Just One Day Left To Apply For Disaster Assistance
60-Day Application Period Ends Tomorrow
Release Date: March 21, 2005
Release Number: 1573-039
» More Information on Indiana Severe Winter Storms and Flooding
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- Disaster victims throughout most of Indiana have just one day left to apply for disaster assistance before the 60-day application period ends tomorrow (March 22).
Federal and state disaster recovery officials urge those residents and business owners in the 85 disaster-declared counties who sustained damage from the severe winter storms and flooding that occurred between January 1 and February 11 to apply as soon as possible.
There are two easy ways to apply. Disaster victims may call FEMA's special toll-free number, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for the speech and hearing impaired. Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and multilingual operators are also available to answer your call. Residents with Internet access have the option to apply on the agency's website at www.fema.gov (upper right hand side). Valuable recovery information is also available on the website.
"For individuals who have already applied, their cases will continue to be processed," Ron Sherman, federal coordinating officer, said. "We want people to understand that Tuesday, March 22 is merely the end of the 60-day application period, which started January 21 when President Bush issued a major disaster declaration for the state."
Loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for disaster-related losses to real and personal property and businesses of all sizes must also be submitted by Tuesday, March 22. SBA officials encourage anyone who has received a disaster loan application to turn it in as soon as possible. Failure to complete and return your SBA loan application will stop consideration for other assistance programs, including additional grants. More than 7,000 loan applications have been issued to homeowners and renters and 1,052 business owners.
More than 13,800 individuals and business owners have already applied for disaster assistance in the state. To date, $11.2 million in grants has been approved for 8,828 individuals impacted by the disaster. In addition, the SBA has approved 76 low-interest loans for nearly $1.3 million. Business owners are only eligible for loans.
Disaster officials also stated that residents waiting for or who have recently received a final insurance settlement should contact the FEMA Helpline at the same toll-free numbers above to update their claim.
Last Modified: Monday, 21-Mar-2005 12:53:09