Hurricane Ian survivors seeking FEMA help MUST apply for SBA assistance too, ‘Individual Assistance’ registration event Friday in Bunnell

October 12, 2022 – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may refer survivors of Hurricane Ian to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) with information about how to apply for a disaster loan – including homeowners, renters, business owners, and certain nonprofits. It’s important to submit the loan application as soon as possible. 

“Despite the agency name, those looking for FEMA assistance due to impacts from Hurricane Ian will also be directed to apply for an SBA loan – including homeowners and renters,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “You may not be able to access all available FEMA assistance if this step is skipped. They can help you sort through the process at their event on Friday.”

Those who have SBA loan applications approved are not obligated to accept the loan, according to a FEMA news release, but failure to return the application may disqualify residents and businesses from other possible financial assistance from FEMA and State of Florida.

As with insured losses, FEMA will not reimburse for needs that may be provided for through the Small Business Administration. This portion of the review process both defines unmet needs and coordinates an assistance program back through FEMA. 

Apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via the SBA’s secure website at www.disasterloanassistance.sba.gov/. Paper applications may be requested by calling the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, can dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services or send an email to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. There is no cost to apply for an SBA disaster loan.

Individuals and households in Flagler County can also apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which may include temporary housing assistance, basic home repairs and certain other uninsured disaster-related needs. Flagler County and the City of Bunnell are hosting an Individual (household) Assistance registration event from 2 to 6 p.m. Friday (October 14) at the Versie Lee Mitchell Community Center, 405 E. Drain Street, Bunnell. FEMA personnel will be on site.

Survivors can apply for disaster assistance at disasterassistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, or by using the FEMA mobile app. Those who use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, will need to provide FEMA the number for that service.

Additional information about the Individual Assistance program available to residents and businesses can be found at www.FlaglerCounty.gov/IAN.