Sunday Deadline Looms to Apply for FEMA Assistance

Registration is available online or through toll-free hotline for residents and businesses damaged in the August floods. The deadline to file is Sunday, Dec. 14. (Patch file photo)

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Area homeowners, renters and businesses who sustained property damage as a result of the August severe storms are reminded that the last day to file for federal assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is Sunday, Dec. 14.

To file before the deadline, those affected by the flood can call the toll-free hotline – (800) 621-FEMA (3362) – between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

Affected residents can also apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

More specific details are available at www.fema.gov/disaster/4195.

As part of a federal disaster declaration made by President Barack Obama in September, FEMA grants or low-interest loans through the Small Business Administration (SBA) may be available to homeowners, renters and businesses for temporary housing, home repairs, or low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses.

FEMA’s ultimate goal is to ensure flood victims’ dwellings are safe, sanitary and functional.

Other assistance is available for disaster-related costs associated with personal property, transportation, moving and storage, or other necessary expenses.

SBA loans can help homeowners, renters and businesses of any size.

SBA applicants are not obligated to accept a loan; however, completing the application may lead to additional FEMA assistance. Flood victims are encouraged to consider all sources of aid. Note that the deadline to file for SBA loans is Dec. 15, but you must already be registered with FEMA, whose deadline is Dec. 14.

To apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan, visit DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.

More than 125,000 Michigan residents who suffered during the August flooding have already registered for assistance. FEMA has approved nearly $139 million in grants while the SBA has approved more than $101 million in low-interest loans.