Two Hot Tips For Disaster Assistance: Complete That SBA Packet And Register With FEMA Even If You Have Insurance 

Release Date: May 7, 2009
Release Number: 1829-059

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BISMARCK, N.D. -- When it comes to getting disaster assistance, state and federal officials have two important pieces of advice: Fill out and send in that SBA packet, and be sure to register even if you have insurance.

The SBA Packet:
If you receive an SBA loan packet after you register with FEMA, it is important to complete it and send it back - even if you don't intend to take out the loan.

Completing the packet from the U.S. Small Business Administration is a critical step in the disaster assistance process. FEMA uses it to help determine what kind and how much assistance a person can receive from FEMA. If you don't complete the SBA application, you could jeopardize some assistance you might receive from FEMA.

The SBA provides low-interest loans to help homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and some nonprofit organizations to cover the cost of repairing or replacing lost or damaged structures and personal property.

For more information, call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov.

Insurance:
If insurance doesn't cover all the costs of making your home livable again, you may be eligible for FEMA disaster grants. But the last chance to register is June 9. Registration protects the right to seek disaster assistance for eligible costs after your insurance claim is settled.

Register by phone at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585. Specialists are available from 6 a.m. to midnight (CDT) to help applicants through the registration process. In addition, residents can register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

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, 07-May-2009 13:59:55