FEMA and Small Biz Deadlines for Sandy Help on April 1

The deadline may have been extended several times, but April 1 now seems to be the final day for applying for federal aid through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) or the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for damages and losses suffered from last October's Superstorm Sandy.

The registration for possible aid, initially set at Dec. 31, 2012, was later extended to Jan. 30, and again to March 1. There have been no further extensions announced after April 1.

To register, visit www.disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-FEMA. The April 1 extension was announced by Somerset County, and other governmental agencies.

Bernardsville Borough's website has made note of the extensions and approaching deadline. The website previously advised residents affected by Sandy that, "We strongly recommend registering even if you are covered by insurance. FEMA offers disaster assistance for individuals and families, which can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster related needs not covered by insurance."

Shortly after the storm, representatives from FEMA and the Small Business Administration, along with state and federal officials and insurance representatives, as well as some potential pitfalls in dealing with agencies and insurance companies.

As of March 19, the SBA had approved 9,562 disaster loans for $631 million to Hurricane Sandy survivors. Of that total, 8,754 loans for $548 million went to homeowners and renters, while business owners have received 808 loans for $83 million.

The SBA provides disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.   Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses and non-profit organizations of any size may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

The SBA may increase a loan up to 20 percent of the total amount of disaster damage to real estate and/or leasehold improvements, as verified by SBA, to make improvements that lessen the risk of property damage by future disasters of the same kind.