The deadline to apply for disaster-related assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency was once again extended and is now set for Jan. 23.

The assistance applies to homeowners, renters and businesses seeking low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. It is the second time the deadline has been extended — first because more counties were added for eligibility weeks after the storm and now following a dip in registrations around the holiday season and winter weather conditions.

Forty-five counties in North Carolina, including Beaufort, are eligible for residents to apply for assistance.

This deadline extension is important because it gives residents even more time to register for the help they need. All across eastern North Carolina, there are families and businesses still recovering from the hurricane.

Residents now have a third chance to apply for assistance, and they should take advantage of the opportunity. Even if an individual or business is not eligible to receive assistance, this won’t be known until calls are made. It never hurts to try.

With yet another extension, the government is extending a helping hand, which is often hard to come by in a system with so much red tape.

Here are the options to register:

• Online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
• FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for voice, 711 and Video Relay Service. Those who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a TTY can call 1-800-462-7585. Helplines are in operation from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week.
• Download FEMA’s mobile app to apply.

Don’t pass up this opportunity. Take the time to call or go online to see if there is assistance available. It could make all the difference.