Deadline to apply for FEMA, SBA assistance from April 12 storms is June 15
Just a few days remain to apply for disaster assistance grants from FEMA and to submit applications for low-interest disaster loans to the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Lawrence Countians who suffered damage from the tornadoes and storms on April 12, 2020, have until 11 p.m. central time Monday, June 15 to apply for disaster assistance through FEMA.
Disaster assistance for individuals may include grants to help homeowners and renters with temporary housing, essential home repairs, personal property replacement, and disaster-related needs. Disaster assistance grants are not taxable income and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and other federal financial and/or social safety net programs.
Next to insurance, SBA is the primary source of funds for real estate property repairs and replacing lost contents following a disaster. Renters and homeowners alike may borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars, or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans up to $200,000 for primary residence structural repairs or rebuilding.
Obtaining a low-interest disaster loan may be the solution to your recovery needs by providing you the necessary funds for home repair, rebuilding, and property loss. Returning the completed application also may enable you to qualify for FEMA disaster recovery grants that do not have to be repaid.
There is no requirement to take out a loan if one is offered from SBA. If you are approved for a disaster loan, you have the option not to accept the loan.
Registration is quick and easy.
Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 for voice and Video Relay Service (VRS). If you are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use TTY, call 800-462-7585. Multilingual operators are available.
If you have a cell or smartphone you can download the FEMA app from your phone’s app store and apply through the app.
Applying for SBA loans or seeking information and assistance:
Applicants for SBA low-interest disaster loans may apply online using SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/ and apply under SBA declaration # 16421, not for the COVID-19 incident.
Applicants needing further assistance may call the SBA Virtual Disaster Loan Outreach Center at 404-331-0333, extensions 2122 or 2123.
