Applying for Federal Assistance for the May Storms is a Two-Step Process

AUSTIN, Texas – Applying for federal disaster assistance for the May storms is a two-step process. Taking those two steps ensures consideration for all FEMA programs and the U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

• Step 1: Register with FEMA.
• Step 2: Complete and return a no-obligation loan application from the SBA.

Assistance from FEMA can help jump-start the recovery; it may not cover all damage or property loss. Completing the SBA loan application may make FEMA assistance available to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle or pay for storage costs.

Texans can register with FEMA the following ways:

• online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov
• phone 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 711 or Video Relay Service may also call 800-621-3362. The toll-free numbers are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Multilingual operators are available.
• at a disaster recovery center.

Many Texans who register with FEMA will receive an automated call from SBA with information on how to complete the loan application process. These low-interest SBA loans are the major source of funding for disaster recovery, and interest rates remain the same for the life of the loan. There is no charge to apply for the loan and if offered, no obligation to accept the loan. However, if approved and the loan is not accepted, the applicant may be ineligible for additional FEMA assistance.

Disaster loan information and application forms are available online at SBA.gov/disaster, from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Applicants may apply online for an SBA loan using the electronic loan application at the secure website, DisasterLoan.sba.gov/ela.

A presidential disaster declaration makes federal assistance available to affected individuals and households in 24 Texas counties: Austin, Bastrop, Brazoria, Brazos, Burleson, Eastland, Fayette, Fort Bend, Grimes, Harris, Hidalgo, Hood, Kleberg, Lee, Liberty, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, San Jacinto, Stephens, Travis, Tyler, Waller and Washington.

Residents are encouraged to apply for federal disaster aid even if they have insurance and have applied for or received assistance under other recent federal disaster declarations.

Additional information on registering with FEMA as well as help completing an SBA loan application is available at any state/federal disaster recovery center.  To find the nearest recovery center, go online to asd.fema.gov/inter/locator/home.htm.

FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

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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.