Deadline Approaches for Disaster Assistance but Federal Help Still Available
The federal disaster application deadline is 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, for homeowners, renters and businesses with property damage and losses from the July flooding in Central Texas. But help is still available from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
FEMA and the SBA continue to work closely with the Texas Division of Emergency Management to help survivors and communities recover from the July 2-18 storms and flooding.
After the application deadline passes, survivors can still upload information and submit documents to their FEMA account. FEMA personnel can help you navigate federal recovery programs as well as answer your questions about how to submit the information needed for case files.
At the Small Business Administration’s Business Recovery Centers, specialists can explain how to apply for SBA’s low-interest disaster loans for businesses of all sizes, private nonprofit organizations and individuals.
The fastest way to apply to FEMA is at DisasterAssistance.gov and you will need an email address to apply. You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT daily and specialists speak many languages. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service.
To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.
If you live in Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Menard, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis or Williamson County and applied for FEMA assistance, the agency encourages you to keep in touch.
By visiting the website, you can track the progress of your case, notify the agency of changes to your addresses or phone numbers, and report insurance settlements or additional damage you may have discovered since your home inspection.
Small Business Administration disaster loans are the largest source of federal recovery funds for storm survivors. To apply for an SBA loan, go to SBA.gov/disaster. You may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
Individuals and business owners can also visit SBA’s Business Recovery Centers at:
- Kerr County: First Presbyterian Church (Library) 800 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, TX 78028. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday; 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
- Tom Green County: Angelo State University, 69 N. Chadbourne Street, San Angelo, TX 76903. Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.
For the latest information about the Texas recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4879. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6.
Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency or economic status. If you or someone you know has been discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 833-285-7448. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service. Multilingual operators are available. (Press 2 for Spanish).
