MILWAUKEE – Homeowners, renters, business owners, and private nonprofits who experienced property damage from the August floods have one week remaining to apply for federal assistance. The deadline to apply for both FEMA Individual Assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Physical Damage Loans is next Wednesday, November 12, 2025. To date, FEMA has distributed over $143.7 million to 29,291 Milwaukee County residents and households.
“With the federal assistance deadline just days away, I urge everyone who was affected by the floods to apply as soon as possible so no one misses the chance to get help,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “These federal resources can make a real difference in helping families and businesses recover and rebuild. Don’t wait until it’s too late.”
To receive federal assistance, affected residents must complete and submit a FEMA application. Even if damage was previously reported to 211, MMSD, or a damage assessments team in late August, you must apply separately for FEMA assistance. Eligible Milwaukee County residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone at 800-621-3362, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) or Disaster Survivor Assistance (DSA) location.
In-Person Support Still Available
Residents who need additional help apply for aid can continue to access in-person support from federal representatives. In addition to the DRC at McNair Elementary School (4950 N. 24th Street), which will remain open Monday through Saturday until the application deadline, DSA locations continue to be added to the calendar. DSAs bring FEMA representatives to pop-up locations that residents already know and trust, such as libraries, places of worship, or community centers. The full DSA calendar and additional information about in-person support is available at county.milwaukee.gov/getFEMAhelp.
Appealing a FEMA Decision
Residents who have submitted their application but disagree with FEMA’s decision or the amount of money approved can submit an appeal within 60 days of the date noted on their FEMA letter. The end of the FEMA letter includes an appeal form that can be used to provide additional documentation and an explanation of needs, ensuring FEMA has all the information they need to properly assess damaged property. Appeal letters and supporting documents can be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account or submitted by mail, by fax, or in person at a DRC. For more information on the FEMA appeal process visit FEMA.gov/appeal.
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loans
On Monday, the SBA announced that the deadline to apply for a Physical Damage Loan has been extended. The new application deadline is November 12, 2025. To date, the SBA has offered over $19.4 million in loans for Milwaukee County businesses, nonprofits, homeowners, and renters. To apply for an SBA Physical Damage Loan online, visit sba.gov/disaster.
While FEMA grants are intended to cover necessary expenses and serious needs not paid for by insurance or other sources, the SBA disaster loan program is designed for long-term recovery, providing low-interest loans to cover costs that FEMA grants do not and get homes and businesses back to pre-disaster condition.
Eligible SBA Disaster Loan applicants include:
- Businesses and nonprofits: Eligible for physical damage loans up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.
- Homeowners and renters: Eligible for home and personal property loans up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may also apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.
- Mitigation: After a disaster, you can use an SBA disaster loan to make your home or business safer and stronger for the future. These loans can be increased by up to 20% to pay for improvements that help prevent damage and protect lives. The mitigation program loan can be used for Landscape to improve water runoff and drainage. Elevate structures or convert your lowest floor into storage.
More information and resources to help residents get the financial aid they need are available at county.milwaukee.gov/2025FloodResources.
