More than $34 million in disaster assistance has been approved for Washington state residents, families and businesses who suffered damage from the severe storms and their aftermath in early December, officials said.

More than 9,800 people have registered so far with Federal Emergency Management Agency for assistance, but Washington state's Disaster Outreach Services says many victims who are eligible for aid have not yet applied. Only one week is left until the Feb. 7 deadline to apply for financial aid.

In the meantime, state workers have been combing the flood-ravaged areas, trying to track down victims who need help but haven't been able to ask.

"Some people are falling through the cracks because they're not applying, or they're waiting on insurance papers. That's what I'm finding," said Monica Olivas, an outreach worker.

Here is a county-by-county breakdown of assistance OK'd as of Tuesday from FEMA and the Washington Emergency Management Division:
           
Clallam County - $195,920

Grays Harbor County - $1,501,742

King County - $1,269,374

Kitsap County - $1,239,827

Lewis County - $10,900,894

Mason County - $1,128,094

Pacific County - $449,602

Snohomish County - $439,338

Thurston County - $611,074

Wahkiakum County - $128,947

In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration has approved $12,492,200 for individual loans and $3,813,500 for loans to businesses, for a total of $16,305,700 of approved loans.

FEMA is urging urges state residents and small business owners in the 10 designated counties who suffered damage to apply for assistance by calling FEMA’s toll-free number: 1-800-621-FEMA (3362), from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday (TTY 1-800-462-7585).

To be eligible for consideration for federal or state assistance, applicants must call FEMA or go online and register by Feb. 7. All SBA loan applications also must be completed and returned or postmarked by Feb. 7.

Additionally, those affected by the disaster may apply for assistance by going online to www.fema.gov, which is available around the clock. Persons already registered can call the FEMA Helpline at this number and get updates on their cases.

Unemployment benefits

People who live or work in 10 counties that were affected by the December storm disaster also have until Feb. 11 to apply for disaster unemployment benefits.

The application period had expired for nine of the counties last week, but the federal Department of Labor has agreed to extend the application deadline to give people more opportunity to apply for benefits.

Qualified applicants will be eligible to receive $165 to $515 per week in benefits.

Disaster unemployment benefits are only for people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits. These include people who were injured in the storm, who are self-employed, who were prevented from beginning new work or who became head of their household due to a death caused by the disaster.

Applications are available online at www.dua.go2ui.com, by phone at 877-416-7274, by e-mail at dua@esd.wa.gov or in person at local WorkSource centers.

Beware of Fraud

Disaster officials recommend residents affected by the disaster continue to be alert to potential fraud by dishonest individuals taking advantage of the disaster situation.

"FEMA officials will not ask for bank information unless an individual is signing up for direct deposit," said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Willie Nunn. "People sometimes try to take advantage of residents affected by a disaster, so caution is advised."

All FEMA inspectors and SBA personnel are required to carry photo identification, and there is no such thing as a FEMA-approved private contractor. State and federal officials have already cautioned victims to check credentials and to be wary of sharing financial or personal information.

"The state and FEMA have made it clear that fraud and other attempts to take advantage of disaster victims will not be tolerated," said State Coordinating Officer Kurt Hardin. "Just as in a non-disaster situation, residents who suspect fraud should contact local authorities."

FEMA encourages anyone who believes they may have witnessed fraudulent activity to report it immediately to local authorities or call the Washington Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline, 1-800-551-4636 or the FEMA Fraud Line, 1-800-323-8603.

Those beginning the rebuilding process can get tips on hiring contractors and how to avoid contractor fraud by clicking here.

FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

SBA is the federal government’s primary source of money for the long-term rebuilding of disaster-damaged private property. SBA helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes, and private non-profit organizations fund repairs or rebuilding efforts, and cover the cost of replacing lost or disaster-damaged personal property. These disaster loans cover uninsured and uncompensated losses and do not duplicate benefits of other agencies or organizations.