Return SBA Disaster Loan Application For Disaster Assistance
Release Date: February 19, 2009
Release Number: 1817-028
» More Information on Washington Severe Winter Storm, Landslides, Mudslides, and Flooding
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Washington state residents who were affected by the January 6-16, 2009, winter storm, landslides, mudslides, and flooding are being urged to complete the loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Officials of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Washington Emergency Management Division (WEMD), and the SBA stress that the SBA loan application must be completed for consideration for various other types of assistance programs.
Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn said, "We urge all affected Washington residents to complete and return the SBA application. Residents who do not qualify for SBA loans may be referred to other disaster aid programs, but they must first complete the SBA loan application."
To apply for disaster assistance, residents can call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) (TTY
1-800-462-7585). People also can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.
Once homeowners and renters have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance, they may receive SBA loan applications. Those who receive a loan application should complete the application and return it to the SBA as soon as possible. Filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept the loan, but applicants must still complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other grants and programs.
Officials further stress that it is important for Washington residents to know that SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin said, "Homeowners may 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."
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 (TTY 800-877-8339), or email SBA on disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. People may also visit the SBA web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/ and "Click here for information on SBA's Disaster Recovery Centers."
Residents are also urged to fill out the disaster loan application online using SBA's Electronic Loan Applications, disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. Paper applications can be mailed to SBA at 14925 Kingsport Rd., Ft. Worth, Texas 76155-2243.
FEMA leads and supports the nation in a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards including natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.
Last Modified: Thursday, 19-Feb-2009 16:49:07