Filing Deadline for Quake Aid Is Extended

With thousands of victims of the Northridge earthquake continuing to register for disaster assistance, the deadline for filing applications has been extended for 60 days.

People seeking financial aid have until May 17 to register at one of nine earthquake service centers or three remaining disaster application centers, or by calling (800) 462-9029.

“We want to be sure that everyone affected by the disaster has ample time to apply,” said Frank Kishton, coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The deadline for the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan program to individuals and businesses has also been extended to May 17. The deadline to apply for SBA’s economic injury loans--which provide working capital for firms hurt financially by the quake--remains Oct. 17.

As of March 15, 454,650 individuals have applied for assistance. FEMA has disbursed nearly $473 million for disaster housing assistance, SBA has approved more than $456 million in individual and business loans, and the state’s Individual and Family Grant Program has approved nearly $6.4 million in aid.

In Simi Valley on Wednesday, state and federal disaster officials briefed officials from quake-damaged school districts, municipalities and nonprofit organizations on how to obtain government aid.

Tina Curry, spokeswoman for the governor’s Office of Emergency Services, told the group that to qualify for FEMA aid to repair damaged buildings, applicants must buy earthquake insurance or send quotes from at least three insurers showing that the policy was too expensive or difficult to obtain.

And OES spokesman Chris Adams said federal and state aid will pay for most of the cost of earthquake-preparedness plans, including work to make buildings safer for occupants during any subsequent disaster.