Rep. Gonzalez Announces FEMA and SBA Winter Storm Disaster Assistance Programs to Close on May 20, 2021

MCALLEN, Texas, May 8 -- Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, issued the following news release on May 7, 2021:

Congressman Gonzalez announced that the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) will stop accepting registrations and applications for the February 2021 Texas Winter Storm Disaster Assistance Programs in two weeks. The deadline to register with FEMA and apply with the Small Business Administration (SBA) is Thursday, May 20, 2021.

Texas residents and businesses recovering from uninsured or underinsured losses and damage caused by February's severe winter storms have two weeks left to register for disaster assistance with FEMA and apply for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan.

Eligible applicants may quickly register with FEMA by visiting www.DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) to register.

The toll-free phone lines operate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, daily. Those who use a relay service such as a videophone, Innocaption or CapTel should provide FEMA with their specific number assigned to that service.

It is also recommended to have the following information readily available when registering:

* A current phone number where you can be contacted.

* Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are currently staying.

* Your Social Security number, if available.

* A general list of damage and losses.

* If insured, the insurance policy number, or the agent and company name.

FEMA staff may call to ask follow-up questions. It is important to answer these phone calls to make sure the application process continues.

If in any doubt when receiving a call from someone stating they work for FEMA, please do not give out any information, but call 800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585) between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. CT to verify the call is legitimate.

SBA may be the best option for disaster damage to private property that is not fully covered by insurance. Non-farm businesses, including rental properties, as well as homeowners, and renters, whose property was damaged because of a declared disaster, are recommended to apply for a low-interest SBA disaster loan.

Homeowners may apply for up to $200,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. Renters and homeowners may borrow up to $40,000 to replace or repair personal property -- such as clothing, furniture, cars and appliances -- damaged or destroyed in a disaster.

SBA disaster loans may be used for the repair or replacement of the following:

* Real property

* Machinery

* Equipment

* Fixtures

* Inventory

* Leasehold improvements

To apply for a low-interest, long-term SBA disaster loan, call 800-659-2955 (TTY: 800-877-8339) or complete an online application at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/

For more information on the severe winter storms in Texas, visit fema.gov/disaster/4586. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6.

Several Texas counties are designated for federal assistance as a result of the winter storm. Residents in the following counties in the 15th Congressional District of Texas may qualify to register and apply for this program: Brooks, Duval, Guadalupe, Hidalgo, Jim Hogg, Karnes, and Wilson.

A full list of designated counties can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/4586/designated-areas