JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippians affected by Hurricane Isaac have less than a month to apply for federal assistance or loans.

Both the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the U.S. Small Business Administration will take applications for FEMA assistance and SBA grants or low-interest loans until Oct. 31.

Applicants can register online at DisasterAssistance.gov or through the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

The Clarion-Ledger reports (http://on.thec-l.com/PccylA ) homeowners and renters can apply for help through FEMA for temporary housing, home repairs and other expenses not covered by insurance.

The SBA low-interest disaster loans cover residential and business losses not compensated by insurance.

Mississippi Emergency Management Director Robert Latham said residents should apply for the SBA loans, especially because if they are turned down they can referred back to be FEMA for a possible grant

Information from: The Clarion-Ledger, http://www.clarionledger.com

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