People with disabilities who survived Superstorm Sandy in the fall of 2012 are discovering that FEMA assistance isn’t free as now they are being asked to return thousands of dollars in storm aid.

Elizabeth Treston, a quadriplegic and chair of the Long Beach Community Organizations Active in Disasters is being asked to repay a loan FEMA required her take out to replace items not covered by her insurance. She has no problem returning money for a duplication of service but says FEMA handled the situation poorly. “It’s almost cruel to ask people for money they don’t have without any explanation,” she says. “The letter doesn’t even explain what it’s for.”

Robert Rosenberg, 61, a resident of the Belle Harbor Manor in Queens N.Y. spent four months being shuffled through shelters after Hurricane Sandy. Rosenberg says FEMA encouraged him to apply for aid but didn’t mention it was only for temporary housing. FEMA recently sent him a letter requesting a return of $2,400. If he doesn’t pay, the money will be deducted from Rosenberg’s monthly Social Security check.

“We’re on a fixed income,“ Rosenberg told WCBS. “The government is making a big mistake by going after people like us.” He claims FEMA knew his shelter was being paid by the state. “If I wasn’t eligible, then why give it to me in the first place?” he says. “It’s not like we lied on the application.” Rosenberg, who used the $2,846 on food and clothing while living in the shelters, is appealing the decision.

FEMA declined to be interviewed but did supply this prepared statement:

“FEMA works to ensure eligible applicants receive the disaster assistance they need and we’re committed to making sure federal dollars are correctly spent. Unfortunately, whether through fraud, human or accounting errors, assistance sometimes goes to individuals who aren’t eligible. FEMA remains committed to working with applicants and ensuring they have an understanding of the options available.”

Treston says Rosenberg’s situation may seem harsh but he probably wasn’t eligible for aid under FEMA guidelines. In the wake of a large disaster, officials have little time to fully explain the aid process and that applications will be reviewed at a later date. “He was misguided by the representative as to what the funding was for,” she says.