By Jayvee Vallejera
Guam homeowners and renters whose homes were damaged during Typhoon Bavi have until Dec. 7 to apply for federal assistance, while businesses have until July 7, 2027 to submit their applications for the U.S. Small Business Administration's economic injury disaster loans.
Federal relief has been made available in response to President Trump's major disaster declaration on Oct. 7, which unlocks individual assistance for eligible households and public assistance for repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.
The disaster declaration also authorizes the Internal Revenue Service to provide tax relief by postponing the tax-filing dates for individuals and businesses affected by Bavi. These taxpayers now have until Feb. 4, 2027, to file various federal individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.
The deadline extension applies to individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2025 individual income tax return. Because tax payments related to these 2025 returns were due on April 15, 2026, those payments are not eligible for this relief.
Penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due on or after July 4, 2026, and before July 20, 2026, will be abated, provided the tax deposits are made by July 20, 2026.
The Feb. 4, 2027 deadline also applies to affected quarterly payroll and certain excise tax returns normally due on July 31, and Nov. 2, 2026, and Feb. 1, 2027.
Bavi pummeled the Marianas region on July 6, its eye passing over Rota, packing destructive winds that peaked at 180 mph and causing an islandwide power outage throughout southern Guam.
The government of Guam has not released a finalized total damage cost for Bavi, but surveys and federal aid programs indicate significant economic and infrastructure impacts across the territory.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency's Individual Assistance program offers financial aid to cover temporary housing, home repairs, and disaster-related medical or dental expenses.
Eligible residents may contact FEMA to schedule interviews to avail of assistance under the program.
“We don’t need a center for disaster survivors impacted by Bavi to begin the process of seeking assistance,” Victor Inge, FEMA’s external affairs officer, said.
Guam residents may either apply:
· online at disasterassistance.gov
· by calling the FEMA helpline at (671) 735-1050, which is available 24/7
or· through the FEMA appADVERTISEMENT
FEMA grants may help with essential repairs to damaged homes, including structural parts and interior areas; to replace personal properties such as tools, household items, appliances, disability equipment and vehicles; and other disaster-related needs not covered by insurance, such as medical, dental, moving costs, childcare, funeral and transportation expenses.
Inge said Guam is now working to identify locations for survivor recovery centers, where FEMA can provide in-person services.
Those who have either reported damage to the Guam Recovery Office or received a damage-assessment site visit in July will still need to apply for FEMA disaster assistance, FEMA said.
Those with home insurance are also encouraged to apply for federal disaster assistance.
According to the Guam Homeland Security-Civil Defense Office, FEMA cannot duplicate insurance payments, but underinsured applicants may receive help after their insurance claims have been settled.
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FEMA may also refer applicants to the U.S. Small Business Administration if their income qualifies them for a low-interest, long-term disaster loan.
According to SBA's Oct. 14 press release, businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for physical damage loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory and other business assets.
Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
The SBA said applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20 percent of their verified physical damage, for mitigation purposes.
The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.
Interest rates are as low as 4 percent for businesses, 3.625 percent for nonprofits and 2.875 percent for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years.
Interest does not begin accruing and payments are not due until 12 months after the first loan disbursement.
A FEMA referral, however, does not automatically guarantee loan approval. SBA will still review credit history and repayment ability, said Corey Williams, public affairs specialist at SBA.
An applicant approved for an SBA loan is not obligated to take out a loan, he added.
Homeowners referred to the SBA should still submit loan applications as soon as possible.
“We want applicants to receive grants, and if the grants make them whole, there is no need to apply for SBA. However, it is strongly recommended to still apply for SBA just in case the FEMA grant is not sufficient to make the homeowner or renter whole,” Williams said.
He clarified that FEMA and SBA cannot duplicate benefits. If an applicant receives home repair funds from FEMA, SBA must reduce the loan amount it offers.
For Guam businesses hit hard by Bavi, the SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans to help keep them afloat until normal operations resume, Williams said.
The funds can cover accounts payable, mortgage or lease expenses, and employees' salaries, he said.
“We encourage all Guam businesses and nonprofits to apply because there is most likely economic injury at least from the power shutdown,” he added.
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“A presidential disaster declaration opens the door to SBA assistance at a time when families and businesses are facing difficult decisions,” Chris Stallings, associate administrator of SBA's Office of Disaster Recovery, said in a press release.
“These loans can help eligible homeowners and renters repair or replace what was damaged while giving businesses and private nonprofits the resources to continue operating as their communities recover.”
In 2023, the SBA approved more than $250 million in federal disaster loans for Guam businesses and residents impacted by Typhoon Mawar, which made landfall on May 24. The total amount approved was broken down as follows: $40 million for businesses and $209 million for residents.
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