FEMA and SBA Urge Disaster Victims to Return Disaster Loan Applications
Release Date: December 13, 2005
Release Number: 1609-044
» More Information on Florida Hurricane Wilma
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Residents of Florida who have been impacted by Hurricane Wilma and need financial assistance should be sure to complete the loan application sent to them by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), according to the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Homeowners and renters who receive an SBA loan application after they register for disaster assistance with FEMA should complete the home disaster loan application and return it as soon as possible, even if they are not interested in accepting a loan. People who apply and do not qualify may be referred to other programs, but they must complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain grants and programs.
It is important for Floridians to know disaster loans from the SBA are not just for businesses. Homeowners may also qualify for low-interest loans to help rebuild or repair their homes and replace personal property. Renters may qualify for loans to repair or replace personal property. In fact, the majority of SBA disaster loans are made to homeowners and renters.
SBA loan amounts are based on the actual cost of repairing or rebuilding a damaged home and replacing personal property, minus any insurance reimbursements for the same loss. However, disaster victims do not have to wait for their insurance settlement before applying for an SBA loan.
For more information about how to complete the loan application, or for more information on SBA assistance, call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, log on to www.sba.gov/disaster or visit a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
For information on how to apply for assistance through FEMA call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), or TTY 1-800-462-7585 for people who are speech- or hearing-impaired. Lines are open 24-hours a day, seven days a week until further notice. Hurricane victims may also register online at www.fema.gov.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Dec-2005 09:08:43