Tuesday Last Day To Register For Federal Disaster Assistance
Release Date: December 15, 2008
Release Number: 1800-047
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
CHICAGO, Ill. -- Time has almost run out for residents affected by September's flooding to register for federal assistance. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) said Tuesday, Dec. 16 is the last day that homeowners, renters or businesses in nine Illinois counties can register with FEMA.
"Time has almost run out," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Libby Turner. "We want to be sure everyone is aware that after Dec. 16, it will be too late to apply for federal disaster assistance. It only takes a minute to register, so don't wait."
Homeowners, renters and businesses in nine counties are eligible to register for federal disaster assistance. The counties are Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, LaSalle, Peoria, Will and Woodford.
To register, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 800-462-7585 or go online at www.fema.gov. For questions about disaster assistance programs, to check on the status of a previously filed application or to update personal information, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585 and select the helpline option. Hours are from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CST.
The Dec. 16 deadline also applies to low-interest SBA disaster loans. SBA loans are the primary source of help for homeowners, renters and businesses of all sizes with expenses caused by uninsured disaster losses of real or personal property.
If an applicant is offered an SBA low-interest disaster loan, they do not have to accept the loan. It is important to return the application though because if they are not approved for an SBA loan, they may be eligible to receive grant assistance.
The SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Centers (DLOCs) will remain open through Thursday, Dec. 18 until 6 p.m. For more information about SBA's low-interest disaster assistance loans, call 800-659-2955 or go online to www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.
The DLOCs are at the following locations in Cook County:
Next to the Des Plaines Theatre Building
1486 Miner St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Oak Forest Hospital
15900 S. Cicero Ave.
Oak Forest, IL 60452
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: Wednesday, 17-Dec-2008 09:14:30