Harrisburg, PA – Governor Josh Shapiro is reminding survivors of the devastating flooding on September 9, 2023, that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) application period for financial aid for physical damages closes on Monday, March 25, 2024. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) has requested to extend this deadline but has not yet received a response from the SBA.
“The flooding in Northeastern PA was devastating – that's why I directed PEMA to use every available resource to help Pennsylvania residents and businesses impacted by this disaster," said Governor Shapiro. “I stand committed to helping Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild stronger than before, and access to low interest loans from the federal government is one way homeowners and business owners can get the support they need to recoup unforeseen losses."
The SBA's Disaster Loan program provides low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, private non-profits, and businesses located in disaster declared counties who sustained damages from flooding. The SBA can provide up to $500,000 for homeowners to replace or repair their primary residences and up to $100,000 for homeowners and renters to replace or repair personal property. Businesses and most private non-profits may apply for up to $2 million to cover disaster losses not fully covered by insurance.
Additionally, small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private nonprofit organizations located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).
The SBA offers long-term repayment options to keep payments affordable, with terms up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower's ability to repay. View details about the SBA's disaster declaration for the September 9, 2023, flooding here.
Applicants may immediately obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov and referencing Disaster Declaration #20166 and #20167.
Alternatively, loan applications can be downloaded at sba.gov/disaster and completed applications should be mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
The deadline to return disaster loan applications is Monday, March 25, 2024. The deadline to return economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) applications is Friday, October 25, 2024.
Affected homeowners and renters are strongly encouraged to complete the SBA disaster loan application, as those who do not qualify for an SBA loan may later be eligible for other assistance.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jeff Jumper – jejumper@pa.gov