Disaster Assistance Applicants Urged To Return SBA Loan Application 

Release Date: April 18, 2008
Release Number: 1749-016

» More Information on Missouri Severe Storms and Flooding

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Many residents who registered for disaster assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency also received a loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Returning a completed disaster loan application to the SBA is a crucial part of the disaster recovery process. Homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations sustaining losses from the flooding are encouraged to apply for the SBA loan.

“People who apply for the loan will move forward in the disaster recovery process, but those who do not apply will lose the opportunity to get the maximum help available to them, whether in the form of a low-interest loan or grant assistance,” said William Koontz, SBA communications specialist. “I encourage everyone affected by the flooding to apply before the application deadline of May 27. Flood insurance may not cover all of your losses.”

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for disaster-related medical and dental expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, the loan application is a critical step in determining eligibility for other assistance.

To qualify for grant assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses, registrants must first submit an SBA loan application and be referred back to FEMA. Those who register are not required to take an SBA loan, and there is no cost to apply.

SBA loans are the primary source of long-term recovery assistance. Completing the SBA application is also necessary to be considered for some other forms of disaster assistance.

For more information, or questions regarding how to complete the SBA loan application, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or visit the SBA Disaster Preparedness website at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/index.html.

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-Apr-2008 11:40:24