LOWER LAKE, Calif. – Clayton fire survivors have been given an extension in order to apply for low-interest loans from the federal government to help them rebuild homes at an affordable cost.

The original deadline to apply to the Small Business Administration was Nov. 7, but that has been extended to Nov. 21.

Team Lake County Secretary Voris Brumfield and Chairman Ed Robey approached Board of Supervisors Chair Rob Brown to seek a deadline extension.

Brown then made a successful appeal to federal officials for the two-week extension.

The Small Business Administration offers loans for homeowners, business owners and nonprofits.

Businesses and nonprofit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and other assets, as well as borrow additional funds to help with the cost of improvements to protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future, the agency said.

There also are Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help small businesses and nonprofits meet working capital needs caused by the disaster.

Homeowners can qualify for disaster loans up to $200,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, and homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Interest rates can be as low as 4 percent for businesses, 2.625 percent for nonprofit organizations and 1.563 percent for homeowners. Loan amounts and terms are set by the SBA and are based on each applicant’s financial condition.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at: https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela .

Disaster loan information and application forms also are available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling 800-659-2955 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing may call 800-877-8339.

Applicants can reach TLC’s Clayton Fire Recovery Office at the Clearlake Methodist Church by calling 707-994-2134.