New Jersey residents and businesses battered by Hurricane Irene will now have more time to seek federal aid to help cover their losses. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration announced Friday that the deadline for filing claims would be extended from Oct. 31 to Nov. 30.

More than 20,000 New Jerseyans have already sought aid from FEMA for rental assistance, appliance replacement and other matters.

Residents can also get grants to help pay for temporary housing needs, essential home repairs and other major disaster-related expenses not covered by insurance or other sources The SBA offers low-interest loans to homeowners, renters and business owners to repair or replace real or personal property.

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