Two Weeks Remain to Apply for FEMA Assistance for August floods

MADISON, Wis. – Homeowners and renters living in Milwaukee, Washington or Waukesha counties have two weeks remaining to apply for FEMA assistance after August floods.

The deadline to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance program is Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025.

[inarticleaad]It is important to note the recent FEMA decision to deny Wisconsin’s request for the Public Assistance program does not affect homeowners or renters who have applied or are eligible to apply for Individual Assistance. These are two separate programs that serve different purposes.

To be considered for FEMA funds, you’ll need to complete an application, even if a FEMA assessment team visited your home in late August or if you called 211 to report damage to your home after the floods. Start the application process by going online to DisasterAssistance.gov or calling the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. You can also apply in person at a disaster recovery center. Find a center by visiting fema.gov/drc.

Dealing with Mold Issues

If your home had flood damage, mold could continue growing until steps are taken to eliminate the moisture source. While FEMA may not cover the total cost of mold remediation, they may provide money to assist. Homeowners who received FEMA funds, but have an ongoing mold problem, may appeal for additional damages. The appeal will initiate a second inspection, which will be performed at the damaged home.

The state has resources to understand the impact mold exposure can have on health, how to prevent mold growth, and how to fix indoor mold problems. You can visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services webpage for additional information.

Appealing FEMA’s Decision

If you disagree with FEMA’s decision or the amount of money provided, you can submit an appeal letter and documents supporting your claim. You have 60 days from the date of your letter to appeal.

At the end of your FEMA letter, look for an appeal form that can be used to send FEMA additional information about your situation. This form can help make sure you have the information FEMA needs and gives you space to explain why you need assistance.

Appeals must be postmarked within 60 days of the date noted on your FEMA letter. Appeal letters and supporting documents may be uploaded to your personal FEMA online account.

Other ways to submit documents include:

• In-person: If you need assistance to upload documents, you can head to a Disaster Recovery Center near you. Use the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center locator at FEMA.gov/drc.
• Mail: FEMA National Processing Service Center, P.O. Box 10055, Hyattsville MD 20782-7055
• Fax: 800-827-8112 Attention: FEMA

All documents you send to FEMA as part of your appeal should include your:

• Full name
• Current phone number and address
• Disaster number and nine-digit FEMA application number written on all pages, and
• Address of the disaster-damaged home.

If you choose to have a third party submit an appeal on your behalf, include a statement signed by you, authorizing the third party to appeal a decision on your behalf, unless those documents are already on file.

For more information on the FEMA appeal process visit FEMA.gov/appeal.

To learn more information about Wisconsin’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4892.

U.S. Small Business Administration deadline also approaching

Homeowners and renters in Milwaukee, Washington or Waukesha counties affected by August floods can also apply for home and personal property including automobiles loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The deadline to apply for an SBA loan for homeowners and renters for physical damage is Nov. 10, 2025.

The SBA also provides physical disaster and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (Working Capital). Businesses in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties are eligible to apply for these loans until Nov. 10, 2025. Applications for Economic Injury Disaster Loans are available to Dodge, Fond du Lac, Jefferson, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Walworth, Washington, and Waukesha counties through June 11, 2026.

More information on the SBA loans available for Wisconsin homeowners, renters, and business owners can be found at https://www.sba.gov/disaster

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.