FEMA extends deadline for New Jersey, NY, CT residents to file for Sandy aid

By Pete Kasperowicz - 01/24/13 06:10 PM ET

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Thursday announced that it would give residents of New Jersey, New York and Connecticut more time to file for disaster assistance due to Hurricane Sandy.

People in New Jersey seeking compensation for damages originally had until Jan. 30 to file with FEMA. But the agency said it has extended that deadline until March 1.

"The deadline was extended one month at the request of the state of New Jersey," FEMA said. "Through Wednesday, Jan. 23, more than 57,500 storm survivors have been approved for help through FEMA's Individual Assistance program in New Jersey."

Among other things, individuals and families can request money to pay rent, make home repairs and make up for other losses that are not covered by insurance.

Thursday evening, New York Governor Mario Cuomo announced that FEMA has also given New York a 30-day extension for applying for individual assistance.

In addition, FEMA has extended access to its Transitional Sheltering Assistance program, by 14 days. That will allow New Yorkers to stay in hotels through February 9 if their homes were damaged by the storm.

Cuomo said these changes will help affected residents facing the prospect of losing their shelter during the current cold snap.

"We remain committed to assisting all victims of Hurricane Sandy, ensuring that they have the shelter they need, especially in this cold weather," Cuomo said. "The Transitional Sheltering Assistance program will continue to provide shelter to those New Yorkers who do not have homes to return and help others with critically needed funding to rebuild."

On Friday, FEMA confirmed that the deadline for Connecticut to apply for Sandy relief would be extended from January 28 to February 12.

The extensions for the three states come as Congress is considering a $50.7 billion Sandy relief bill for New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The House has already approved that bill, and is waiting for the Senate to take it up, which could happen next week.

President Obama has already signed into law a bill that allows the National Flood Insurance Program to go $9.7 billion deeper into debt in order to deal with Sandy-related claims.

— This story was updated at 7:25 p.m. Thursday and again at 1:48 p.m. Friday.