People affected by severe weather across the state in April have just one week left to apply for federal disaster relief.
Severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding struck parts of the state from April 13–23. The following week, a major disaster declaration made individual assistance available to homeowners and renters in 19 counties—Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago—plus the Oneida Nation.
The application deadline is August 31. Waukesha County Emergency Management and state officials are urging eligible residents to apply now for FEMA Individual Assistance or a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) physical disaster loan. Applications submitted by the deadline will continue to be processed afterward, but those who miss it generally cannot be considered.
FEMA assistance can help cover uninsured or underinsured losses, including damage to a primary home, personal property, temporary housing, and certain other disaster-related needs. Officials specifically encourage checking furnaces and water heaters for flood damage before colder weather arrives, as grants may help repair or replace them.
Applications can be made online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by phone at 1-800-621-3362.
If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, file a claim with your insurer first. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits already covered by insurance. You will need basic information such as contact details, Social Security number, a description of damages, household income, and insurance details if applicable.
Thousands of Wisconsin households have already received aid. With only days remaining, people in the designated areas( especially those still dealing with unrepaired damage) should apply as soon as possible to access available help.
