Washington Co., WI – Homeowners and renters across Washington, Waukesha, and Milwaukee Counties are encouraged to apply for FEMA disaster assistance.
Kimberly Keblish is a public affairs specialist with FEMA. She offered clarification on some bullet points below. One key point on the FEMA assistance, money received will not have to be paid back and it will not be taxed by the government.
Key points from FEMA:
-
Who qualifies: Homeowners and renters impacted by early August flooding. Assistance is intended for the uninsured or underinsured.
-
Insurance first: Residents should file claims with their insurance. FEMA can provide help where insurance does not cover losses. Denial or partial coverage letters will be needed later in the process.
-
-
How to apply:
-
Online at disasterassistance.gov
-
FEMA helpline: 800-621-3362
-
-
Application process: Initial applications don’t require insurance paperwork. FEMA may request documentation later (proof of ownership, rental, or insurance decisions).
-
Types of assistance:
-
Temporary housing or rental assistance
-
Basic home repairs and replacement
-
Essential utilities (HVAC, furnace, water heater)
-
Disaster-related costs: moving/storage, vehicle repair or replacement, childcare, medical/dental expenses, essential furniture/appliances
-
-
Direct payments: Assistance is paid directly to residents via check or direct deposit.
-
Follow-up: Applicants may receive a call within 7–10 days about inspections or documentation needs. Calls may come from out-of-state numbers.
-
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by November 12, 2025.
-
Loans vs. grants: FEMA provides financial aid that does not have to be repaid. The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest loans for larger or unmet needs.
-
One application per household: Submitting more than once may delay or flag the process.
-
Tax status: FEMA assistance is not taxable.
FEMA may be able to help if you are displaced, have serious needs, need temporary lodging, require basic home repair costs, lost personal property or have other uninsured disaster-caused needs. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language DisasterAssistance.gov/es.
You will need to provide the following information:
• Your contact information.
• Your email address.
• Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
• Your Social Security number.
• A general list of damage and losses.
• Annual household income.
• Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
• If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.
If you need more information or additional help:
▪ Download the FEMA App to complete your application and find other resources.
▪ Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.
▪ In the coming days, the state of Wisconsin and FEMA will be offering one-on-one support to residents in community spaces and recovery centers around the Milwaukee metro area.
If you use a relay service, captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.
