The Prompt Return of an SBA Application May Help Speed Disaster Aid
Release Date: May 22, 2007
Release Number: 1697-025
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EAGLE PASS, Texas -- Texans who have applied for disaster assistance and have received U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) forms are encouraged to complete the loan application and return it to SBA as soon as possible.
Many who register for assistance will receive an SBA loan application within seven to ten days after registering. Completing the application is a required step in obtaining some types of disaster assistance, and a quick return can also mean faster aid to those in need.
"If an applicant is referred to SBA, we need to complete that part of the process before we can look at other aid options," said Federal Coordinating Officer Tony Russell. "Filling out an SBA application does not guarantee that an applicant will be approved for a loan, nor does it mean that they must accept the loan."
SBA loans are the largest source of disaster funds for making substantial repairs or rebuilding damaged structures to their pre-disaster condition. Actual loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant's financial condition. The low-interest disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters and businesses of any size.
For those who need help in filling out their SBA application, an SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open at the Denton Civic Center, 321 East McKinney in Denton. SBA customer service representatives are on hand to explain the application process and help each individual complete their application. The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. until May 31.
Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) also have SBA customer service representatives to assist those who need information or help with their application. DRCs are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday in: Maverick County at Nick Carr Youth Center, 253 Ruela Drive, in Eagle Pass; Moore County at Cactus Community Center, North Dr. and Sherri St. in Cactus; and Swisher County at Tulia City Hall, 127 SW 2nd St. #300, in Tulia (ending operations on Sat., May 26 at 6 p.m.)
Those who have questions about their SBA application can call 1-800-659-2955 or visit SBA's website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Those who are hearing impaired may call 1-800-877-8339.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 22-May-2007 15:26:40