But around here, the impact of Irma has mostly been a big nuisance – until you start adding up the cost. Needless to say, these problems would be significantly less serious if repairs were a lot less expensive or even free.
According Chakevia Jones, a Public Affairs Specialist assigned to do outreach in the South Florida region, “We are here to help Floridians alleviate the cost and hasten their recovery.”
Through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Assistance, Jones says the SBA is offering “affordable disaster loans to homeowners and renters for their uninsured or underinsured disaster losses.”
Among the many obstacles that Floridians overcame within the last month, home damage is still not fully remedied. Through SBA, homeowners can borrow up to $200,000 to repair or replace their damaged primary residence. For damaged personal property, which includes vehicles, homeowners and renters can borrow up to $40,000.
“The interest rates on the loans are minimal, and less financially demanding than any bank loan. It is not necessary to accept the loan if it the application is completed – and it is not an obligation to accept the entire sum that is offered,” Jones added.
The application can be found online, but before applying the following documents are necessary:
- Updated contact information,
- Social Security number,
- FEMA registration number,
- Insurance information, and
- Financial information.
Applying online isn’t the only way to apply. FEMA rents locations near disaster areas to help people apply. The nearest location is in Miami Dade College’s Kendall Campus.
If the application is accepted, an inspector will assess the damage of the property. When the inspector finishes his assessment, it will take about a week to receive an estimate of the loan. For people who experienced damage to their businesses, it is possible to receive a loan that equals the cost of the damages done to the business, whether it is physical or financial.
The SBA is ready to help any homeowner, business owner, or renter that is in need of financial support after Hurricane Irma. There is no need to pull money from retirement funds or loans with high interest rates from banks.
For more information on contact Chakevia Jones directly at 404-331-0333 or 202-945-7515. You may also send an e-mail to chakevia.jones@sba.gov or disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
