FEMA & SBA Extend Deadlines to Apply for Wildfire Disaster Assistance

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has extended the deadline for Los Angeles wildfire victims to apply for federal aid to March 31, 2015. The Small Business Administration (SBA) has also extended their deadlines for most disaster programs to March 31, 2025.

FEMA assistance for individuals affected by the wildfire can cover rental assistance, temporary housing, home repairs, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid. FEMA assistance is nontaxable and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.

Survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage to their homes, personal property and vehicles before they apply for FEMA assistance. FEMA Individual Assistance cannot duplicate insurance benefits or other sources of assistance.

The SBA makes loans not only to businesses, but homeowners and renters too. You should apply for an SBA loan before the March 31 deadline even if you aren’t sure you want a loan. If you are offered a loan, you can decline it – and then up to six months later you can request that the loan be reinstated once you receive your insurance settlement and you know how much your uninsured losses are.

For more information, see FEMA's release here.

For FEMA Assistance: DisasterAssistance.gov

For SBA Assistance: SBA.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance/california-wildfires