WTC Disaster Assistance Application Deadline Extended to Mar. 11
Release Date: December 31, 2001
Release Number: 1391-54
» More Information on New York Terrorist Attack
New York, NY -- The director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the extension of the deadline to apply for federal and state disaster assistance today. The new deadline of March 11, 2002, was requested by the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) to ensure that all individuals who suffered losses from the Sept. 11 attack have access to the assistance programs.
"More than 50,000 people have already registered, with hundreds of new applicants calling every day. As we begin the new year, we want to make sure those who are in need of help have every opportunity to receive it," said FEMA Director Joe M. Allbaugh.
New York state governor, George Pataki, said, "By extending this deadline to apply for federal assistance, we can help to ensure that as many New Yorkers as possible receive the help and support they need to move forward in the coming year. Once again, I would like to thank President Bush and FEMA Director Joe Allbaugh for their assistance and compassion in helping New Yorkers in their time of need."
Affected residents and business owners may apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration number: 1-800-462-9029, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Those with a speech- or hearing-impairment may call TTY: 1-800-462-7585. Operators can also provide information and referrals to programs, resources, and services offered by other agencies and voluntary organizations. Translation services are available to accommodate the needs of all language groups. A separate FEMA Helpline-1-800-525-0321-has also been established to assist those who have already registered, allowing them the check on the status of their application, or ask about other assistance programs.
FEMA, SEMO, New York City and voluntary agencies provide a range of assistance including grants for temporary housing or emergency repairs; individual and family grants to cover unmet needs; crisis counseling; mortgage and rental assistance; and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses also may be eligible for working capital disaster loans.
Allbaugh urged all affected individuals to take advantage of the federal and state assistance programs. "We encourage everyone seeking some form of disaster assistance to begin the process by calling the toll-free registration number," Allbaugh said, adding that those in need should apply as soon as possible.
Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2003 11:22:34