ILLINOIS, USA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) just extended the deadline to apply via phone or online for federal assistance from Nov. 19 to Dec. 13.
Affected residents will have until this Friday, Nov. 22 to apply for aid in person at a FEMA Disaster Recovery Center, including the ones in Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis.
St. Clair County was one of seven Illinois counties affected by the July 13-16 flooding and that's getting extra time to get help. Other counties hit include Cook, Fulton, Henry, Washington, Will and Winnebago.
According to FEMA, nearly $103.7 million in federal assistance has been distributed to over 28, 800 households across the seven Illinois counties after the flooding happened this summer. The money will help with things like temporary housing, home repairs and replacing essentials.
In September, a major disaster declaration was signed by President Joe Biden. St. Clair County saw water rescues, flooded homes and businesses back in mid-July. Several residents, including Frances Dunigan, had damage to their basement with mold and mildew.
"We never got it (flooding) as bad as this year," Dunigan said.
In October, federal officials from FEMA knocked on her door, the damage and offering help.
"If you feel that you've suffered any damage, make sure you take pictures of it because that's going to help quicken the process," FEMA spokesperson Leyla Gulen said.
St. Clair County Emergency Management officials told 5 On Your Side that over 9,000 people have applied, nearly $24 million was awarded and another nearly $12 million was awarded for housing assistance.
In Washington County, dam failures caused flash flooding to homes and businesses. Washington County Emergency Manager Matt Bierman urged people in his county to get the much-needed help.
"If you need the help reach out for it. It seems like in Washington County a lot of people are older, they're proud and they don't want to ask for help. It's there. Take it," Bierman said.
Months later, Washington County officials said for the first time in their history, they received significant federal support of over $215,000, with over 88 people submitting applications.
How to apply
If you still haven't applied and have damage, FEMA says this is what you need to do to apply:
- Current phone number
- Address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are currently staying
- Social Security number
- A general list of damage and losses
- banking information if you choose direct deposit
- If insured, your policy number or agent along with the company
FEMA State Disaster Recovery Centers
You have until this evening to apply for FEMA aid in person at the Cahokia Heights Fitness and Community Center on Camp Jackson Road or the Clyde C. Jordan Center on State Street in East St. Louis. Both open at 8 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
FEMA said it may take a couple of weeks or less for an applicant to receive a FEMA decision letter about eligibility and the amount of federal assistance approved, according to Kimberly Keblish, spokesperson for FEMA. Officials also said they consider each application on an individual basis, including the application that's submitted, the home inspection and requested documents. It is encouraged to apply in a timely fashion.