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Commonly Asked Questions on the Benefits of SBA Disaster Loans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Survivors of the California wildfires may have questions about the SBA.

Below are the most common along with the answers:

What is an SBA disaster loan?

SBA disaster loans are the primary source of federal long-term disaster recovery funds for disaster damage not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance is working in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help business owners and residents recover as much as possible from this disaster.

Who is eligible for SBA low-interest loans?

When a federal disaster is declared, the SBA is authorized to offer low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private nonprofit organizations, and to individual homeowners and renters who have sustained damage in the designated counties – in this case Calaveras and Lake counties.

What’s the most common misunderstanding about SBA disaster loans?

The most common misunderstanding about an SBA disaster loan is the assumption that they are only for businesses. While SBA offers loans to businesses of all sizes, low-interest disaster loans are available to individual homeowners, renters and to private nonprofit organizations alike.

Why should survivors apply?

Survivors referred to the SBA must apply with SBA even if they feel they cannot afford or do not want a loan in order to receive some FEMA assistance.

Whether a loan is wanted or not, the SBA loan application may trigger additional grant assistance through FEMA’s Other Needs Assistance (ONA) program, administered by the state of California.

Some of these additional FEMA grants could include reimbursement for lost personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, moving and storage expenses.

What is available as part of the SBA low-interest disaster loan programs?

Eligible homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for home repair or replacement of primary residences.

Eligible homeowners and renters may borrow up to $40,000 to replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of all sizes can qualify for up to $2 million in low-interest loans to help cover physical damage.

Small businesses and most private nonprofits suffering economic impact due to the wildfires can apply for up to $2 million for any combination of property damage or economic injury under SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

What are the loan terms?

Interest rates for SBA disaster loans can be as low as 1.875 percent for homeowners and renters, 4 percent for businesses and 2.625 percent for private nonprofit organizations, with terms up to 30 years.

What if I decide to relocate?

You may use your SBA disaster loan to relocate. The amount of the relocation loan depends on whether you relocate voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are approved for an SBA disaster loan you should discuss relocation with your case manager for details on your specific situation.

Is there help available for refinancing?

SBA can refinance all or part of prior mortgages that are evidenced by a recorded lien, when the applicant:

Does not have credit available elsewhere,
Has suffered substantial uncompensated disaster damage (40 percent or more of the value of the property),

Intends to repair the damage.

Homes: Homeowners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing liens or mortgages on homes, and in some cases up to the amount of the loan for real estate repair or replacement.

Businesses: Business owners may be eligible for the refinancing of existing mortgages or liens on real estate, machinery and equipment, and in some cases up to the amount of the loan for the repair or replacement of real estate, machinery and equipment.

When SBA loan officers discuss their approval recommendations they will include a discussion on refinancing if applicable to your application.

What are the deadlines to apply?

California survivors have until Nov. 23, 2015 to apply for SBA disaster loans. This is also the deadline for survivors to register with FEMA.

Eligible small businesses applying for only the EIDL program have until June 22, 2016 to apply.

Disaster survivors who are notified by the SBA that they may be eligible for low-interest disaster loans should work directly with the SBA to complete the application.

How do I apply?

Disaster survivors should first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users call 800-462-7585, with Video Relay Service survivors calling 800-621-3362. Or, register online at DisasterAssistance.gov. To apply for an SBA disaster loan survivors can apply in person at any of the State/FEMA/SBA recovery centers or directly online at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

Where do I get specific information about the SBA process?

For questions about SBA or the process, or for help completing the SBA application, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339. Survivors also may visit with an SBA representative at any Disaster Recovery Center. No appointment is necessary.

For more information on California’s wildfire recovery, survivors may visit: caloes.ca.gov or fema.gov/disaster/4240 and follow us on Twitter@femaregion9 and Facebook.com/FEMA.

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). If you have a speech disability or hearing loss and use a TTY, call 800-462-7585 directly; if you use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 800-621-3362.

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 are referred to SBA for a disaster loan must apply to be eligible for additional FEMA assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

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Commonly Asked Questions on the Benefits of SBA Disaster Loans

SCEMD and FEMA Encourage South Carolina Flood Survivors to Keep Information Updated

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Survivors of South Carolina’s recent floods who registered for disaster assistance are urged to keep their personal information updated with the Federal Emergency Management Agency throughout the recovery process.

Applicants should share any change of address, telephone and bank account numbers and insurance information with FEMA to avoid disaster assistance processing delays.

Keeping in touch with FEMA allows applicants to learn where they are in the application process, initiate appeals and reschedule home inspections. They can also notify FEMA about insurance settlements and ask any disaster-related questions.

To update information or apply for assistance call FEMA’s toll-free helpline at 800-621-3362. Survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities should call 800-462-7585 (TTY); those who use 711/VRS can call 800-621-3362.

Operators are on duty from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time seven days a week until further notice. Survivors can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov or a disaster recovery center. Find the closest center online at fema.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

Applicants who are referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration should complete and return their application as soon as possible. No one is obligated to accept a loan. The information provided on the application is needed to determine if an applicant qualifies for a loan or may be referred for other federal and state help.

For more information, applicants can contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955, log onto DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or visit SBA’s website at www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may call 800-877-8339.

For the latest information on South Carolina flood recovery operations, visit scemd.org and fema.gov/disaster/4241.

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SCEMD and FEMA Encourage South Carolina Flood Survivors to Keep Information Updated

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Horry County

COLUMBIA, S.C. – As South Carolinians rebuild and repair after the recent historic floods, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local home improvement stores have teamed up to provide free information, tips and literature on making homes stronger and safer.

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Horry County to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also on hand will be FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance teams to answer questions and provide guidance on available federal help.

Advisers will be available in Myrtle Beach today through Nov. 3. Hours and location are as follows:

Horry County: Lowe’s located at 8672 Highway 17 Bypass in Myrtle Beach (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Mitigation teams will also have free reference booklets in English and Spanish on protecting your home from flood damage. More information about strengthening property can be found at fema.gov/what-mitigation.

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FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Horry County

FEMA Mitigation Advisers Offer Guidance to Flood Survivors in Lexington, Richland, Sumter Counties

FEMA mitigation specialists will be on hand in Lexington, Richland and Sumter counties to answer questions and offer home improvement tips to prevent and lessen damage from future disasters. Most of the information is geared towards do-it-yourself work and general contractors.

Also on hand will be FEMA’s disaster survivor assistance teams to answer questions and provide guidance on available federal help.

Advisers will be available at three locations today through Nov. 3. Hours and locations are as follows:

Lexington County: Home Depot located at 5600 Sunset Blvd. in Lexington (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Richland County: Home Depot located at 7701 Two Notch Road in Columbia (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Sumter County: Lowe’s located at 1251 Broad St. in Sumter (Thursday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Monday, 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Three Years after Sandy: Recovery by the numbers

Total Federal Assistance

Federal agencies have provided $6.8 billion in total funding to applicants in New Jersey

FEMA Individual Assistance

The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) approved 61,441 households for assistance to help with housing and disaster-related expenses. This program disbursed $422.9 million to survivors. Of that total, $369.7 million was for housing assistance. Maximum grants of $31,900 were given to 1,931 applicants. New Jersey survivors received $5.3 million in disaster unemployment assistance

FEMA Public Assistance

There were a total of 1,724 agency requests for Public Assistance, and 5,208 projects were written. The Public Assistance program has obligated $1.809 billion in PA funds for debris removal, emergency work and permanent work. 1,469 PW closeouts have been requested by the state to-date, and 1,095 PWs have been closed

FEMA 406 Mitigation

The 406 Mitigation program has written $497.2 million in grants for projects to protect against future disaster damage

Hazard Mitigation Grants and Planning

Hazard Mitigation Grants and Planning has obligated $258,456,164 million for acquisition, energy allocation initiative, retail fuel, infrastructure, elevation, and planning update programs

National Flood Insurance Program claims

The National Flood Insurance Program has paid $3.5 billion in claims to flood insurance policyholders

Small Business Administration

The Small Business Administration has approved 10,732 individuals and 1,719 businesses for SBA disaster loans totaling $847.9 million

The Top Ten Obligated Projects in New Jersey as of October 9, 2015

	10/9/2015					$773,753,097.90
#	Applicant Name	County	PW Number	Damage Category Code	Application Title	Federal Share Obligated
1	Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission	Statewide	4701	F – Public Utilities	UHBAJ37 Substations & Cables	$366,294,965.67
2	Ocean (County)	Ocean	2337	A – Debris Removal	9902901 Debris Removal Ocean County	$71,912,887.06
3	Middlesex County Utilities Authority	Middlesex	5061	F – Public Utilities	U04NE05 Sayreville Pump Station Permanent Repairs	$66,490,056.22
4	Dept. Of Environmental Protection	Statewide	3932	A – Debris Removal	UCT2E40 Debris Removal	$59,741,908.65
5	Dept. Of Environmental Protection	Statewide	4846	A – Debris Removal	UCT2E39 Navigable Channels	$55,417,971.87
6	New Jersey Office Of Emergency Mgmt.	Statewide	457	Z – State Management	324SMC Section 324 Management Costs	$54,676,032.00
7	Dept. Of Environmental Protection	Statewide	2470	A – Debris Removal	UCT2E39 Debris Removal	$27,792,056.65
8	Dept. Of Environmental Protection	Statewide	5035	A – Debris Removal	UCT2E57 Debris Removal	$27,288,778.10
9	New Jersey Dept. Of Human Services	Statewide	1	B – Protective Measures	U4BK201 Emergency Responders Accommodations	$22,480,000.00
10	Long Branch	Monmouth	3226	G – Recreational Or Other	4131008 Boardwalk and Roadway	$21,658,441.68

	Top Twelve PA Applicants – DR 4086 – NJ
	10/9/2015		Total	$1,121,197,593.66
#	Applicant Name	Applicant ID	County	Federal Share Obligated
1	PASSAIC VALLEY SEWERAGE COMMISSION	000-UHBAJ-00	Statewide	$443,288,036.84
2	DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION	000-UCT2E-00	Statewide	$232,038,911.20
3	OCEAN (COUNTY)	029-99029-00	Ocean	$95,426,680.41
4	MIDDLESEX COUNTY UTILITIES AUTHORITY	023-U04NE-00	Middlesex	$94,873,721.79
5	NEW JERSEY OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MGMT	000-UF7ER-00	Statewide	$58,241,859.87
6	NEW JERSEY DEPT. OF HUMAN SERVICES	000-U4BK2-00	Statewide	$33,947,638.06
7	BAYSHORE REGIONAL SEWERAGE AUTHORITY	025-UGW92-00	Monmouth	$31,886,005.54
8	PORT AUTHORITY OF NY AND NJ	000-U6L13-00	Statewide	$31,629,321.03
9	LONG BRANCH	025-41310-00	Monmouth	$27,903,463.30
10	NEW JERSEY STATE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION	000-UZCCE-00	Statewide	$26,479,553.95
11	BELMAR	025-04930-00	Monmouth	$24,033,816.08
12	TOMS RIVER	029-73110-00	Ocean	$21,448,585.59

For an interesting video, please watch 100 Days after Sandy at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/82034

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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.

For more information on New Jersey’s disaster recovery, visit http://fema.gov/SandyNJ. Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema.Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

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Three Years after Sandy: Recovery by the numbers

Bridging a Link to History at Liberty State Park

Eatontown, N.J. — When it comes to destruction, disasters like Superstorm Sandy don’t discriminate: historic structures and environmentally sensitive areas that lie in the path of a storm are in just as much peril as less significant sites.

But when a historic structure or ecologically fragile area is damaged in a disaster, particular care must be taken to ensure that any repair or remediation that must take place is done in accordance with historic and environmental regulations.

To accomplish that, state, county and local officials in the impacted area are able to draw on the support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Environmental and Historic Preservation Specialists.

The EHP cadre plays a critical role in helping municipalities and agencies understand the importance of compliance with environmental and cultural regulations so they may make informed planning decisions.

A view of the damaged Liberty State Park pedestrian bridge

The Liberty State Park pedestrian bridge was destroyed in Sandy.

EHP provides expertise and technical assistance to FEMA staff, local, state and federal partners and applicants who are tasked with the challenge of preserving historic, cultural and natural aspects of our national heritage. They help applicants understand what is required under the law and how best to meet those requirements.

At Liberty State Park, which is adjacent to Jersey City, Superstorm Sandy destroyed a popular pedestrian bridge that provided access to the park for walkers and cyclists in the Jersey City area.

With the help of specialists from FEMA’s Environmental and Historic Preservation Department, city officials acted quickly to develop a plan for reconstructing the bridge.

The city applied for a FEMA Public Assistance grant which, if the project was approved, would reimburse the city for most of the reconstruction costs.

Because the original bridge traversed environmentally sensitive wetlands, it was important that any new construction be environmentally acceptable and that it occupy the same footprint as the previous bridge.

The park, an oasis of green space adjacent to the bustle of Jersey City, offers recreational facilities, a science museum, and several historic sites including the historic Central Railroad of New Jersey terminal where new immigrants arriving from Ellis Island boarded the trains that would take them to new lives across America.

The park is also the site of a memorial honoring those who died in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, titled Empty Sky. It is the most heavily visited park in the state.

Located just across the river from lower Manhattan, Liberty State Park also played a critical role following the attacks of 9/11 as a staging area for first responders.

With so many reasons for area residents to visit the park, restoring access via the pedestrian bridge was a priority for Jersey City officials.

The cost of replacing the 120-foot-long, 10-foot-wide bridge replacement project was estimated at $834,600. Jersey City’s Assistant City Engineer Jeff Reeves chose a pre-fabricated bridge that could be lifted onto the foundation via a crane. The pre-made span cost $160,000.

Restoring the foundation cost an additional $650,000, which included the demolition of the remnants of the original bridge and the installation of necessary components such as foundation “riprap.”

The final cost for reconstruction of the foundation and replacement of the pedestrian bridge came in under budget at $755,642 which represents the 90% federal share of the total cost.

The new Ethel Pesin Liberty Footbridge

Because the total cost of disaster recovery in New Jersey exceeded a benchmark set by the federal government according to a specific formula, the federal share of the cost of the bridge replacement was increased to 90 percent with the remaining 10 percent borne by the state and the City of Jersey City.

On June 20, 2013, Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah T. Healy dedicated the new bridge, which has been officially named the “Ethel Pesin Liberty Footbridge” in memory of the woman who, with her husband, Morris, worked tirelessly to establish the park. A community leader and founding trustee of the Friends of Liberty State Park, Pesin died early in 2013.

“We know how important this piece of infrastructure is to our residents, and that is why we worked with OEM and our engineering staff to find a way to expedite the replacement of the Jersey Avenue footbridge,” the mayor said.

Today, walkers and cyclists are again able to enjoy the recreational facilities at Liberty State Park and visit the park’s historic sites via the Jersey Avenue Bridge.

And because of the teamwork between state and local officials and FEMA’s EHP experts, the environmentally sensitive wetlands that surround the bridge have been protected.

Please be sure to watch the video titled, “Apr 17, 2013– Liberty State Park – A Gift Worth Saving” at http://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/videos/82646

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/FEMASandy,www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/fema, www.fema.gov/blog, and www.youtube.com/fema.Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate’s activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.

The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.”

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Bridging a Link to History at Liberty State Park

Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Georgetown County to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Two disaster recovery centers are open in Georgetown County to help South Carolina flood survivors. The centers – one in Andrews and the other in Georgetown – are open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

The new centers are located at Potato Bed Ferry Community Center, 531 Big Dam Swamp Drive in Andrews and Beck Recreation Center at 2030 West Church St. in Georgetown.

They replace the center that closed on Friday at the Walmart parking lot at 1295 Frazier St. in Georgetown.

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at the centers to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans. They can also help survivors apply for aid.

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive state/federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register, go online any time to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Disaster survivors who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 to register. Those who use 711 or VRS (Video Relay Service) or require accommodations while visiting a center may call 800-621-3362. All disaster recovery centers are accessible and equipped with tools to accommodate disaster survivors who need disability-related communication aids.

Additional disaster recovery centers are open in affected South Carolina counties. For information call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 or go online to www.DisasterAssistance.gov or https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4241.

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Disaster Recovery Centers Open in Georgetown County to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

Media Availability to tour FEMA Manufactured Housing Unit

Installation of seven Manufactured Housing Units underway

Who: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES)
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

What: Media members will have an opportunity to tour one of the manufactured housing units Cal OES and FEMA are installing in Calaveras and Lake counties to provide temporary housing for eligible survivors of the Butte and Valley wildfires.

Where: McClellan Park, 5000 Patrol Rd., McClellan Park, CA 95652

The gate is located at 5000 Patrol Rd. There are two orange cones at the gate entrance. FEMA staff will be present to direct media members to the proper location.

When: Friday, Oct. 23, 2015 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Notes: Subject matter experts from FEMA will be on hand to answer questions about the manufactured housing units and the process. Additionally, a fact sheet will be provided with further information. Please contact the FEMA News Desk in Sacramento with any questions by calling 916-386-7205.

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Media Availability to tour FEMA Manufactured Housing Unit

Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calhoun County to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

COLUMBIA, S.C. – A disaster recovery center is open in St. Matthews to help South Carolina flood survivors. This Calhoun County center is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

Representatives from the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration and other agencies are at the center to answer questions about disaster assistance and low-interest loans. They can also help survivors apply for aid.

The disaster recovery center is located at the following address:

John Ford Community Center

304 Agnes St.

St. Matthews, SC 29135

It is not necessary to visit a center to register for and receive state-federal disaster assistance. If possible, survivors should register with FEMA before visiting a recovery center.

To register go online any time to DisasterAssistance.gov or call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362. Help is available in most languages and phone lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week until further notice.

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Disaster Recovery Center Opens in Calhoun County to Help South Carolina Flood Survivors

CNMI provides free fax options for Soudelor survivors

SAIPAN, CNMI – Typhoon Soudelor survivors on Saipan who need to get documents to the Federal Emergency Management Agency have several places where they can do so free of charge.

When the joint CNMI/FEMA Disaster Recovery Center in Susupe closed earlier this month, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands began arranging locations that would provide this service to survivors. That list currently stands at four:

Saipan Mayor’s Office

Beach Road, Chalan Laulau

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

IT&E, TSL Plaza

Beach Road, Garapan

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

IT&E Customer Service

Middle Road, Chalan Laulau

8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

Joeten – Kiyu Public Library

Beach Road, Susupe

7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays

FEMA applicants faxing documents will be doing so to a toll-free number, and these locations will not charge them anything to use their fax machines.

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CNMI provides free fax options for Soudelor survivors

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