The Federal Emergency Management Agency has extended the deadline for those affected by the April tornadoes and storms to apply for assistance until July 18.

Out of more than 43,000 disaster loan applications sent by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to those affected by the storms, FEMA reports that less than 4,000 have been returned.

Along with registering for disaster aid with them, FEMA encourages the return of the SBA loan applications, as they symbolize the majority of federal funding for home repair and reconstruction. The return of an SBA application can lead to other opportunities for financial assistance.

“No one is obligated to accept a loan,” said Jeff Byard, state coordinating officer of the Alabama FEMA. “But the SBA application may be the basis of referrals to other grant programs. If you received an SBA loan application, it’s important to fill it out and return it promptly.”

The SBA loan application doesn’t take long to complete but can offer up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace their primary residence if damaged or destroyed. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property, including automobiles.

Of the more than 84,580 applications turned in to FEMA statewide, 101 of those have been from Chilton County.

For more information on how to register with FEMA, call 800-621-3362. For those looking for more information about SBA loans, call 800-659-2955.