The deadline for Valley residents to apply for flood disaster assistance and complete home and business loan packets is fast approaching.

Residents affected by the flooding have until Tuesday, March 31, to register for assistance and to complete the loan application from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Officials stress that the SBA loan application must be completed for consideration for various other types of assistance programs.

To apply for disaster assistance, residents can call 1 (800) 621-FEMA (3362) (TTY 1-800-462-7585) from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week or by registering online at www.disasterassistance.gov.

Once homeowners and renters have registered with FEMA for disaster assistance, they may receive SBA loan applications. Those who receive a loan application should complete the application and return it to the SBA as soon as possible. While filing the loan application does not obligate people to accept the loan, applicants must still complete the SBA loan application before they can be considered for certain other grants and programs.

SBA disaster loans are not just for businesses. In fact, the majority of SBA disaster loans are made to homeowners and renters. Homeowners may qualify for low-interest loans to help rebuild or repair their homes and replace personal property. Renters may qualify for loans to repair or replace personal property.

For more information about how to complete the loan application, or for more information on SBA assistance, call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 (TTY 800-877-8339), or email SBA on disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. People may also visit the SBA Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance/.