Governor Andrew M. CuomoALBANY, N.Y. /New York Netwire/ — New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that the deadline for residents living in one of the thirteen disaster-declared counties to register for FEMA assistance has been extended to January 28, 2013. The previous deadline was December 31, 2012.

Federal disaster assistance for individuals and families can include money for rental assistance, essential home repairs, personal property losses and other serious disaster-related needs not covered by insurance. Residents in the following counties are eligible for assistance: Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Richmond, Rockland, Westchester, Suffolk, Queens, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster.

“As we work to help communities get back on their feet, this extension will be a big help to New Yorkers who were hit hard by Hurricane Sandy,” Governor Cuomo said. “As we move into the holiday season and start the New Year, this extension will allow affected families and individuals extra time to apply for much-needed assistance to help rebuild and recover.”

Individuals can register online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone or tablet at m.fema.gov.

Applicants may also call 800-621-3362 or (TTY) 800-462-7585. Applicants who use 7-1-1 Relay or Video Relay Services (VRS) may call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone numbers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week until further notice.