FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 22, 2012) – Survivors who received an application for a Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loan after registering for federal disaster assistance should complete and return it as soon as possible.
Returning an SBA loan application may provide a survivor with funds for home repair and reconstruction. It also may direct the survivor to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster recovery grants that do not have to be repaid. While no survivor is obligated to accept a loan, survivors will be considered for federal disaster assistance only if they return their SBA loan application.
There are important reasons to fill out this form and send even if a survivor doesn’t currently need a loan:
- Your insurance settlement may fall short. Survivors may discover in the next few weeks that you were underinsured for the amount of work required to repair or replace your home. An SBA low-interest disaster loan can cover the gap. Apply to the SBA to keep that option open.
- SBA can offer a loan that fits your personal budget. If a survivor already has a mortgage on damaged property, SBA specialists can help with a low-interest loan they can afford.
- SBA can help renters and homeowners replace household contents and vehicles. Homeowners may borrow up to $200,000 for the repair or replacement of real estate. Homeowners and renters borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace clothing, furniture, cars or appliances damaged or destroyed in the disaster. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million for physical damage and economic injury.
- By submitting your SBA loan application, survivors keep the full range of disaster assistance available as an option. If SBA does not approve a loan, survivors may be offered FEMA grants to replace essential household items, replace or repair a damaged vehicle, cover storage expenses or meet other serious disaster-related needs.
For more information, call the SBA at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 TTY). Or homeowners, renters and businesses may visit SBA’s secure website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela to apply online for disaster loans.
There are three ways to register with FEMA for help or information regarding disaster assistance: call 800-621-FEMA (3362), register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or register using a tablet or Smartphone by visiting m.fema.gov. Help is available in many languages.
Disaster applicants who use TTY should call 800-462-7585. Those who use 711 or Video Relay Service should call 800-621-3362. Lines are open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, every day.
Kentucky Emergency Management urges anyone who has storm damage to their residence or other property to document the damage by photographing or videoing it, if possible, and maintain a list of any repairs and keep repair receipts. Report the damage and location to your county emergency manager. Survivors must still register with FEMA to be considered for federal disaster assistance.
More disaster specific information can be found on the Kentucky Emergency Management website at www.kyem.ky.gov.
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