Storm Aid Application Deadline for Queens and Brooklyn Homeowners Extended

NEW YORK, NY – The deadline for Queens and Brooklyn homeowners, renters and business owners to register for federal-state disaster assistance has been extended to November 16, state and federal recovery officials said today.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO) extended the deadline because of concern for people who suffered damages from the August 8 storm, but who still have not applied for assistance.  

“If you know a neighbor, family member, or friend who suffered losses from the August 8 storm, tell them that the deadline has been extended and urge them to apply,” said Federal Coordinating Officer Marianne C. Jackson of FEMA.

Disaster assistance can include home repair grants; disaster rental assistance; U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans for individuals and business owners; and grants for serious disaster-related needs and expenses. 

“Take advantage of the extra time,” said State Coordinating Officer John R. Gibb, Director of the New York State Emergency Management. “If you have suffered losses from the storm, register, get into the FEMA system and see what kind of assistance is available to you.”

New York State and FEMA are working closely with New York City to get assistance to people. To date, more than 3,000 people have registered and $5.6 million in disaster grants and low-interest loans for homeowners, renters and business owners have been approved.”

There are two easy ways to begin the application process.  You may call toll-free, 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), TTY 1-800-462-7585.  Both numbers are available from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and multilingual operators are available to answer your call. Residents with Internet access now have the option to register on the agency’s website at www.fema.gov, where valuable recovery information is also available

On August 31, President Bush signed a major disaster declaration for New York State.  Renters, homeowners and business owners in Queens and Brooklyn can apply for state/federal assistance.

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FEMA-1724-DR-NY (PR032)
FEMA–Rebecca Morales – 703-399-0584            
SEMO – Don Maurer – 518-292-2312
SBA – Michael Lampton – 404-347-3771

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror. 

Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, economic status or retaliation. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, you should call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-FEMA (3362) or contact your State Office of Equal Rights. If suspicious of any abuse of FEMA programs, please contact the fraud hotline at 1-800-323-8603.