Application deadline is January 19, 2024
Information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
CHICAGO, Ill. (December 4, 2023) – Cook County residents affected by the severe storms and flooding of September 17- 18, 2023, may now call or go online to register for disaster assistance from FEMA.
Online and over-the-phone FEMA registration
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).
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.
Disaster Recovery Center in Calumet City, Burnham
A FEMA Disaster Recovery Center opened in Calumet City on Friday, December 1 to help residents kickstart their recovery after the September 17 – 18 storms and flooding.
Specialists from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration are at the center to help survivors apply for federal disaster assistance, upload documents, learn about ways to make their property more disaster resistant, and get their questions answered in person.
Center will be open in the following locations:
- Calumet City Public Library, 660 Manistee Avenue, Calumet City
- Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Saturday, closed Sundays
- Burnham Community Center, 14020 S. Torrence Avenue, Burnham
- Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday, December 5 – Monday, December 11, closing permanently Monday, December 11 at 5 p.m.
Assistance in languages other than English, including American sign language, and translated materials are available at these centers. Disaster Recovery Center locations are chosen for their accessibility, with the goal of reaching as many people as possible. Accessible parking spaces are available.
Door-to-door FEMA crews
Getting help to those who need it most is our priority. Recovery teams will be out soon in the neighborhoods affected by the disaster to provide one-on-one support to individuals. These crews will be visiting homes, businesses, and nonprofit organizations in affected areas to help residents register for assistance, identify, and address immediate and emerging needs, and make referrals to other local, state, and voluntary agencies for additional support.
DSA crew members will never ask for or accept money and will always be wearing a FEMA identification badge with a photograph. A FEMA shirt, vest or jacket is not proof of identity. While helping someone register, they will ask for personal information, including social security number, annual income and bank information. Residents are encouraged to ask for identification before providing any personal information. They can also call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 to verify a FEMA visit is legitimate.
For more information about the disaster recovery operation in Illinois, visit www.fema.gov/disaster/4749.
