Rick Patrick
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) reminds everyone that the deadline to apply for a disaster loan is Wednesday, Nov. 29. This includes businesses of all sizes, private non-profit organizations, homeowners and renters.
Survivors who incurred damage from Sunday, Aug. 27, through Monday, Sept. 4, as a result of Hurricane Idalia in area counties, including Hamilton, Jefferson, Lafayette, Madison, Taylor and Suwannee Counties, should apply for the physical damage program.
As of Friday, Nov. 17, the SBA has approved over $69 million in disaster loans for those affected by the hurricane. Those disaster survivors who have insurance should not wait wait on a settlement before applying for physical damage assistance. The SBA will work with your insurance in order to reduce or repay the loan.
Those needing assistance may apply online through a secure website at spa.gov/disaster. When applying, apply under SBA declaration #18118.
In order to be considered for disaster assistance in any form, applicants need to register at DisasterAssistance.gov, or download the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) mobile app. Applicants may also call the FEMA helpline at (800) 621-3362.
Disaster loan information and applications may also be obtained by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 ( those who are deaf or have a speech disability are asked to call 7-1-1 in order to access telecommunications relay services). You may also send an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded from spa.gov/disaster. Completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Ft. Worth, TX. 76155.
The filing deadline for physical property damage is Wednesday, Nov. 29. The deadline for economic injury applications is the end of May of 2024.