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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Prompt Return Of SBA Disaster-Loan Application Speeds Aid Process

FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y.

NEW YORK – The Federal Emergency Management Agency, at the request of the State of New York, has approved a 30-day extension for survivors to register for federal disaster assistance.

As one of the most densely populated areas in the country, New York presents FEMA with many unique challenges. The agency – along with state and federal partners and voluntary organizations – is extending the registration period for an additional 30 days in order to best serve Hurricane Sandy survivors in New York.  

The new registration deadline in New York is March 29, 2013, which is also the deadline to complete and return low-interest SBA disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The extension allows survivors in the 13 New York counties designated for federal individual assistance more time to register with FEMA. The designated counties are: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Orange, Putnam, Queens, Richmond, Rockland, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester.

People living in these counties who sustained losses due to Hurricane Sandy should register with FEMA even if they have insurance. Applying by the deadline may help survivors avoid a funding shortfall if they later find that they are underinsured or have additional damages.

Survivors who register may be eligible for federal grants to help cover various disaster-related expenses, including rent, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance.

By returning the SBA disaster loan application, homeowners may be eligible for up to $200,000 to repair or replace their storm-damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters may be eligible for up to $40,000 for replacement of personal property. Businesses and private nonprofits may be eligible to borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace storm-damaged property.

How to register with FEMA

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet by going to m.fema.gov or by downloading the FEMA app.

Survivors can also register by calling the FEMA Helpline: 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or (TTY) 800-462-7585. The line is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week until further notice.

Anyone with questions regarding the FEMA registration process, the status of their application and available disaster assistance programs is encouraged to visit a Disaster Recovery Center or contact FEMA.

To find the nearest Disaster Recovery Center, the following options are available: Text DRC and a Zip Code to 43362 (4FEMA), and a text message will be sent back with the address. Also, the Disaster Recovery Center locator is available online at www.FEMA.gov/disaster-recovery-centers.

SBA disaster loan application

A simple and fast way to complete the disaster loan application is online, using the SBA’s electronic loan application. Go to https://DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

SBA customer service representatives are available to issue or accept low-interest disaster loan applications and answer questions at all New York State/FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers and

SBA business recovery centers and Disaster Loan Outreach Centers. To locate the nearest center, visit www.sba.gov or call 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339).

More information is available by calling the SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number, 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.

For more information on New York’s disaster recovery, visit www.fema.gov/SandyNY, www.twitter.com/FEMASandy, www.facebook.com/FEMASandy and www.fema.gov/blog.

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.

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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FEMA registration deadline extended for Hurricane Sandy survivors in N.Y.

New Jersey Recovery From Hurricane Sandy: By The Numbers

TRENTON, N.J. — Disaster assistance to New Jersey survivors of Hurricane Sandy by the numbers as of Feb. 21:

  • $361.7 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
  • $314.1 million for housing assistance
  • $47.6 million for other needs
  • $495.7 in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
  • $169.6 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
  • $54.6 million in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
  • 8 million cubic yards of debris have been collected (96 percent)
  • 256,777 people contacted FEMA for help or information
  • 122,643 housing inspections completed
  • 76,036 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers

Survivors can register online and check on the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via web-enabled phone or tablet at m.fema.gov until midnight March 1. They also can call 800-621-3362 or TTY 800-462-7585. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services can call 800-621-3362. Recovery assistants remain available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Survivors can ask questions about their SBA disaster home or business loan applications by calling 800-659-2955 or TTY 800-877-8339 or emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Additional resources are available online at FEMA.gov/SandyNJ and SBA.gov/Sandy.

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.

Follow FEMA online at www.fema.gov/blog, www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, 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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New Jersey Recovery From Hurricane Sandy: By The Numbers

More Federal Assistance to Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne Counties

PEARL, Miss. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced today that the four counties in the Mississippi federal disaster declaration – Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne – are eligible to receive additional disaster assistance in recovering from the storms and tornadoes of Feb. 10.

In an amendment to the original presidential declaration, Forrest and Lamar counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance in Categories C through G: 

Category C – Roads and Bridges

  • Category D – Water Control Facilities,
  • Category E – Public Buildings and Equipment
  • Category F – Utilities,
  • Category G – Parks, Recreational Facilities, and other items.

The Public Assistance program reimburses state and local governments, tribal organizations and certain private nonprofit entities at least 75 percent of costs for disaster-related expenses associated with emergency protective measures, debris removal, and the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure. The remaining 25 percent comes from non-federal funds.

Forrest and Lamar counties were already designated as eligible for assistance with debris removal and emergency protective measures (Public Assistance Categories A and B).

Marion and Wayne counties are now eligible to receive Public Assistance in all categories.

All four counties had been designated as eligible for Individual Assistance. FEMA’s individual assistance program helps eligible applicants with temporary housing assistance, uninsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other disaster-related expenses and serious needs. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are available to cover residential and business losses not covered by insurance.

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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More Federal Assistance to Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Wayne Counties

New York Recovery By the Numbers

New York Recovery By the Numbers

Main Content

Release date:

February 22, 2013

Release Number:

NR-177

NEW YORK — Disaster assistance to New York survivors of Hurricane Sandy:

  • $2.4 billion in National Flood Insurance Program payments made to policy holders
  • Nearly $909.9 million in FEMA grants approved for individuals and households
    • $788.5 million for housing assistance
    • $121.4 million for other needs
  • $1.07 billion in SBA disaster loans approved for homeowners, renters and businesses
  • $669 million approved in FEMA Public Assistance grants to communities and some nonprofit organizations that serve the public
  • 5.3 million cubic yards of debris removed (95 percent)
  • 268,290 people contacted FEMA for help or information
  • 179,516 housing inspections completed
  • 160,131 visits to Disaster Recovery Centers
  • More than 500 voluntary agencies involved in recovery
  • 25 languages used to communicate assistance information to survivors

Individuals can register with FEMA online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (Voice, 7-1-1/Relay) or TTY 800-462-7585.

The toll-free telephone numbers operate 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. EST, seven days a week.

Last Updated:

February 22, 2013 – 16:00

State or Region:

New York

Related Disaster:

New York Hurricane Sandy

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New York Recovery By the Numbers

Disaster Assistance Nears $12 Million in Livingston Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly six months since the Aug. 29, 2012, federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, nearly $12 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved for the parish. Disaster assistance for survivors and their communities in Livingston Parish now totals $11,999,429.

Livingston Parish by the Numbers

TOTAL Individual Assistance grants: $7,900,306

  • Housing Assistance approved: $6,906,944
  • Other Needs Assistance approved: $993,362

TOTAL Public Assistance obligations: $1,253,023

TOTAL U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans: $2,846,100

Free crisis counseling is still available to children and adults in Livingston Parish by calling 866-295-6495 or after hours and weekends, 800-272-8367. Trained counselors are provided by a network of state human services authorities and districts to take calls and meet with survivors face to face if a follow-up session is needed.

“Programs such as crisis counseling are in place to meet the continuing emotional needs of survivors,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar of FEMA. “Receiving the right support can help most survivors continue to move on with their lives following Hurricane Isaac.”

Survivors affected by Hurricane Isaac who would like to speak to a FEMA representative may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Disaster Assistance Nears $12 Million in Livingston Parish

Disaster Assistance Nears $31 Million in St. Tammany Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly six months since the Aug. 29, 2012, federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, nearly $31 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved for the parish. Disaster assistance for survivors and their communities in St. Tammany Parish now totals $30,917,776.

St. Tammany Parish by the Numbers                                                   

TOTAL Individual Assistance grants: $9,815,078

  • Housing Assistance approved: $7,699,651
  • Other Needs Assistance approved: $2,115,427

TOTAL Public Assistance obligations: $6,995,598

TOTAL U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans: $14,107,100

Free crisis counseling is still available to children and adults in St. Tammany Parish by calling 866-295-6495 or after hours and weekends, 800-272-8367. Trained counselors are provided by a network of state human services authorities and districts to take calls and meet with survivors face to face if a follow-up session is needed.

“Programs such as crisis counseling are in place to meet the continuing emotional needs of survivors,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar of FEMA. “Receiving the right support can help most survivors continue to move on with their lives following Hurricane Isaac.”

Survivors affected by Hurricane Isaac who would like to speak to a FEMA representative may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

Source:

Disaster Assistance Nears $31 Million in St. Tammany Parish

Disaster Assistance Nears $58 Million in Orleans Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly six months since the Aug. 29, 2012, federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, nearly $58 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved for the parish. Disaster assistance for survivors and their communities in Orleans Parish now totals $57,966,406.

Orleans Parish by the Numbers

TOTAL Individual Assistance grants: $14,211,934

  • Housing Assistance approved: $10,233,998
  • Other Needs Assistance approved: $3,977,936

TOTAL Public Assistance obligations: $25,138,072

TOTAL U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans: $18,616,400

Free crisis counseling is still available to children and adults in Orleans Parish by calling 504-826-2675. Trained counselors are provided by a network of state human services authorities and districts to take calls and meet with survivors face to face if a follow-up session is needed.

“Programs such as crisis counseling are in place to meet the continuing emotional needs of survivors,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar of FEMA. “Receiving the right support can help most survivors continue to move on with their lives following Hurricane Isaac.”

Survivors affected by Hurricane Isaac who would like to speak to a FEMA representative may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Disaster Assistance Nears $58 Million in Orleans Parish

Disaster Assistance Nears $111.9 Million in Plaquemines Parish

BATON ROUGE, La. – Nearly six months since the Aug. 29, 2012, federal disaster declaration for Hurricane Isaac in Louisiana, nearly $111.9 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved for the parish. Disaster assistance for survivors and their communities in Plaquemines Parish now totals $111,881,276.

Plaquemines Parish by the Numbers

TOTAL Individual Assistance grants: $10,745,555

  • Housing Assistance approved: $9,693,837
  • Other Needs Assistance approved: $1,051,718

TOTAL Public Assistance obligations: $75,888,821

TOTAL U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans: $25,246,900

Free crisis counseling is still available to children and adults in Plaquemines Parish by calling 504-826-2675. Trained counselors are provided by a network of state human services authorities and districts to take calls and meet with survivors face to face if a follow-up session is needed.

“Programs such as crisis counseling are in place to meet the continuing emotional needs of survivors,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Gerard Stolar of FEMA. “Receiving the right support can help most survivors continue to move on with their lives following Hurricane Isaac.”

Survivors affected by Hurricane Isaac who would like to speak to a FEMA representative may call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Survivors who use 711 Relay or Video Relay Services may call 1-800-621-3362.

More information on Louisiana disaster recovery is available online at www.fema.gov/disaster/4080 or www.gohsep.la.gov. FEMA is also on Twitter at twitter.com/femaregion6 and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FEMA.

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Disaster Assistance Nears $111.9 Million in Plaquemines Parish

FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

WINDSOR, Conn. — Hurricane Sandy survivors who have registered for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency have a useful tool at their fingertips: their phone.

Although the deadline has passed for hurricane survivors to register for assistance, survivors may check status of applications or receive other assistance by calling the FEMA Helpline, 800-621-3362. Helpline hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week. The TTY number is 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.

FEMA urges all applicants to stay in touch with FEMA, especially to keep contact information up to date. This can be done by phone or online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or at m.fema.gov on a smartphone or other web device.

Survivors creating a profile online may view application status or FEMA documents sent to them, but cannot submit new information other than contact data. However, via the Helpline, survivors may:

  • Update insurance information;
  • Receive information on the home inspection process;
  • Add or delete a person designated to speak for the applicant;
  • Find out if FEMA needs more information about the claim;
  • Learn how to appeal a FEMA application decision; and
  • Get answers to any other questions they might have about their application.

 

Insured applicants should not wait on FEMA to file an insurance claim. They should provide FEMA a copy of the insurance settlement as soon as it is available. FEMA does not duplicate insurance benefits, but applicants may discover their insurance does not cover as much as they thought it would and the settlement could prompt reconsideration for an applicant declared ineligible for assistance. The Helpline can provide answers to any question regarding insurance and its impact on FEMA assistance.

Any decision of FEMA can be appealed within 60 days of the determination. The Helpline can provide details on where to file a written appeal.

Applicants with questions regarding the U.S. Small Business Administration loan application may call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (TTY users, call 800-877-8339). Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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 800-621-3362. For TTY, call 800-462-7585.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private, nonprofit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts and covers the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other recoveries and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.

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.

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FEMA Helpline is Useful Tool for Disaster Survivors

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