By 5 Towns Central Staff

OAKLAND GARDENS, N.Y. (July 6, 2026) — Homeowners, renters, and business owners across the region who sustained property damage during the severe storms on May 20, 2026, can now apply for low-interest federal disaster loans. The financial relief program is designed to help local communities recover from the unexpected severe weather and cover structural and personal property losses that insurance may not fully address.

Under the newly active program, qualified homeowners are eligible to request financial aid up to $500,000 to cover structural repairs on their primary residences. Additionally, both homeowners and tenants can apply for up to $100,000 to replace or repair damaged personal belongings, electronics, or furniture. For the business community, including local entrepreneurs and corporations, loans up to $2,000,000 are available to address physical property destruction, inventory losses, and essential equipment replacement. Private non-profit organizations and small businesses facing ongoing financial challenges can also access working capital loans up to $2,000,000 to sustain normal operations during the recovery period.

To streamline the application process, a temporary in-person customer support center will open on Bell Boulevard starting July 7, 2026, and will remain operational until July 21, 2026. Representatives will be available on-site during designated daytime and evening hours throughout the week to guide applicants through the necessary paperwork, help upload relevant documentation, and answer specific eligibility questions. Residents can also file applications online or seek assistance through dedicated telephone helplines and specialized communication services for individuals with hearing or speech disabilities. The final window to submit applications for physical property damage will close on August 31, 2026, while the filing period for economic injury relief will extend until March 30, 2027.

For more information, please visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance