary shelter to people that were in need of such assistance.
The federal government agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) came and started to dispense money as grants to assist the victims and the US Small Business Administration provided low cost loans for those that could pass their rigid standards.
I had approximately $40,000.00 damage to my home and lost many personal effects due to sea water, sewage and wind damage.
As I mentioned the storm took place on October 29, 2012 and many people are still dealing with rebuilding of their homes. In addition many are still dealing with the government’s red tape.
My family and I received from FEMA approximately $6,500.00 as a non – repayable grant to assist in the repairing of my home. Our home with the FEMA money, NY Rising (HUD Community Block Grants), and money from our local credit union were able to pay for the repair of our home.
Out of the blue, nine months ago FEMA sends us a letter for us to return $510.91 with no explanation. Needless to say I contacted FEMA and they said that the amount requested represents a duplication of insurance payout to us. The letter did say we can appeal.
I requested a copy of my FEMA file and I received a letter almost immediately from FEMA that my appeal was denied. I did not appeal at that moment, I needed a copy of my FEMA file to see if FEMA was correct or not. I ended going political by writing to my elected US Senator who had to intercede so I could obtain a copy of my FEMA file.
Upon review of the FEMA file it appeared that $89.95 was a duplicate insurance claim. I appealed to FEMA and shortly afterwards I receive another letter from FEMA stating that we now owe $159.51 to them for duplicate insurance payouts. I again went political to my elected US Senator and just the other day received a letter from FEMA that we owe nothing.
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Although the storm took place more than 2 years ago how many residents are still rebuilding, elevating their foundations and dealing with the government red tape.
About The Author
Glenn Michaels - As an op-ed writer, Glenn Michaels is a mortgage underwriting instructor for CampusUnderwriter (www.MortgageUnderwriter.org). As a BBA & FHA DE Underwriter, Glenn is a Pace University graduate who also graduated from New York University’s School of Mortgage Finance. Glenn has conducted numerous training classes and has worked in the mortgage banking industry for 38 years.
Opinion-Editorial (Op-Ed) Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the NAMU® Library articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect any official NAMU® policy or position. Examples of analysis performed within this article are only examples. They should not be utilized in real-world application as they are based only on very limited and dated open source information. Assumptions made within the analysis are not reflective of the position of NAMU®.
