Many individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Irene in New Jersey, New York or Connecticut may be eligible for Federal disaster relief programs including grants and loans. The federal government has set up the following website to apply for relief online that consolidates the application process at:

http://www.disasterassistance.gov.

Alternatively, applications can be made by phone by calling 

800-621-3362.

New Jersey has established a Business Action Center as a one-stop resource center to get impacted businesses back up and running for businesses and workers temporarily unable to perform their jobs during the storm.  Examples of relief include access to lines of credit up to $500,000 to improve damaged property while awaiting insurance proceeds as well as grant awards to assist with on-the-job training costs for new workers hired specifically to assist in disaster-related activities.  More information is available at the website  www.nj.gov/njbusiness

For Connecticut information go to: http://www.governor.ct.gov/malloy/cwp/view.asp?a=11&q=485102

Additional hurricane relief information related to New York is available at: http://www.dhses.ny.gov/oem/event/hurricane.cfm

A separate email will address relief with respect to extensions of time for filing tax returns.

If you wish to discuss this matter further, please contact Peggy Tilles at ptilles@smf-cpa.com or 973-472-6250.