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RALEIGH, NC. –People in 19 North Carolina counties who suffered damage and loss as a result of the April 16 storms and tornadoes have 15 more days to register for federal disaster assistance.

The new deadline is Tuesday, July 5.

North Carolina Emergency Management asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for an extension, based on continued registrations that indicate some are still assessing their damage and need additional time to apply for aid. FEMA approved the extension, which also extends the deadline to return applications for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

“There are numerous homeowners and renters who have told us they need help, but have not returned the SBA loan applications they received when they registered with FEMA,” said NCEM Director Doug Hoell. “We think this is an indication that they just need more time.”

FEMA’s housing assistance and Other Needs Assistance grants for medical, dental, and funeral expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA to be considered for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses. Applicants who do not qualify for an SBA loan may be eligible to receive Other Needs Assistance grants for these items.

As of June 20, more than 9,400 people in the 19 designated counties had registered with FEMA for disaster assistance. More than 4,900 SBA disaster loan applications have been sent to homeowners and renters, but only 16 percent have been returned to SBA.

To register for FEMA disaster assistance, call 800-621-FEMA (3362).  TTY 800-462-7585 is for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers. Registration can be done online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with a web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov and link to “apply online for federal assistance.”

Approved disaster grants and loans to North Carolinians now total more than $15.6 million.
Of that figure:

·         More than $5 million in grants from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program for temporary housing and home repairs.

·         Nearly $2 million in federal/state Other Needs Assistance grants to help individuals replace personal property and pay for certain other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance or other aid.

·         More than $8.6 million in U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.

For more information about this disaster, go to www.nccrimecontrol.organd click on the red “April Tornadoes” tab. More information is also available at www.fema.gov.

FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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