The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced on May 1 that residents and businesses in six northeastern Illinois counties impacted by severe storms and flooding from July 25–28, 2025, are now eligible to apply for low-interest disaster loans. The declaration covers Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.
This announcement is important because it provides financial assistance to those who suffered damages not covered by insurance after the storms. Both homeowners and renters can apply for up to $500,000 in loans to repair or replace real estate and up to $100,000 for personal property such as appliances or furniture. Businesses and certain non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.
Disaster Loan Outreach Centers will be set up across the affected areas so survivors can get help with applications. SBA staff will be available at these centers to answer questions about loan programs including Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs), which are also available in all six counties. The SBA said its EIDL program supports small businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and private nonprofit organizations that have suffered financial losses directly caused by the disaster; however, agricultural producers except those running small aquaculture enterprises are not eligible.
The City of Chicago Emergency Management and Communications enhances community resilience through public education efforts as well as volunteer training programs focused on severe weather preparedness initiatives according to the official website. It also protects life and property through incident management activities such as event coordination and technological support designed to strengthen city services according to the official website. The agency maintains an all-hazard alert warning system with a single audible tone used during emergencies according to the official website.
Operations extend across Chicago for managing emergencies or major events according to the official website, while collaboration with federal partners like the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and state agencies such as the Illinois Emergency Management Agency helps coordinate emergency responses according to the official website. Services offered include 9-1-1 emergency response, non-emergency support via 3-1-1 lines, traffic management systems, and community preparedness programs as outlined on the official website.
Applications must be submitted by June 22 for physical damage claims or Jan. 25, 2027 for economic injury claims. Residents can visit any Disaster Loan Outreach Center listed in Chicago ward offices or suburban Cook County locations regardless of their address; Spanish translators will be present at each site.
