For emergency response and recovery information, visit SoCoEmergency.org

FAQ Topic: Loans

How do I apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance?

Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), go online at www.DisasterAssistance.gov as soon as possible. Disaster assistance applicants, who have a speech disability or hearing loss and use TTY, should call 1-800-462-7585 directly; for those who use 711 or Video Relay Service (VRS), call 1-800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time … Continued

How can I prepare for the FEMA process?

Have available information ready: Social Security number(s) Address of the damaged home or apartment Description of the damage Information about insurance coverage Telephone number Mailing address Bank account & routing numbers for direct deposits of funds

Where do I get specific information about the SBA process?

For questions about SBA or the process, or for help completing the SBA application, contact SBA’s Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center by email or by phone at 800-659-2955, or visiting sba.gov/disaster. Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals may call (800) 877-8339. Survivors also may visit with an SBA representative at any Disaster Recovery Center. No appointment is … Continued

How do I apply for an SBA Disaster Loan?

Disaster survivors should first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362). TTY users call 800-462-7585, with Video Relay Service survivors calling 800-621-3362. Or you can register online. To apply for an SBA disaster loan survivors can applydirectly online.

Is there help available for refinancing?

SBA can refinance all or part of prior mortgages that are evidenced by a recorded lien, when the applicant: Does not have credit available elsewhere, Has suffered substantial uncompensated disaster damage (40 percent or more of the value of the property) Intends to repair the damage. Homes: Homeowners may be eligible for the refinancing of … Continued

What’s the most common misunderstanding about SBA disaster loans?

The most common misunderstanding about an SBA disaster loan is the assumption that they are only for businesses. While SBA offers loans to businesses of all sizes, low-interest disaster loans are available to individual homeowners, renters and to private nonprofit organizations alike.

What is an SBA Disaster Loan?

SBA disaster loans are the primary source of federal long-term disaster recovery funds for disaster damage not fully covered by insurance or other compensation. SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance is working in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help business owners and residents recover … Continued

What does the Small Business Association (SBA) do?

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to businesses, private nonprofits, homeowners and renters. Survivors of the California wildfires may have questions about the SBA

What if I decide to relocate?

You may use your SBA disaster loan to relocate. The amount of the relocation loan depends on whether you relocate voluntarily or involuntarily. If you are approved for an SBA disaster loan you should discuss relocation with your case manager for details on your specific situation.

Who is eligible for Disaster Loans?

When a federal disaster is declared, the SBA is authorized to offer low-interest disaster loans to businesses of all sizes (including landlords), private nonprofit organizations, and to individual homeowners and renters who have sustained damage in Sonoma County. 

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