Jeanne Victims Told to Apply for Loan to Get More Money

Roanoke Times & World News

Southwest Virginians affected by Tropical Depression Jeanne who apply for disaster assistance with federal and state agencies and still need more long-term financial help should submit a U.S. Small Business Administration loan application, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced Monday.

The SBA application will determine whether a homeowner or renter is eligible for a low-interest loan or a grant, which may cover temporary housing expenses, repairs or other unmet disaster-related needs, according to a press release.

"You must complete and return the SBA loan application to be eligible for additional disaster aid," federal coordinating officer Marianne Jackson said in the release.

SBA disaster assistance loans, the government's primary form of long-term recovery assistance for repair or replacement of losses, are available at interest rates as low as 2.9 percent for businesses and 3.19 percent for homeowners and renters, with a term as long as 30 years.

Farmers who also suffered damage to or have limited access to their primary residence because of damage should register with FEMA. For other agriculture damage, farmers should contact their Farm Service Agency office.

For more information on SBA loans and the application process, call the SBA helpline at (800) 659-2955 or visit www.SAB.gov / disaster.

For more information about FEMA, call (800) 621-FEMA (3362) or TTY (800) 462-7585 or visit www.fema.gov.

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