Time's Running Out for FEMA Claims

Families, individuals, and businesses in New Jersey who suffered damage from
Hurricane Irene have only about 30 days left to file a claim with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). 

The deadline for registering for assistance with FEMA is Oct. 31.

Likewise, the deadline for submitting loan applications to the US Small Business Administration (SBA) is also Oct. 31. SBA loan applications are a key part of the FEMA registration process. If the SBA determines that homeowners or renters cannot afford a loan, they may be referred for other possible assistance.

Additional information is available at www.sba.gov or 1-800-659-2955.

The standard flood insurance policies from FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program have a 60-day period to file proof of loss. That deadline is Oct. 31 as well.

To date, FEMA has approved more than $106 million in aid to disaster survivors, while the SBA has approved more than $13 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations.

There are three ways to register:

1. Go to www.disasterassistance.gov 
2. Visit m.fema.gov 
3. Call FEMA toll-free, 1-800-621-3262 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY, call 800-462-7585; or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 am to 10 pm; multilingual operators are available.

Residents can find the Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) closest to them online.