Illinois Residents Some Of First To Use SBA Online Application
Release Date: August 7, 2008
Release Number: 1771-047
» More Information on Illinois Severe Storms and Flooding
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) wants Illinois disaster victims to know they can now go online to file an application for a low-interest loan to help recover from their damages sustained during the severe storms and flooding from June 1 to July 22.
Homeowners and renters who suffered damages to their homes and personal property may apply via the SBA's secure Web Site at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/ Businesses and non-profit organizations can also go online to apply for assistance to cover losses to real estate and property, as well as economic injury or apply by calling 1-800-659-2955 Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CDT and Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CDT until further notice.
"This online application provides a convenient alternative for disaster victims as they take their first steps toward rebuilding after a disaster," said SBA Acting Administrator Jovita Carranza.
The electronic loan application contains a feature that automatically checks errors, and prompts applicants when additional information is needed, guaranteeing a quicker loan-processing/decision time frame. On-screen help includes a glossary to explain terms that may be unfamiliar to the applicant.
"We're thrilled that Illinois is among the first states to be using this new technology," said Libby Turner, FEMA federal coordinating officer. "We commend the SBA on doing everything they can in getting assistance to the disaster victims as fast as possible. I'm confident their new online application process will do just that."
Homeowners and renters first need to register with FEMA by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or going online to www.fema.gov/ Hearing or speech impaired individuals with TTY equipment should call 1-800-462-7585 or they can register online at www.fema.gov/ The phone lines are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT. The SBA also has specialists available for personal help at three locations in Illinois until Thursday, August 21. Those locations are:
Hancock County
Dallas City Elementary School
921 Creamery Hill Road
Dallas City, IL 62330
Opens: Thursday, August 7 at 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closes: Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.
Rock Island County
Milan Municipal Building
405 East 1st St
Milan, IL 61264
Opened: Monday, July 28
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Closes: Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6 p.m.
Winnebago County
Michelsen's Office Furniture
8020 N. 2nd St
Machesney Park, IL 61115
Opens: Monday, August 11 at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closes: Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 6 p.m.
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: Thursday, 07-Aug-2008 18:15:45