The Oct. 31 deadline is nearing for homeowners, renters and business owners to apply for federal aid to be used in recovering from physical damage caused by Hurricane Irene.
Small Business Administration spokesman Burl Kelton said $32,911,600 in aid to New Jersey businesses, homeowners and renters had been approved as of Monday. That sum reflects requests from 3,578 applicants, including 3,261 homeowners and renters and 317 businesses. The SBA has issued 61,820 applications to potential borrowers in the state but heard back so far from fewer than 4,000, Kelton said.
Small companies and most private, nonprofit organizations have until May 31 to apply to the SBA for aid with economic injury — help in meeting financial obligations that can’t be met as a direct result of the disaster that spanned Aug. 27 through Sept. 5. This aid is distinct from funds allotted for physical damage to property.
FEMA largely provides emergency, immediate assistance while the SBA provides long-term, low-interest loans to assist with recovery. But Kelton advised that anyone interested in financial assistance register first with FEMA before Oct. 31. In the event an application for SBA aid is turned down, a requester can be referred back to FEMA for possible help.
To register with FEMA, go to
www.disasterassistance.gov or call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362.
For more information about SBA disaster assistance, call 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Applicants may apply online via SBA’s secure site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.
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