Washington - U.S.Senator Robert Menendez today reminded families, individuals and businesses in New Jersey that suffered damage from Hurricane Irene they have until October 31 -- about three weeks -- to register for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance.

"If any of our New Jersey families or businesses that suffered damage from Irene haven't asked for federal help, the time to do so is now," said Menendez. "Please, if you need assistance, don't' delay -- register today."

The deadline to submit loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is also Oct. 31. SBA loan applications are a key part of the FEMA registration process. If you are a homeowner or renter and SBA determines you cannot afford a loan, you may be referred for other possible assistance.Additional information is available at www.sba.gov or 800-659-2955.

The standard flood insurance policies from the National Flood Insurance Program have a 60-day period to file proof of loss. That deadline is Oct. 31.

To date, FEMA has approved more than $123 million in assistance to disaster survivors, while the SBA has approved nearly $29 million in disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses of all sizes, and nonprofit organizations.

There are three ways to register - go to www.disasterassistance.gov, m.fema.gov or call FEMA toll-free, 800-621-3362 (FEMA). Those with access or functional needs and who use a TTY may call 800-462-7585 or use 711 or Video Relay Service to call 800-621-3362. Telephone lines are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET; multilingual operators are available.

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