You Can Apply for FEMA Assistance and SBA Disaster Loan at the Same Time

Release Number:
015
Release Date:
September 24, 2025

In addition to applying for FEMA assistance, New Mexico homeowners and renters in Lincoln and Doña Ana counties who sustained damage or losses from the June 23 – Aug. 5 severe storms, flooding and landslides may apply for a disaster loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). 

Here’s How the SBA Can Help You Recover

Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate and damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for loans to cover physical damage. Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are also available to qualified businesses and nonprofits to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

To learn more, SBA invites you to attend a workshop in Lincoln County on Thursday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Eastern New Mexico University, Ruidoso Annex, Room 201. Speakers will discuss available resources that may help you with your recovery. No reservation needed.

You do not need to attend the workshop to apply for a disaster loan from the SBA. You can apply online at SBA.gov/disaster by Wednesday, Oct. 15. If you have questions, please call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.

You can get in-person help if you have questions for FEMA and SBA

You can get in-person support from both FEMA and SBA by visiting a disaster assistance center. No appointment is needed, and assistance is available in both English and Spanish. You can visit either location below. 

Doña Ana County Location

Disaster Recovery Center

Vado/Del Cerro Community Resource Center

180 La Fe Ave., Del Cerro, NM 88048

Mon. – Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (closed Sunday)

Lincoln County Location:

Disaster Resource Center

Eastern New Mexico University-Ruidoso Annex 

709 Mechem Dr., Ruidoso, NM 88345

Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (closed Sunday)

Here’s How You Can Apply for FEMA Assistance

The fastest way to apply for FEMA assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language site DisasterAssistance.gov/es. You may also use the FEMA mobile app or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. MT daily. If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, you can give FEMA your number for that service. Helpline specialists speak many languages; press 2 for Spanish.

You have until Wednesday, Oct. 15 to apply for federal disaster assistance. You will need your email address to apply.

For the latest information about New Mexico’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4886. Follow FEMA Region 6 on Facebook at facebook.com/femaregion6 and on X at x.com/FEMARegion6.

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