Flood victims face deadline to apply for federal assistance

Flood victims in the 24 counties covered by October’s emergency declaration have until today to apply for federal aid.

Since the deadline officially fell on Sunday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is accepting applications through the next business day. Today is also the deadline for returning disaster loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration.

As of Thursday, FEMA had approved $78.7 million in grants to more than 30,000 applicants. About 97,000 people had applied for the limited financial assistance.

Homeowners may be eligible for low-interest loans of up to $200,000 to repair their primary homes. Homeowners and renters may also borrow up to $40,000 to repair or replace personal items such as furniture and vehicles. Businesses may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace flood-damaged property.

This story was originally published January 3, 2016 at 8:52 PM with the headline "Flood victims face deadline to apply for federal assistance."