Disaster victims can apply for aid online

The Capital Times  —  8/06/2008 8:55 am

Disaster victims looking for assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration can now file applications online.

Dane County Emergency Management spokesman J. McLellan said using a secure Web site will enable low-interest loan applicants to get a decision from the SBA in a quicker time frame as well as get a loan processed faster if approved. The Web site is https://disasterloan.sba.gov.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also has a Web site for victims to use for applying for aid at http://www.fema.gov/assistance.

McLellan said contacting FEMA should be the first step that victims take if requesting federal assistance.

"If anyone has questions regarding qualifications for assistance, make application with FEMA," McLellan said. "Applicants may then be directed to complete an SBA application."

FEMA can also be contacted toll-free at 800-621-3362.

Those who are eligible include those affected by the massive flooding and storms that hit Wisconsin between June 5 and July 25 in 30 counties included in the federal disaster declaration. Applications for federal disaster assistance may be made by homeowners and renters who suffered damages to their homes and personal property and businesses or nonprofits suffering property loss or loss of business.

FEMA extended the deadline for applying for federal assistance by 33 days last week, making the new deadline Sept. 15 instead of Aug. 13.

Through July 31, FEMA awarded more than $43 million to Wisconsin residents and business owners, and the SBA issued more than $19 million in low-interest disaster loans.