Less than three weeks to register with FEMA for assistance

Jan. 9 also last day to apply for disaster unemployment assistance and SB loans

Pasadena, CA January 9, 2008 is the final day to register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for help with recovery from property damages caused by recent wildfires in Southern California.

The same day will be the final day that U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) customer service representatives will be available to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, and help each individual complete their application.

January 9 is also the final day for persons out of work due to wildfire to register for disaster-related unemployment assistance. Former employees, self-employed individuals or agricultural employees who do not qualify for regular unemployment insurance and who lost their income due to the wildfires may apply for benefits through the California Employment Development Department (www.edd.ca.gov/fleclaim.htm).

To register with FEMA for help with property losses, apply online at http://www.fema.gov anytime or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 1-800-462-7585 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Registering with FEMA starts the application process for federal and state assistance related to property losses directly caused by wildfires in Southern California. People who have registered with the American Red Cross or other helping agencies must also register with FEMA if they want access to federal and state aid.

More than 18,000 homeowners, renters and business owners have registered with FEMA for help with wildfire recovery since October 24. Disaster assistance can include money for short-term rental needs and home repairs, or low-interest disaster loans to repair or replace damaged personal or business property not covered by insurance or other programs.

Registrants will be asked to provide:

• Social Security number

• Address of the damaged home or apartment

• Description of the damage

• Information about insurance coverage

• Contact telephone number

• Address for mail and

• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any financial assistance.

For more information about SBA programs, call the SBA Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955, or visit SBA’s Web site at http://www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance.