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Disaster aid totals $96.5 million at close of registration

Madison, Wis. — At the close of the registration period for disaster assistance on Sept. 15, $96.5 million in state and federal disaster assistance has been approved, emergency managers announced today.

Although the registration deadline has passed, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will continue to process applications, award grants, and approve low-interest loans. However, applications received after the Sept. 15 deadline will be required to submit a letter explaining why they were unable to apply before the deadline. Late applications may be considered if the deadline was missed due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control.

“Grants and loans will continue to be made available until all qualifying needs are met,” said Dolph Diemont, federal coordinating officer for Wisconsin disaster. “Also, the FEMA Helpline will continue to be available to answer applicants’ questions and allow them to update their application information.”

Applicants can call the toll-free Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 or (TTY) 1-800-462-7585 for those with speech or hearing impairments from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. CDT. Residents also can obtain information online 24 hours a day at www.fema.gov.

“Rental assistance will continue to be available to those who need it on a monthly basis,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Johnnie Smith. “To qualify for an extension of their rental assistance, applicants need only fill out and return their declaration form.

Declaration of Continuing Need for Rental Assistance forms are mailed to all applicants who receive rental assistance about two weeks after rental assistance begins. For more information about the FEMA rental assistance program, call the FEMA Helpline.