(Washington, D.C.) – A number of options for locals to seek disaster relief are now available.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved $2.1 million in aid for Hoosiers impacted by the bad storm a few weeks ago. The deadline to apply for individual aid from FEMA is October 25.
Officials from FEMA and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security were in La Porte the past two days helping residents affected by the recent storm apply for assistance. If you missed the help sessions, you can still apply online at disasterassistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, officials say file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
State officials say the U.S. Small Business Administration has made low interest disaster loans available for Indiana businesses.
And even the Internal Revenue Service is now in a giving mood when it comes to storm damage relief. The IRS has announced a tax extension for residents and business owners in 21 Hoosier counties. One of those is La Porte County. Taxes due between August 11 and the end of January will be extended until the 1st of February. Payroll and excise taxes for businesses will also be extended.
The IRS also says disaster-related losses in federally declared disaster areas—again, La Porte County—can be claimed on federal tax returns. For more details, you can check out IRS.gov, or click HERE.
