DISASTER Storm victims in 3 counties can get state and SBA help

The president declared the area a disaster Friday.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Victims of recent storm damage will have additional financial assistance coming from the state and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Gov. Bob Taft announced that disaster assistance is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for those affected by the storms in Mahoning, Hocking and Portage counties.
The additional assistance follows President Bush's designation of the three counties as disaster areas. The president made the designation Friday based on storm damage in the area last month.
Bush's announcement means owners of damaged homes can call the Federal Emergency Management Agency at (800) 621-3362. The agency will send an inspector to damaged homes within 10 days of a call.
What's offered
According to a prepared statement from the governor's office Monday, families in the three counties may qualify for up to $1,500 in disaster assistance. To be eligible for the assistance, families must include a minor child or pregnant woman and demonstrate economic need.
The statement said certain elderly and disabled individuals may qualify for up to $750 in disaster assistance. The individuals must be at least 55 years old, childless or receiving certain disability benefits, affected by the storms and show economic need.
The assistance is provided through the job and family services Temporary Assistance for Needy Families fund.
Those affected by storms in Athens, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Lorain, Medina, Noble, Perry and Summit counties were previously declared eligible for assistance.
Unemployment benefits
The governor's office has also expanded unemployment benefits under the Disaster Unemployment Assistance program for people in Mahoning, Hocking and Portage counties.
The expansion includes people who, as a result of the storms, no longer have jobs or are unable to reach their places of employment, became head of the household because the head of the household died in the disaster, or cannot work because of injury. Self-employed individuals, farmers and those who have exhausted unemployment eligibility may also be eligible for benefits.
Applications for the benefits may be filed by calling the ODJFS between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at (877) OHIO-JOB. Individuals must apply by July 19.
Homeowners, renters and business owners in Mahoning, Hocking and Portage counties are eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA offers loans of up to $200,000 to repair disaster-damaged homes. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to replace personal property.
Loans of up to $1.5 million to businesses and nonprofit organizations are also available. Dial (800) 621-3362 to get more information on the SBA assistance.