FEMA extends small business administration loan deadline
Following a request from New York State, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved an extension to April 13 for Hurricane Sandy survivors to apply for disaster assistance with FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
Sandy victims can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via Smart phone or tablet at m.fema. gov. They may also call the FEMA hotline at 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The helpline is available 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT, seven days a week.
Federal officials said that storm survivors should keep all options open for assistance recovery and registering with FEMA is a vital step.
New York State has developed plans for using federal funds to help homeowners, small businesses and communities impacted by three storms: Sandy, Irene and Lee. The federal Housing Urban and Development department is reviewing those plans. Registration with FEMA could lead to eligibility for grants and assistance.
Survivors who register and receive a low-interest SBA loan application should return the application. It could lead to additional FEMA aid such as rental assistance, home repair and grants for necessary expenses and serious needs incurred due to the disaster.
Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged home. Homeowners and renters could be eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property. Businesses and private nonprofit organizations may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.
To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA. Survivors can also visit a Disaster Loan Outreach Center or Business Recover Center. For the nearest center go to FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers or text “DRC” and your zip code to 43362.
For help, call the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center at 800-659-2755, (TTY 800-877-8339) or send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com or www.fema.gov/blog for more information on New York’s disaster recovery.
