Some people in American Samoa, who received compensation for damage caused by tropical cyclone Gita, are having difficulty cashing their cheques.
Payments from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, are issued in the names of children born in the territory if their parents are not US nationals.
Damage from Cyclone Gita in American Samoa. Photo: Twiiter/ Aumua Amata
FEMA says federal assistance can not be be given to homeowners or renters if they are not US nationals, but can be given to children under 18 if they are eligible.
But some parents have been unable to cash FEMA cheques issued in the names of minors at banks.
People have turned to shops, which are prohibiting from cashing cheques above $US1000.