The FEMA Disaster Recovery Center located on the second floor of the Livingston Municipal Library located at 707 N. Tyler Ave. in Livingston continues to remain open to assist local residents in their recovery from the recent flooding and heavy rains that impacted Polk County. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays.
How to Apply for SBA Disaster Loan
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to Texans. SBA disaster loans are the largest source of federal disaster recovery funds for homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofit organizations. These loans cover losses not fully compensated by insurance or other resources.
Homeowners may be eligible for a disaster loan up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. SBA may also be able to help homeowners and renters with up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including personal vehicles.
Businesses of all sizes and private nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize disaster damage from occurring in the future.
For small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private nonprofit organizations, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. Economic injury assistance is available to businesses regardless of any property damage.
Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 3.25% for private nonprofit organizations and 2.688% for homeowners and renters with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition. If approved, you’re not obligated to take a loan.
Interest does not begin to accrue until 12 months from the date of the first disaster loan disbursement. SBA disaster loan repayment begins 12 months from the date of the first disbursement.
The deadline to apply for physical damage is Aug. 15, 2024. The deadline to apply for economic injury is Feb. 18, 2025.
Applicants may apply online and receive additional disaster assistance information at SBA. gov/disaster or by calling 800-659-2955. SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at Disaster Recovery Centers in Texas. You can apply for an SBA disaster loan at the same time you apply to FEMA for assistance.
Replacing Lost Documents
When you apply for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Beryl, you will need to provide proof of identity, residence and other documentation. Here are ways to replace important documents lost or damaged in the storm.
Insurance policy information: Call your insurance company or agent and ask for a copy of your policy, including the Declaration Page.
Birth and death certificates, marriage and divorce documents: Order online at https://www. dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics, by mail or in person at a local Vital Statistics office.
Driver Licenses: If your driver license has been lost or damaged, you may apply for a replacement at any driver license office. Standard licenses may also be replaced online at https://www.dmv. org/tx-texas/replace-license.php. If you need to change your address on your driver’s license or ID card within 30 days after moving to your new residence you can do this online, by mail or in person.
Social Security Cards: You may be able to do this online at https://www.ssa.gov/number-card/ replace-card, or you can fill out an application for a Social Security card and bring it to your local office along with unexpired identification. Documents must be original or have a signature, stamp, or raised seal from the issuing agency, no photocopies.
Medicare Cards: To replace your card, call Medicare at 800-633-4227(TTY 877-486-2048), visit your local Social Security office, request a new card through your online account with Social Security or visit MyMedicare.gov.
SNAP (EBT) Cards: The Governor announced that eligible Texans in designated counties will have their SNAP benefits automatically replaced for food lost or damaged during Hurricane Beryl.
Green Card: Go to uscis.gov and complete the Form I-90 application to replace a permanent resident card, and file it online or by mail.
Passports: How to Report a Passport Lost or Stolen (state.gov).
Federal Tax Returns: About Form 4506, Request for Copy of Tax Return
Military Records: https://www.archives.gov/ veterans/military-service-records
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