KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County residents and business owners who suffered damage during April’s severe storms and flooding may now apply for federal disaster assistance after Kenosha County was included in a Presidential Disaster Declaration.
Kenosha County Executive Samantha Kerkman announced Wednesday that residents affected by the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Wisconsin from April 13 through April 23 are now eligible to seek help through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Kenosha County was one of 19 Wisconsin counties included in the declaration.
Homeowners and renters who sustained uninsured damage to their primary residence, lost personal property, or have other storm-related needs may apply for FEMA assistance.
Low-interest disaster loans are also available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for impacted residents, businesses, and private nonprofit organizations.
“I encourage residents and business owners whose insurance does not cover their losses from the April storms and flooding to look into these options from the federal government, to see if they qualify for assistance,” Kerkman said. “Kenosha County Emergency Management was proactive in working with our state and federal partners as the situation was unfolding in the spring, and I’m grateful for this recent Presidential declaration.”
FEMA officials recommend that residents who have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance first file a claim with their insurance company. If insurance does not cover all disaster-related expenses, federal assistance may be available.
FEMA assistance may include grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related costs, including replacement of appliances and furniture, vehicle repairs, childcare expenses, moving costs, and storage costs.
Applications are available online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Applicants should be prepared to provide contact information, a Social Security number, a general list of damages and losses, annual household income, banking information for direct deposit, and insurance information if applicable.
Residents who need help applying can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Assistance is available in multiple languages.
According to Kenosha County officials, the State of Wisconsin and FEMA are expected to provide in-person assistance through local office hours in the coming days, with details about the Kenosha County location to be announced.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is August 31.
Businesses and nonprofits may also qualify for SBA physical disaster loans of up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged real estate, machinery, equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
Homeowners may apply for loans of up to $500,000 to repair or replace their primary residence, while homeowners and renters may seek up to $100,000 for personal property losses, including furniture, vehicles, clothing, and appliances.
The SBA may also provide additional loan funding for mitigation improvements, including upgrades designed to protect against future storm damage, such as stronger structures, wind-rated garage doors, safe rooms, or storm shelters.
SBA applications are available at SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also contact the SBA Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email [email protected].
The deadline for SBA physical property damage applications is August 31. Economic injury applications are due by March 30, 2027.
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