For 2nd time, $30K FEMA national flood insurance check 'not good'

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Ruskin couple wants to know why a $30,000 settlement check from the National Flood Insurance Program, administered by FEMA, failed to clear their bank a second time.

Robert Paul and his wife first called Better Call Behnken a week ago, saying their home was a total loss after Hurricane Helene and their insurance claim was quickly approved. The first settlement check of $30,000 didn't arrive until March, and then the check wasn't good.

After calls from Consumer Investigator Shannon Behnken, the Pauls said they were told there was an issue because NFIP had been in the middle of changing banks. They were told to try again to cash the check. Once again, their bank told the check wasn't good.

"When we resubmitted it, it again came back as no good, so now the bank has told us they will not resubmit that," Paul said. "They're going to need a new check. How am I literally out of the tens of thousands of people that filed claims probably, I'm assuming, as far as the damage went. How am I the only person that this happened to?"

A FEMA spokesperson said they cannot comment on this case, citing privacy concerns. Meanwhile, Paul said he was told Tuesday afternoon that a new check is on its way and should arrive later this week.

The Pauls have been unable to live in their home since the September hurricane and have been unable to begin repairs without the insurance settlement.