The Federal Emergency Management Agency, better known as FEMA, is asking thousands of Americans to return more than $22 million in government aid. The agency claims that it doled that money erroneously, to disaster victims ineligible for the support. In some cases, individual claimants will be asked to return up to $27,000. Justin Van Fleet says that he received a letter asking for the $20,000 in aid he received back in 2008 after his Iowa home was flooded. And he has thirty days to pay it back. We also speak with Ernest Abbot, Principal attorney of FEMA—Law Associates and adjunct professor of Disaster Law at George Washington University Law School.
There is no paywall on the story you just read because a community of dedicated listeners and readers have contributed to keep the global news you rely on free and accessible for all. Will you join the 319 donors who have supported The World so far? From now until Dec. 31, your gift will help us unlock a $67,000 match. Donate today to double your impact!