This article was originally published in The Examiner on October 5, 2017.
By Eleanor Skelton
Staff Writer
Many Southeast Texans who registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for assistance with disaster losses are also being referred to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to determine if they qualify for federal disaster loan assistance which may help with recovery needs.
The Small Business Administration provides affordable disaster loans to homeowners and renters for their uninsured or underinsured disaster losses, FEMA said in a news release.
All disaster survivors referred to the SBA Disaster Loan Program should apply so they can determine the appropriate type of federal disaster assistance they may receive. There is no cost to apply and applicants are under no obligation to accept a loan if they qualify for assistance.
Homeowners and renters are encouraged to submit their SBA disaster loan application, even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan.
In most cases, if SBA cannot approve your application, you will be referred back to
FEMA to be considered for possible additional grant assistance.
Homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their damaged primary residence. Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000 to replace damaged personal property, including vehicles.
Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure website at disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. To complete the application, you will need to provide updated contact information, including phone numbers, Social Security Number and FEMA registration number, insurance information, including company name, address and policy number; and financial information including income, creditor names, monthly payments and balances.
SBA customer service representatives are available to assist by phone, e-mail, or in person at area disaster recovery centers (DRCs).
To speak with a customer service representative, call (800) 659-2955 or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
Eleanor Skelton 