The deadline to challenge a Superstorm Sandy flood damage claim decision is Thursday.

As of last week, more than 16,000 policy holders had asked for reviews, the Associated Press reported. TheNational Flood Insurance Program flood insurance program has paid out more than $8 billion to cover Sandy-related claims — with more than 144,000 homeowners participating.

Requests to challenge claim decisions can be made at fema.gov/hurricane-sandy-nfip-claims or by phone at 866-337-4262.

The deadline was originally set last month, but homeowners were given an extra 30 days just before it arrived.

NJ Advance Media reported at the time that FEMA agreed to extend the deadline following an announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that it would forgive benefits, up to $20,000, already given to homeowners.

While there are were 70,000 homeowners that could have their flood claims reviewed again, only a fraction of those have signed up since the process began on May 18.

FEMA said that so far $7.3 million has been approved.

In order to request a review, policyholders must have experienced flood damage between Oct. 27, 2012 and Nov. 6, 2012 as a result of Sandy. In addition, policyholders must have had an active NFIP flood policy at the time of the loss.

Policyholders should be prepared to have as much information as possible, including their 10 digit NFIP policy number and the address of the damaged property. A series of questions will be asked to determine whether a review is warranted. If policyholders qualify for a review, they will be called by an adjuster. On average, reviews take about 90 days to conclude, according to FEMA.

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