Deadlines approaching for applying for aid
Published 7:58 am Saturday, September 30, 2017
- Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers have been set up in Orange and Vidor while a more suitable location can be found.
By Dawn Burleigh
The Orange Leader
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers are in Orange County.
To file for assistance, one must be registered by October 24, 2017. Businesses suffering economic injury due to Hurricane Harvey have until May 25, 2018 to apply.
While a denial from FEMA may feel devastating, it is not the final word for available assistance.
“Think of it as three pots,” U.S. Small Business representative Susheel Kumar said. “The first pot is immediate assistance from FEMA, then the SBA loan. If you are denied a loan, then you are referred to the third one – a different program within FEMA.”
Kumar also said, if denied a loan one should appeal.
“If ones credit score is low due to past medical bills, appeal,” Kumar said. “It is in the details and each case can be looked at individually.”
Loans with the Small Business Administration (SBA) is the largest source of funds for renters, homeowners, most private non-profits, and business of all sizes.
“All businesses from size C or 1120 are able to apply,” Kumar said.
The types of loans available are Business Physical Damage, Economic Injury Disaster and Home Disaster Loans.
Business Physical Damage loans are for repair or replace disaster damaged property. Private, non- profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc. are eligible.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans are working capital loans to help businesses and non profits meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster.
Home Disaster Loans are for homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles.
Credit requirements are a credit history acceptable to SBA, the ability to repay all loans, and collateral for physical loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans over $25,000. The SBA will not decline a loan for lack of collateral.
The rates for the loans are a fixed rate and for a maximum of 30 years.
Home loans 1.75%
Business Loans 3.305%
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Business and Small Agricultural Cooperatives 3.305%
Non-Profit Organizations 2.5%
Businesses of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace property damaged by Hurricane Harvey.
FEMA may refer homeowners and renters to SBA. The SBA loans are the primary source of money to pay for the repairs or replacement costs not fully covered by insurance or other compensation.
To start the process, one must register with FEMA at www.disaterassistance.gov
To apply to SBA, visit https://diasterloan.sba.ela or apply in person at a Disaster Recovery Center. See below for the two mobile locations have been established in Orange County.
Mobile Disaster Recovery Centers in Orange County
Orange County Tax Office
Hours: Monday- Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Services available: Registration, status update, SBA and others.
Thursday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Services available: Registration assistance.
Closed Sundays
Administration Building
123 South 6th Street
Orange TX 77630
Hours: Thursday- Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Services Available: Registration, status update, SBA and others.
Monday-Wednesday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Services Available: Registration assistance.
Closed Sundays
