Homeowners and renters who suffered property damage or losses in the Aug. 8 wildfires have two more weeks to apply for federal disaster assistance.
The deadline is Nov. 9 to apply for both Federal Emergency Management Agency and U.S. Small Business Administration aid.
FEMA’s Individual Assistance Program helps with basic, critical needs such as rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, and home repair and replacement assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid and FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits, FEMA said in a news release Friday.
Disaster survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage or losses to their primary homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance.
FEMA also works closely with the SBA, which provides low-interest disaster loans for homeowners, renters, nonprofits and businesses. Some applicants may be referred to the SBA to apply for a disaster loan. Homeowners may borrow up to $500,000 from SBA to repair or replace their primary residence. Homeowners and renters may borrow up to $100,000 to repair or replace personal property.
To apply for FEMA aid, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA helpline at (800) 621-3362. Those who use a relay service should give FEMA their number when they apply. Helpline operators are available from 1 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week, and different languages are available. For an American Sign Language video on how to apply, visit youtube.com/watch?v=LU7wzRjByhI or visit a Disaster Recovery Center at UH-Maui, Lahaina Civic Center or Hannibal Tavares Community Center.
To apply for SBA assistance, visit sba.gov/hawaii-wildfires. For more information, call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. SBA applicants who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability should dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. Completed applications may be mailed to U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Rd., Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The American Red Cross is providing assistance for survivors who are not eligible for some FEMA programs. For more information, visit RedCross.org/HIhelp, speak to a representative at a Disaster Recovery Center or call (800) RED-CROSS (733-2767).
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