The information and FAQs below provide a brief outline of the eligibility guidelines for the Cook County Disaster Grant. Individual applications will be reviewed based on their own merit and levels of assistance will be offered utilizing the guidelines established by the Federal Government, the State of Illinois, and Cook County. Some applicants will not be eligible for the Cook County Disaster Grant.

What is the Purpose of the Program?

Services will be provided to help businesses, families and individuals with unresolved health and social welfare issues resulting from the storms and flooding that occurred between September 13^th, 2008 and October 5^th, 2008.

Those services may include mold remediation, home repair and other related services to meet the health and social welfare needs of Cook County residents.

Am I Eligible?

Funds are available to support Cook County residents who  were affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred between September 13^th, 2008 and October 5^th, 2008. Prior FEMA assistance will neither guarantee nor disqualify you from receiving support from the Cook County Disaster Grant. However, providing your FEMA ID Number will help us process your application.

Additional eligibility guidelines are outlined in the Frequently Asked Questions below.

How Do I Apply?

Read the following ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ (FAQ’s) which will help you establish whether or not you are eligible for support and then complete the Application Form below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can benefit from this program?  

Homeowners, families and individuals, non-profits, faith-based agencies, emergency responders, community health centers, hospitals and clinics, community mental health centers, and other service providers who assisted Cook County flood victims.    

How do I qualify for assistance? 

The need must be related to the severe storms and flooding that occurred between September 13^th, 2008 and October 5^th, 2008.

The need must be deemed necessary to meet the health care or social service needs of people affected by the disaster. 

Do I need to be a U.S. Citizen to apply?  

You must be a U.S. Citizen or a qualified immigrant. Qualified immigrants are defined by the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) proposed rule issued on August 5, 1998 (63 FR 41662), in conjunction with the Interim Guidance on Verification of Citizenship, Qualified Alien Status and Eligibility under Title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 published on November 17, 1997 (62 FR 61344) by DOJ  .  

Are funds available to reimburse previous expenses such as repairs, replacement of equipment or any other expenses?  

We cannot reimburse individuals for fixing their homes or for any expenses they incurred and paid for themselves, even if they have receipts. 

Will I be reimbursed for flood insurance?  

No.  

Who is going to repair my property?  

Contractors approved by Cook County’s Department of Planning have been selected to provide services, as well as other approved providers based on the needs of the individuals.

I have mold behind the walls that was caused by my flooded basement. Will this be repaired?  

Mold remediation is a key objective of the funding. An inspector will visit your home to assess the damage.  

If I have medical issues resulting from the floods, will I be compensated?  

Funding may be used to cover some health related expenses. We cannot reimburse individuals for previously incurred expenses. 

How do I apply for the Cook County Disaster Grant?  

Applicants can download the Application Form below and fax it to us at 312-603-9883 or call our Hotline Number between 10am and 4pm, Monday through Friday.

Can I print an application form and mail it?  

Although you can keep a copy of your application form for your own records, we will only accept applications by fax and telephone. We cannot accept any applications through the mail.

If I register more than once, will it delay my application?  

Yes. Duplicate applications will delay the process. If you have a problem applying, call the Cook County Disaster Grant hotline number below. We will only accept one application per property address. 

What information will I need to provide when I apply?  

Along with your name and contact details, your Social Security Number will be required. If you have previously applied through FEMA, your FEMA ID Number will be required as well. Before you call, please have all the information requested on the application form available to you and ready to provide to the Cook County Disaster Grant representative. 

What if FEMA already helped me or was unable to?  

This is not an application for FEMA assistance. Prior FEMA assistance will neither guarantee nor disqualify you from receiving support from the Cook County Disaster Grant. However, providing your FEMA ID Number will help us process your application.

My phone number has changed. What do I do?  

If any of your contact information changes, please contact us using the Hotline Number. 

What assistance can you provide for senior citizens and people with disabilities in processing their applications?  

We want to ensure that as many Cook County residents as possible are able to apply for this grant. If you have any difficulties in applying for assistance, please call us at the Hotline Number or use TTY/TDD at 711 or 1-800-526-0844.

Click here to download the application form*.