Applying for Federal Disaster Assistance Usually Takes Two Steps

BATON ROUGE, La. – Are you a homeowner or renter whose home is uninhabitable or who lost valuables because of Louisiana’s recent severe storms and floods? It takes two steps to get possible federal help for these losses.

Step one: Apply for FEMA help.

Step two: Return a completed application for a low-interest disaster loan if you were referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) after applying with FEMA.

FEMA cannot make you whole, but it may help your recovery move forward by providing grants for basic repairs to make your home safe, sanitary and secure. They may also temporarily help with a place for you and your family to stay while you build your own recovery plan.

The SBA may contact you with information about low-interest disaster loans for homeowners and renters after you apply for FEMA help. There’s no obligation to accept a loan offer, but you’ll miss out on the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for survivors if you don’t complete an application.

You may also miss out on FEMA grants to replace certain household items, repair or replace a damaged vehicle, and moving and storage costs. The only way FEMA can consider you for this help is if you submit a completed SBA disaster loan application.

If you’re a homeowner or renter who had severe storm or flood damage in Louisiana, you may still register for federal help by going online to disasterassistance.gov or by downloading and using the FEMA app. You may also call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use TTY, call 800-462-7585. If you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

Information about low-interest SBA disaster loans and application forms are available online at SBA.gov/disaster. You may also call 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. If you use TTY, call 800-877-8339.

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