FEMA officials have announced a new policy that has streamlined the disaster assistance application process.
Survivors can now apply for a low-interest Small Business Association (SBA) loan alongside FEMA assistance. Importantly, officials say applying for an SBA loan is no longer a prerequisite for FEMA individual assistance, including recent disasters in Kentucky from May 21-27.
Kentucky survivors who experienced loss from the May 21-27 incident and live in the 15 counties affected by the severe storms, including Caldwell, Christian, Hopkins, Todd, and Trigg counties may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
There are several ways to apply for FEMA Assistance:
Visit a Disaster Recover Center. To find a center close to you, go online to DRC Locator, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362.
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. The Helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to midnight. Eastern Time.
Go online to disasterassistance.gov.
Download the FEMA mobile app.
FEMA assistance is available for people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
The SBA offers disaster loans to help businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters recover. Homeowners and renters can apply to repair or replace damaged property while businesses and nonprofits can get loans for physical damage. Additionally, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) are available to support the working capital needs of affected businesses and nonprofits.
For more information about SBA disaster loans and how to apply, visit sba.gov/disaster, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.