“Reopening these claims gives Sandy victims the due consideration and comprehensive review they have justly deserved from the start,” said U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) in response to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) launch of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Sandy Claims Review Process.
“We have pressed FEMA to thoroughly test the process and properly train its caseworkers to ensure that policyholders are treated fairly in this new appeal,” said Smith. “The administration has clearly failed these victims in the past, and that cannot happen again.”
Beginning today, NFIP policyholders who filed a claim for damage resulting from Superstorm Sandy may request a review if they believe their claim was underpaid. FEMA letters will be sent over a four-week period by ZIP code, and policyholders whose claim involved an engineering report should expect their letter to be sent this week. Please click here for more detailed information on the process.
“This claims review process is open to all NFIP policyholders who filed a claim as a result of Superstorm Sandy,” Smith said. “By simply submitting a new request to FEMA online or by phone—even prior to receiving a letter—Sandy victims can opt for a review. All applicants can submit any evidence of an underpayment to their assigned caseworker—a certified NFIP flood adjuster—and each applicant will also have the option of a neutral, third-party review of the caseworker’s final recommendation.”
“FEMA has assured us that this process will resolve any underpayments to policyholders in an efficient and timely manner. I will be closely monitoring its progress to ensure that the administration delivers on its promises, and I encourage anyone seeking assistance to contact me,” said Smith.
Smith led a NJ delegation meeting with FEMA’s Brad Kieserman, Deputy Associate Administrator for Insurance, in March to address charges of fraud and underpayments of flood insurance claims to Sandy victims and discuss the reopening of such claims. Kieserman pledged to establish a robust and thorough claims process to review all potential Sandy-related underpayments.
Smith, the Dean of the New Jersey Congressional Delegation, was joined in the March meeting by Reps. Frank LoBiondo (NJ-02), Albio Sires (NJ-08), Tom MacArthur (NJ-03), Frank Pallone (NJ-06), Rodney Frelinghuysen (NJ-11), and Scott Garrett (NJ-05), as well staff representing other Members of the delegation.
Congressman Smith, who represents New Jersey’s Fourth Congressional District in the House of Representatives, has offices in Mercer, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. The Monmouth County office is located at 112 Village Center Drive, Raintree Towne Center, 2nd floor. The phone number is (732) 780-3035. The Ocean County office is located at the crossroads of Route 539 and Route 537 in Plumsted, and constituents can call the office at (609) 286-2571.
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