The U.S. Small Business Administration is assisting renters, homeowners, nonprofits and businesses affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku as the Survivor Recovery Center in Susupe continues to serve as the main hub for federal disaster assistance.
SBA Public Affairs Specialist Raenada Mason said customer service representatives are on-site helping people start new applications, resolve issues with existing ones, and resubmit cases that were previously withdrawn or declined.
“So today, the survivor recovery center is open and is mainly made available to anyone impacted within the super typhoon,” Mason said. “Our customer service representatives are here on-site providing application assistance… for those who have not even started, for those who have run into issues, and for those whose applications were withdrawn or declined.”
Mason said many applicants are returning because of missing documents, misspelled names, or outdated information. SBA staff are guiding them through the reconsideration process to correct errors and restore eligibility.
The center operates from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for individuals needing additional assistance, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the general public. Walk-ins are accepted, and applicants no longer need referrals from FEMA or other agencies — a major change from the Typhoon Yutu disaster declaration.
Mason also clarified updated eligibility rules. Unlike the American Red Cross, SBA assistance requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, though some noncitizens may qualify under specific circumstances.
“Yes, some instances are so,” she said. “But just to clarify, even if a Social Security number or paying taxes does not automatically qualify for the assistance with SBA. What we encourage is for anyone who’s unsure to come in, because we have to look at your circumstances and see where you fit in that category to assist further.”
SBA officials say they will remain on-site as long as needed to support survivors navigating the federal loan process.
