Cook County residents affected by the severe storms and flooding between September 17-18, 2023, may now call or go online for disaster assistance from FEMA.
The application for FEMA assistance is CLOSED.
How to Apply
Online/Phone Assistance
If you have insurance coverage, first file a claim. If you have uninsured or underinsured losses, contact FEMA 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).
In-Person Assistance - Disaster Recovery Centers
Burnham Community Center
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
14020 S Torrence Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60633
Phoenix Village Hall Multi-Purpose Service Center
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
650 E 151st St
Phoenix, Illinois 60426
Former Melanie Fitness Center
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
14900 Greenwood Rd
Dolton, Illinois 60419
Calumet City Public Library
Hours: Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
660 S. Manistee Avenue
Calumet City, IL 60409
In-Person Assistance - Business Recovery Centers
City of Oak Forest
Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.
15440 S. Central Avenue
Oak Forest, IL 60452
Application Materials
Federal assistance may include temporary lodging, basic home repairs and other disaster-related expenses.
Have the following information ready when you register 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
- If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
When registering, 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.
What to Expect After You Apply
A FEMA inspector may call you to set up a time and date to perform the inspection at the damaged address. If you have filed for assistance and receive a call from an out of state number, pick it up. Be sure to have your application number available.
During the inspection inspectors will:
- Observe social distancing guidelines
- Show their credentials
- Ask to see a photo ID
- Ask to see documents to verify the home ownership or occupancy if FEMA has been unable to verify
- Walk around the interior and exterior of your home if feasible
- Document damage
Inspectors WON'T decide if you will receive assistance, ask for money, bank account information or credit card information. Residents can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.
Within 10 days after the inspectors visit, you will:
- Receive a letter of electronic correspondence explaining FEMA's decision
- If you are determined eligible for assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit