Jan. 20 Is Final Day to Seek Disaster Aid

The last day for earthquake victims to apply for disaster assistance is Jan. 20, federal officials said Tuesday.

Up until then, residents of Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties may register for aid under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Housing Assistance Program, the state Individual and Family Grant Program, and the Small Business Administration’s disaster loan programs for homeowners, renters and business owners.

Although nearly a year has passed since the Jan. 17 temblor, many people have yet to apply for financial help that may be due them, FEMA spokesman Russ Edmonston said. For example, on Thursday alone, nearly 260 people filed aid applications, he said.

“A lot of people thought they just had cracks in their walls, but after they pulled out their wallboards, they found they had much more substantial damage,” Edmonston said. “They are coming to see if they can get assistance.”

People may apply for aid at any earthquake service center or call tele-registration at (800) 462-9029; hearing- and speech-impaired people may call the TDD number, (800) 462-7585. Those who have questions about disaster assistance may call the Disaster Helpline at (800) 525-0321.

As of Thursday, more than 670,400 people had applied for disaster aid. FEMA has given out $1.1 billion in grants for emergency home repairs, and to help cover mortgage and rent payments. The Individual and Family Grant Program has distributed $182.7 million in grants for serious needs not met by insurance or other assistance programs.

The SBA has approved more than $3.7 billion in low-interest disaster loans, representing more than 115,000 loans to homeowners, renters and business owners, FEMA officials said Tuesday.

There are four service centers, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, in the San Fernando Valley: 20525 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth; 14144 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 13750 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar, and 6939 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys.