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FEMA assistance, SBA disaster loan deadlines for Florida hurricane survivors end today

Steinhatchee, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2024) - Survivors register for disaster relief with FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance team following Hurricane Helene. (Patrick Moore, Public Domain)

Floridians impacted by Hurricanes Milton and Helene are urged to apply for FEMA assistance before the deadline at 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 7.

How To Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance:

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  • Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to register for assistance. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 32344”).
  • Call FEMA at 800-621-3362. Lines are open every day and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
  • Download and use the FEMA app.

For an accessible video on how to apply for assistance, go to FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance - YouTube.

Resources for applying or appealing

To learn how to apply for individual assistance, watch FEMA’s accessible video guide on YouTube, titled FEMA Accessible: Applying for Individual Assistance.

If you’ve already applied for assistance but disagree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal within 60 days of the date on your decision letter.

Sometimes, FEMA requires additional information to process applications. To find out more about the appeals process, visit How to Appeal FEMA’s Decision at fema.gov.

SBA disaster loan applications

Today is also the final opportunity for homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations to apply for long-term, low-interest disaster loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

These loans help cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other sources. Applications can be completed online via the SBA’s secure website at sba.gov/disaster.

Stay updated on hurricane recovery efforts

For detailed recovery information, visit:

Stay connected with FEMA updates on X at x.com/femaregion4 or Facebook at facebook.com/fema.