Time is running out for Hurricane Ian survivors to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA. If your primary residence incurred storm-related loss or damage caused by Hurricane Ian you have until Jan. 12, 2023 to fill out an application.
FEMA says survivors who have insurance should file a claim for disaster-caused damage before they apply for FEMA assistance. You do not need to wait for your insurance settlement to submit a disaster assistance application. FEMA may provide financial assistance to eligible survivors who have uninsured or underinsured disaster-caused damage or loss.
Apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 800-621-3362. FEMA says calls are answered every day from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Survivors can also register at any Disaster Recovery Center operating throughout Florida’s disaster-damaged counties. To find one, go to: DRC Locator. On Fort Myers Beach the center is at Beach Baptist on Estero Boulevard. There is also one at Lakes Regional Library.
The Jan. 12 deadline also applies to applications for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property.
The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center’s number is 800-659-2955. Help is also available by sending mail to: disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov. Survivors may apply online at SBA’s secure website.
Businesses that have not yet submitted an SBA disaster business loan application, may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application via SBA’s secure website under SBA declaration #17644.
Disaster loan information and application forms can be obtained from the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is Jan. 12, 2023. The deadline to return economic injury applications is June 29, 2023.