Deadline for disaster aid set Oct. 29

Texans affected by the June 16 to Aug. 3 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding have until Oct. 29, 2007, to apply for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration.

"If you had damage to your home or business, you should register even if you have insurance," said Ken Clark, federal coordinating officer for FEMA.

"Registration keeps open the possibility of federal assistance in case your insurance doesn't fully cover your losses or if you have other unmet disaster-related needs."

Applicants are urged to register for assistance by calling (800) 621-FEMA (3362) from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays.

Applicants also may register online at www.fema.gov.

"Don't wait. Register with FEMA if you haven't, and return your completed SBA application if you received one," said Joan Haun, state coordinating officer of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management.

Disaster loans from the SBA are not just for small businesses. The SBA is the primary source of federal funds for long-term disaster recovery for homeowners, renters, non-farm businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations.

The majority of SBA disaster loans are made to homeowners and renters.

Those affected by a disaster do not have to wait for their insurance settlement before applying for an SBA loan.

In most cases if an applicant does not qualify for an SBA loan, their assistance request is forwarded to FEMA for further review of any unmet needs.

SBA loans cover costs of repair or replacement of damaged real estate, personal property and business assets not fully covered by insurance or other aid, and for small businesses, such loans cover working capital needs caused by the disaster.

For information, phone tollfree at (800) 659-2955 or visit online at www.sba.gov/services/ disasterassistance.