7 On Your Side: Sandy victims re-apply to FEMA

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Seven On Your Side has been fighting for years for people impacted by Superstorm Sandy, and many residents have complained about FEMA and how much money the government paid them.

Now, a lot of them are getting letters now offering help, but you need to know what you are doing before you respond to it. The letters went out to 142,000 Sandy victims who may feel like they got low-balled. And so far, FEMA says about 70 percent of those who called in are eligible to reopen claims.

This process is free, but it can be complicated.

"It makes me want to cry, I'm heartbroken over it," John Leshik, Sr., said

He and his wife Genevieve were the first to build on their block in 1968, and he was working hard to pay off their home and be all set for retirement when Sandy hit, leaving the couple broke and homeless.

"Whoever thought for three years of my life, living on a pull out couch with nothing else," John said.

"It's a nightmare," Genevieve added. "I have nothing left of my life. Everything I've worked for all of my life."

Seven months after the storm, all the damage was repaired, and the couple was close to moving home. Until their town blindsided them, requiring the couple to elevate their home nine feet.

"That was more money, substantially more money," Genevieve said.

And it was money they didn't have. John Leshik, Jr., says his parents were drastically shortchanged by FEMA, getting just pennies on the dollar of their flood insurance payout after adjusters inspected their home.

"This information is so confusing and sketchy," John Jr. said.

Then, two weeks ago, a letter from FEMA came with an offer to re-open their file if they believe they were underpaid by FEMA.

For starters, they noticed the form letter stated policy holders had just 90 days to respond, yet both the envelope and letter were undated. Also, they're also signed by Brad Kieserman, the FEMA administrator who quit.

Kieserman was the point person for FEMA's investigation into allegations that Superstorm Sandy homeowners were cheated.

"FEMA still owes at least $24,000, $26,000 on our grant," Genevieve said. "And I've been trying to get that money."

Fearful to move forward on their own, the Leshiks hired attorney Augie Matteis, who says FEMA purposely made the process confusing.

"They want to look good by saying they're reopening claims, but they want to minimize the number of claims submitted and want people to get paid as little as possible," Matteis said. "For example, it warns you that you may been overpaid, so if you decide to reopen your claim, you may owe us money back."

He also warns that there's a tight window to submit any evidence that you were underpaid, but homeowners like the Leshiks may never catch it because it's on FEMA website, not the letter.

If you're one of the 142,000 homeowners affected, the lawyer warns, be cautious because the devil is in the details. From the moment a caseworker contacts you about reopening your claim, the clock starts ticking. You only have 14 days to submit any evidence you want to be considered as part of the review.

Also, be aware of some potential strings attached. You may have to repay the other disaster assistance you received if it's found you got a duplication of benefits.

FEMA told us it will relax deadlines, and that's it going to follow up on why these letters were not postmarked or dated.

CLICK HERE for more answers to frequently asked FEMA-related questions.