FEMA’s review of Sandy claims taking longer

The Federal Emergency Management Agency's review of Superstorm Sandy flood insurance claims is taking longer than expected, with fewer than 200 checks issued.

FEMA announced in March the review for as many as 142,000 claims after homeowners complained they were shortchanged. A FEMA official expected most reviews would take up to 90 days.

The Asbury Park Press reports U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York found more than half of the 17,078 eligible cases have been waiting more than 90 days and more than a third have been waiting for at least 120 days.

FEMA says it completed reviewing 1,378 cases and three out of five reviews revealed the homeowner was underpaid.

Some 190 checks were issued for an average payment of $15,000 as of Oct. 26.

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