SBA Urges Return of Applications Before Oct. 31

More than $11 Million SBA Disaster Loans Approved in New Jersey

ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Small Business Administration is urging survivors of New Jersey affected by Hurricane Irene to quickly return completed SBA low-interest disaster loan applications in order to be considered for all forms of assistance.  Homeowners and renters who cannot afford a loan may be referred to FEMA for possible grant funds.  The deadline for filing for physical damage is Oct. 31.  SBA's staff is working vigorously to have all survivors take advantage of the opportunity to apply for low-interest disaster loans.

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"Homeowners, renters and businesses who return completed applications to the SBA will be considered for all recovery options," said Jorge Silva-Puras, SBA Regional Administrator.

The SBA has approved more than $11 million in Disaster Assistance Loans for residents and business owners in New Jersey. "Currently, 273 home and business disaster loans have been approved in the amount of $11,832,500 for affected survivors," said Frank Skaggs, director of SBA's Field Operations Center East in Atlanta.  "We are pleased to be able to get these loans approved so residents and businesses in the disaster area can start to rebuild and resume their normal lives."

Those affected by the disaster should register with Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY) for the deaf and hard-of-hearing or register online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

More information about the disaster loans can be obtained by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET or by sending an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.  Loan applications can be downloaded from www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.  

Those affected by the disaster may also apply for disaster loans electronically from SBA's website at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.  

The deadline to return SBA applications for physical property damage is October 31, 2011.   The deadline to return applications for economic injury is May 31, 2012.

For more information about the SBA's Disaster Loan Program, visit our website at www.sba.gov.

Contact: Mark Ihenacho
Phone:  404-331-0333

SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration