At the last minute yesterday, FEMA extended the deadline for victims of Tropical Storms Irene and Lee to register for disaster benefits. The deadline was yesterday at 10pm, but now you have until December 15 to register -- see the press release below:
FEMA Extends New York Deadlines to Register for Disaster Assistance
ALBANY, N.Y. - At the request of New York state, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the registration deadline for anyone who suffered damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee this summer.
Those affected by either storm now have until Dec. 15 to register for federal disaster assistance.
"We've extended the registration deadline for people who - for whatever reason - have not had the opportunity to register for assistance," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Philip E. Parr. "The goal is to ensure all eligible Irene and Lee survivors have the chance to seek assistance."
To register, call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Phone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET, seven days a week until further notice. People with hearing disabilities can use the TTY number, 800-462-7585. Applicants can also register online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or with any web-enabled mobile device or smartphone at m.fema.gov. Follow the link to "apply online for federal assistance."
Disaster assistance to individuals could include grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other serious disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources. Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) are also available for homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.
FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.
