DH had tried several times to file an application with FEMA on-line for being displaced due to a mandatory evacuation, and thought they did not go through because when we clicked on the *submit application* page, the website would shut down and we got a *website not responding* message. Plus, we never got an email confirming that our application had been received.

So *I* filed one, and checked it 2 days later and we were denied. DH decided he was going to call someone and check into it so this morning, he called and they informed him we had several applications submitted and accused us of trying to defraud the government.

He tried to explain what happened to the woman and told her we had no idea that any application other than the one I filed had gone through, and she admitted that they'd had some trouble with the website apps, but she was none too happy with us just the same.

So, DH says we are D O N E with FEMA! LOL This was just TOOOO humiliating and embarrassing. Now I am worried that someone will investigate us or something, and this was SO not intentional!

By Emily7 on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 10:28 am:

Let them investigate & find how what a joke FEMA has been through all of this. All you hear about is how people have had nothing but problems. Like someone trying to defraud the government would use their same name each time they filed an application.
I am sorry you are going through this.

By Missmudd on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 11:05 am:

Hang in there Karen, so sorry that fema still cant seem to find their rear end with both hands. Dont back down, apparently only by complete failure does the government learn anything. Really sorry karen, hope that they dont hassle you.

By Vicki on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 11:45 am:

I wouldn't take it personally at all. If it happened to you, I am sure that it happened to many others as well. To be honest, I am glad that they caught what appeared to be someone filing more than one app!! LOL I know that you weren't trying to pull anything over on anyone, but I would bet anything that there will be those out there that do. There always is. I hope it gets resolved quickly for you!

By Christylee on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 11:52 am:

I agree Vicki. I hope you get it all straightened out Karen, what a hassle.

By Karen~moderator on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 02:18 pm:

Vicki, it's happened to a LOT of people. And we aren't going to push it with FEMA, now I'm just worried that they really DO think we were trying to defraud!!!!!

By Vicki on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 02:28 pm:

Oh, I wouldn't worry about that at all. If you were going to try to commit fraud, you wouldn't file for the same amount and in the same name! They will realize that too as soon as they see what happened.

By Jann on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 02:56 pm:

Do not pull your application! That money is due to you. Do not think you are any less deserving than anyone else who applies. I am sure you are not alone in having computer difficulties.

By Mrsheidi on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 03:26 pm:

I'd be more angry than embarrassed. People who try to defraud the government would not call after they've been denied.
Like the ladies said above...same name, same amount, same situation...hhhmmm...criminals are smarter than that.
Maybe the criminals should work for FEMA? Seems their IQ would be higher.

By Ginny~moderator on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 03:29 pm:

Definitely do not pull your application. This is just one of many, many, many foul-ups with FEMA in this whole sorry episode. The 800 number the President mentioned in his speech is so busy people try for 2-3 days and can't get through.

A lot of times agencies and companies set up their web sites so they are only fully compatible with certain internet programs, but of course, it is your fault, not theirs. I ran into a similar problem when I was trying to set up a web account with my local utility supplier, but of course that was only to monitor my bill, nothing important like yours. And when you speak with someone, make a note of the person's name, the date and time. You might also call your local congressional representative's office to find out what to do about this - they have a little bit more authority than you when it comes to government agencies, and constituent service is what they should be about.

Karen, if you can, you do the telephone followup with FEMA (if and when you get through), not dh. He is taking this personally rather than just accepting that FEMA is all screwed up.

By Debbie on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 04:13 pm:

{{{Karen}}} Just something else you don't need to deal with right now. Like someone else said, duh...if you are going to try and defraud the government, then why would your fill out multiple applications with exactly the same info. You deserve the money from FEMA. Don't let their totally screwed up system keep you from getting it.

By Bea on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 05:35 pm:

Yo! Karen!!!! Do you want me to deal with these Bozos for yous? Just let me know.

The Redheaded Rambo.

By Beth on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 05:45 pm:

You get your money! The sad thing is that there are probably people that will do exactly what they are accusing you of. I agree its obvious that you would not use your name and same info over and over again and expect something. They just need to chill out and fix the problem on there in. You deserve that money!

By Pamt on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 07:25 pm:

Karen, FEMA is so screwed up that you may get your money anyway (but if you don't keep at it and don't give up!). One of the evacuees that was staying with us was denied and didn't know why, but last week when she checked her bank account that was a big chunk of money in there courtesy of FEMA.

Sorry you are having to deal with this.

By Jelygu on Sunday, September 18, 2005 - 08:58 pm:

I agree, I wouldn't back down. That is ridiculous! Sorry you are having to deal with this, like you don't have enough going on! (((HUGS)))

By Feona on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 07:06 am:

Oh goodness gracious. I heard their web site was a mess just like they are. I don't blame your husband becaus that is screwy.

The government is a joke sometimes. Do you know they want me to be on the jury even though I have a five year old. They said I work full time... Yes at home. There is a difference to working at home in your pajamas and going to work in a suit. So I think I will bring the five year old... Not I will go down and see if I can fix it.

That is great advice for you to deal with it because your husband is fed up.

By Kim on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 07:49 am:

Karen, I'll say it again....DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS! If you do not pursue they will think it was true! Go to a FEMA center and talk to someone in person. You do it, not Hal. Please please please do not give up. Its there for a reason!

By Karen~moderator on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 07:59 am:

I will handle it. Thanks for all the advice.

By Happynerdmom on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 08:17 am:

LOL, Bea! Good luck, Karen. What a nightmare.(((hugs)))

By Kernkate on Monday, September 19, 2005 - 08:39 am:

{{{Karen}}} Just something else you need to deal with now, Right?
As everyone said "Do not give up" From what I am seeing on TV FEMA has some real problems and Bugs to get out of their way of doing things.
Good Luck!
LOL Bea, you are too much!