Politics & Government

FEMA Deadline Falls at Midnight Wednesday

May 1 is the final day for residents to apply for federal assistance in aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

 

Victims of Hurricane Sandy who suffered storm-related losses have until midnight Wednesday (May 1) to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for disaster assistance. 

Survivors can register online and check the status of their applications at DisasterAssistance.gov, via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov. 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.

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May 1 is also the deadline to return applications for Small Business Administration loans, which are the primary source of federal funds for long-term rebuilding. Those interested in the low-interest loan program can apply for an SBA disaster home or business loan by filling out an online application at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ela by midnight, May 1.

Business people should be aware that they can apply for

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FEMA is asking that those who have applied for federal disaster assistance to stay in touch with FEMA and SBA. Applicants should notify FEMA and SBA of changes to their mailing addresses, phone numbers or email addresses.

Residents can also register with FEMA in person at one of four Disaster Recovery Centers still in operation. The remaining DRCs are located in Ocean, Monmouth and Atlantic Counties. To find your nearest recovery center, visit FEMA.gov/DRC or call 800-621-3362.

From FEMA: 

FEMA staff is available at the disaster recovery centers to provide clarification to letters, assist survivors with finding a temporary home if their primary residence was damaged or destroyed, check on the status of applications for assistance or refer survivors to other agencies that may provide additional help.

According to FEMA, more than $388 million in grants has been approved for home repairs and replacement, rental assistance and other needs. An additional $734.4 million in SBA loans have been approved for more than 11,300 homes and businesses.

For more information about the SBA, call the SBA Customer Service Center from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (EDT) Monday through Friday, at 1-800-659-2955. Survivors may apply online at disasterloan.sba.gov/elaApplicants also may visit the SBA Web site at sba.gov/services/disasterassistance or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.


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