We are learning that not everyone is getting the uber-low interest rate from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to repair their Sandy damaged homes.

FEMA mobile unit (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
FEMA mobile unit (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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While many homeowners are being offered the 1.688 percent loan, others are being offered a 3.375 percent loan, which is causing some folks to cry discrimination.

SBA Spokesman Mark Jamison says, Congress by law, provided that the SBA offer the two interest rates "and so we use things like income, your debt, the amount of damages and your net worth in determining who qualifies for that unsubsidized interest rate."

However, Jamison says it's important for people to keep in mind some things.

"First of all the 3.375 percent is still pretty low. It is a fix interest rate and you know that interest rate, it can be up to thirty years. There are no cost associated with the application."

Jamison also says loan applicants can always appeal the interest rate determination.

For more information about SBA's disaster assistance programs, visit their website, call our disaster assistance center at 1-800-659-2955, or email. You can also get information online.

Survivors of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey now have until March 1, 2013, to register for disaster assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

According to FEMA's website, people with storm losses in all counties in New Jersey can register online at  or via smartphone or tablet. Registration is also available by calling 800-621-3362, TTY 800-462-7585 or 711/VRS. The toll-free telephone numbers operate from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week.

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