An Ocean County woman displaced when Super Storm Sandy flooded her Seaside Heights apartment is being told she has to repay nearly $7,000 in money that FEMA approved for her to seek temporary housing and replace items destroyed during the hurricane.

Governor Chris Christie, cabinet and staff tour the coast line to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy followed by a press conference on the boardwalk in Seaside Park. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
Governor Chris Christie, cabinet and staff tour the coast line to survey the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy followed by a press conference on the boardwalk in Seaside Park. on Friday, Nov. 9, 2012. (Governor's Office/Tim Larsen)
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The letter FEMA sent Michelle Aber is dated Oct. 21, 2014, a week before the two-year anniversary of the storm. It doesn't provide a specific reason as to why the money must be repaid. A FEMA representative was unavailable to comment, but sent an email with the following statement from spokesman Rafael Lemaitre:

"FEMA is committed to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars and ensuring that eligible applicants receive the disaster assistance they need. We are also committed to ensuring that proper safeguards are in place to make sure federal dollars are correctly spent.

Throughout the disaster relief application process, FEMA performs quality checks and audits for payments made in error. Unfortunately, whether through fraud, human or accounting errors, or other reasons, assistance sometimes goes to individuals who are not eligible. FEMA remains committed to working with applicants and ensuring they have an understanding of the options available to resolve their debt, which include making a payment, filing an appeal, requesting a compromise based on inability to pay and establishing a payment plan."

Aber said she contacted FEMA after receiving the notice. She was told a supervisor would return her call when the person she initially spoke with could not provide her with a specific reason as to why she was ineligible for the funding.

"They didn't really give me a reason and they said a supervisor would call me back if not that day, then the next day, and I never heard back from them," Aber said.

Aber said she receives rental assistance and disclosed that to FEMA during the application process.

"I was open and honest with both Rental Assistance and with FEMA as to what was going on, and I was approved, and now they're sending me these threatening letters," she said.

Aber said after contacting Ocean-Monmouth Legal Services in Freehold for help, she has learned there are many Sandy victims dealing with the same issue. She said Volunteer Lawyers for Justice is holding an information session for those who received FEMA letters stating they must repay funding. The session will take place on Nov. 21 at Brick Presbyterian Church, 111 Drum Point Road in Brick, from 9 to 11 a.m.

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