Superstorm Sandy victims are getting a little more time to register for government assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and Small Business Administration have extended the deadline for hurricane-hurt residents and business owners to apply for grants and loans to Feb. 27 — an extra 30 days from the original due date of Jan. 28.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency urged all people affected by the storm to apply for assistance, even if they have insurance. The agency is offering help with rent, lost or damaged personal property, home repairs, and other complications that insurance may or may not cover.
The Small Business Administration is offering disaster relief loans not just to entrepreneurs, but also to property owners and even renters. Some local leaders have expressed fear that residents are not getting badly-needed help because they do not realize they are eligible for Small Business Administration Loans.
“Some people I think get an application in the mail, and they see it says ‘Small Business Administration’ and think ‘I’m not a small business,’ and just throw it out,” Congressman Hakeem Jeffries (D-Coney Island) said at a town hall meeting on Jan. 23.
People affected by the storm can register for federal assistance at http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov/, or by calling (800) 621-3362. 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services users should call (800) 621-3362. Phone lines are open every day from 7 am to 1 am Eastern Standard Time.
Those applying for a Small Business Administration disaster relief loan can register online or download an application form at http://www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/loans-grants/small-business-loans/disaster-loans.
Reach reporter Will Bredderman at wbredderman@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4507. Follow him at twitter.com/WillBredderman.
