Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Tuesday that the deadline for registering for individual FEMA aid in 13 Sandy-affected counties will be extended, from March 29 to April 13, 2013.
Among the 13 counties eligible for individual FEMA aid for Sandy storm losses are two in the Catskills region: Sullivan and Ulster County.
Not included on the list: Greene County, which was added to a list of counties receiving public aid from FEMA in December 2012, but was denied eligibility for individual aid.
Sandy-related tidal flooding took a heavy toll on Greene County's Hudson River waterfront, but apparently not heavy enough to ensure FEMA aid for residents. In January, FEMA officials told Greene County officials that the damage to homes in the county was not severe enough to qualify the county for individual aid.
In a prepared statement announcing the FEMA deadline extension, Cuomo said that many New Yorkers are still in need of disaster aid in the wake of Sandy's devastation:
“As the six-month anniversary of Superstorm Sandy approaches, many New Yorkers impacted by Hurricane Sandy are still in need and must have access to disaster assistance and resources to help them get back on their feet,” Governor Cuomo said. “This extension from FEMA will provide impacted residents with more time to get help so they can rebuild as soon as possible.”
The Rockland County Times reports that this is the fourth consecutive month that the FEMA registration deadline has been extended for New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy.
New York State is also seeking a 14-day extension for Sandy-affected individuals and businesses to apply to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for low-interest loans.
Individuals can register for FEMA aid online at www.disasterassistance.gov, or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.
Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers are currently open 7am to 1am, seven days a week.
The SBA Disaster Customer Service Center toll-free number is: 800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339). Assistance is also available by sending an email to DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov or by visiting www.sba.gov.
Online applications for SBA loans can be completed at DisasterLoan.SBA.gov/ELA.
