FEMA Application Deadline Extended to Sept. 30 Call 1-800-462-9029 to Apply for Disaster Assistance 

Release Date: February 21, 2002
Release Number: 1391-62

» More Information on New York Terrorist Attack

New York, NY -- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Director Joe M. Allbaugh announced the extension of the deadline to apply for federal and state disaster assistance today.

The new deadline of Sept. 30 was set in response to a request from the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) to ensure that all individuals who suffered losses from the Sept. 11 attack receive the financial assistance and crisis counseling they need.

"FEMA is committed to being here for as long as it takes," said Allbaugh. "Although more than 60,000 individuals have already registered for assistance, we are still receiving close to 300 applicantions a day. We will continue our efforts to identify and reach people who may not have registered for various reasons and need more time to apply."

FEMA, SEMO, New York City and voluntary agencies provide a range of assistance including grants for temporary housing or emergency repairs; mortgage and rental assistance; disaster unemployment assistance; individual and family grants to cover unmet needs; crisis counseling; and low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and nonprofit organizations through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Small businesses may be eligible for working capital assistance.

"FEMA has continually proved it will stick by New York for the long haul," said SEMO Director Edward F. Jacoby Jr. "This extension will allow more time for eligible applicants to come forward, call the toll-free registration line and get the help they need."

Affected residents and business owners may apply for assistance by calling the FEMA toll-free registration line at 1-800-462-9029 (TTY: 1-800-462-7585), between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Operators can also provide information and referrals to programs, resources and services offered by other agencies and voluntary organizations. Translation services are available for all language groups.

Last Modified: Monday, 06-Oct-2003 11:05:56