Apply Now: FEMA Assistance Available for Damage after July Storms and Flooding

CHICAGO - Illinois homeowners and renters in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago counties affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on July 13 - 16, 2024, may now call or go online to apply for disaster assistance from FEMA.

If you have insurance coverage for the damage to your property, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, apply for FEMA assistance by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, downloading the FEMA app or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. When calling the FEMA Helpline, multilingual operators are available (press 2 for Spanish and 3 for other languages).

FEMA can provide money to eligible applicants for help with serious needs, paying for a temporary place to live, home repairs and other needs not covered by insurance.

Have the following information ready when you apply with FEMA:

• A current phone number where you can be contacted,
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying,
• Your social security number (or the social security number of a minor child in your household, if you're applying on their behalf),
• A general list of damage and losses,
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit, and
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

When applying, one member of a household needs to comply with citizenship criteria. That means a minor child who is a citizen, non-citizen national or qualified non-citizen can have a parent or guardian who is not eligible apply for assistance on the child's behalf. Learn more about citizenship and immigration status requirements to qualify for disaster assistance by visiting www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/program/citizenship-immigration-status.

Getting help to those who need it most is FEMA's priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. Recovery centers will also be opening for individuals to get additional in-person help.

For even more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4819.