What Illinois Storm Victims Need to Know About FEMA Assistance and the Application Status Letter

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Illinois residents affected by the severe storms from July 13 to 16, 2024, will receive a FEMA letter explaining their application status for disaster assistance. The letter outlines steps for approved grants and instructions for those not approved, including how to appeal FEMA’s decision. Residents are advised to read the letter carefully and respond adequately to secure necessary assistance.

In the wake of the July storms in Illinois, residents are being warned to stay alert for disaster fraud. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency urges everyone impacted to safeguard their personal information and refrain from making any payments. Reports of suspicious activities should be directed to local law enforcement or the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Authorities emphasize the importance of verifying the credentials of any individuals offering disaster recovery services to prevent exploitation during this vulnerable time.  Find more information here.

Status: Approved

  • If you are approved for a FEMA grant, the letter will tell you the type of assistance you are approved for, the dollar amount of your grant, what the funds are for, and other helpful information.
  • These grants are typically for repairs, temporary housing and other approved essential disaster-related costs.

Status: Not Approved

  • If the letter says you are not approved, it will tell you the reason why or what information FEMA still needs from you. It also tells you how to appeal the decision if you disagree. 
  • Some common reasons you may not be approved:
    • Insufficient Damage – FEMA assistance is meant to return your home to a safe, sanitary and functional residence and cannot pay for all disaster losses. However, if you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you can appeal. To appeal, please send FEMA copies of documents that show how the disaster damage made your home unsafe to live in.
    • No Contact Inspection – If FEMA is unable to contact you to verify your damage, your application cannot be processed further. To proceed, you must call FEMA’s Helpline (800-621-3362) to confirm your contact information and verify your need for assistance.
    • Missing Documentation – FEMA may need more information from you to determine your eligibility. This could include:

How to Appeal

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision, you have the option to appeal. It must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the decision letter.

Your FEMA letter will provide additional information on the types of documents or information to include if you choose to appeal FEMA’s initial decision.

With your decision letter, FEMA will also provide an Appeal Request Form that may be used to help provide additional information, if you choose to do so.

Your appeal may be submitted to FEMA by fax or mail, in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center or by uploading the document to your FEMA online account. To set up a FEMA online account, visit DisasterAssistance.gov, click on “Apply Online” and follow the directions.

  • By mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville, MD 20782-7055
  • By fax: 800-827-8112, Attention: FEMA
  • In-person: Visit any Disaster Recovery Center to submit your appeal, submit copies of supporting documents, receive updates about your FEMA application, or get answers to your questions. Find a center here: fema.gov/DRC

If you have questions about how to appeal, refer to the FEMA decision letter or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service, or others, give FEMA the number for that service.

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

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