Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

PURVIS, Miss. – Some people who have registered for federal assistance were sent an application for a low-interest disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and many are wondering why they got one.

Although nobody is required to accept an SBA loan, filling out the application is an important step in being considered for certain forms of disaster assistance. There is no need to actually take out a loan.

“The SBA disaster loans are the primary source of long-term recovery aid,” according to SBA spokesman Jack Camp. “The application gives us and FEMA the information we need to get the proper aid for each applicant.”

“We encourage anyone who received an SBA loan application to return it as soon as possible,” Camp said. “Filling out the loan application carries no obligation to accept a loan, but it does help speed the disaster-assistance process.”

SBA representatives are on duty at the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers to help individuals complete and submit disaster-loan applications and answer any questions. The locations of the centers are available at fema.gov. Click on the link “Apply for Assistance” and then “Disaster Recovery Center locations.”

The SBA toll-free number is (800)-659-2955; TTY is (800)-877-8339. Help is also available by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or on the Web site at www.sba.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362). For TTY call 800-462-7585.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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