WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER APPLYING WITH FEMA
[https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/what-expect-after-applying-fema] 

Release Date: 
Dec 5, 2023 

• DON’T WAIT TO START CLEANUP. Take photos of any damage, make a
list of your losses and keep all receipts to verify expenses caused by
the disaster.

• FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM. Applicants who are insured for the
disaster damage to their home must provide an insurance settlement or
benefit documents to FEMA before being considered for federal
assistance.

• APPLY WITH FEMA. Homeowners and renters in Cook County with
uninsured or underinsured damage caused by the September 17-18, 2023,
disaster are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance. Go
online to DisasterAssistance.gov [http://www.disasterassistance.gov/],
use the FEMA mobile
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages]
app
[https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-app-text-messages]
or call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service such as video relay
service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number
for that service. NOTE: If you applied for FEMA assistance after the
summer disaster and your home was affected by the September storms and
flooding, you need to apply again with FEMA to be considered for
additional assistance.

• SCHEDULE YOUR HOME INSPECTION. Typically, after you apply, you
will be contacted by a FEMA inspector to schedule an appointment. Be
sure to answer the phone. The inspector’s phone number may be from
out of state or show up on caller ID as “unavailable.”

• GATHER INFORMATION FOR THE INSPECTION. Be prepared to show the
inspector your photo identification; proof of ownership or occupancy
[https://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/verifying-home-ownership-occupancy];
a list of household occupants living in the home at the time of the
disaster; all disaster-caused damage to the property; and your
insurance policy. If you have photos of disaster damage or repair
receipts, have those available too.

• MEET WITH THE INSPECTOR. The inspection includes looking at
disaster-damaged areas of your home and reviewing your records. FEMA
inspectors will carry an official photo ID and will never ask for bank
information. They will also never ask for money and never require
payment in any form.

After arriving, the inspector will ask to verify the applicant’s
name, address, contact information, occupancy, ownership status and
insurance coverage. Reasonable accommodations, including translation
and ASL interpreters, are available to ensure effective communication
with survivors.

• FILL OUT AND SUBMIT YOUR U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)
LOAN APPLICATION. After registering for disaster assistance,
applicants may be referred to the SBA. There’s no obligation to
accept a loan, but you may miss out on the largest source of federal
disaster recovery funds if you don’t apply. If you don’t qualify
for an SBA disaster loan, you may be referred back to FEMA for other
types of grant assistance.

• POST-INSPECTION. You will receive a letter explaining FEMA's
eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspector's visit. Be
sure to read it closely; it may explain additional steps needed to
continue with the process. If you are determined eligible for
assistance, you may receive a U.S. Treasury check or direct deposit
based on what you selected during your application.

To learn more about the inspection process, visit our website at
www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/home-inspections
[http://www.fema.gov/assistance/individual/after-applying/home-inspections].
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is January 19, 2024. For
even more information about the disaster recovery operation in
Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749
[http://www.fema.gov/disaster/4749].

                                             
                               ###

_Disaster recovery assistance is available without regard to race,
color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English
proficiency, or economic status. Reasonable accommodations, including
translation and American Sign Language interpreters via Video Relay
Service will be available to ensure effective communication with
applicants with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and access
and functional needs. If you or someone you know has been
discriminated against, call FEMA toll-free at 800-621-3362. If you use
video relay service, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA
your number for that service._

 

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