Following the severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Michigan from April 10–21, 2026, federal disaster assistance is available to help homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations recover. This guide tells you who to contact and what help is available as you rebuild.
How to Contact FEMA for Individual and Household Assistance
FEMA’s Individual and Households Program (IHP) provides grants to eligible homeowners and renters for uninsured and underinsured disaster-related losses.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | DisasterAssistance.gov |
| FEMA Helpline | 1-800-621-3362 |
| Video Relay/Captioned Phone Users | Provide FEMA your service number when you call |
| Disaster Declaration | DR-4925 (Michigan) |
| More Information | fema.gov/disaster/4925 |
| Application Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
What FEMA Grants Cover
Housing Assistance (more than $6.2 million awarded as of July 30, 2026):
- Home repairs
- Home replacement
- Rental assistance for temporary housing
Other Needs Assistance (more than $4.6 million awarded as of July 30, 2026):
- Personal property replacement
- Moving and storage fees
- Transportation costs
- Childcare expenses
- Medical and dental expenses related to the disaster
Important: If you are insured, file an insurance claim first, then apply for FEMA assistance for unmet needs.
Eligible Counties
As of July 30, 2026, more than 1,500 eligible homeowners and renters in 27 Michigan counties have received nearly $10.9 million in FEMA IHP grants.
How to Contact the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Low-Interest Disaster Loans
The SBA offers long-term, low-interest disaster loans to help homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofit organizations repair, rebuild, or replace disaster-damaged property.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Online Application | SBA.gov/disaster |
| Physical Damage Loan Deadline | August 31, 2026 |
| Economic Injury Loan Deadline | March 30, 2027 |
What SBA Loans Cover
For Homeowners and Renters:
- Repair or replacement of disaster-damaged physical property (homes, personal belongings)
For Businesses of All Sizes:
- Repair or replacement of disaster-damaged physical property
- Working capital to cover economic injury (lost revenue due to the disaster)
For Nonprofit Organizations:
- Repair or replacement of disaster-damaged property
- Economic injury assistance
As of July 30, 2026, more than $1.4 million in SBA disaster loans has been approved for Michigan recovery.
How to Contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for Flood Insurance Claims
If you have flood insurance through the NFIP, file your claim as soon as possible.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| NFIP Claims | Contact your flood insurance provider directly |
| NFIP Information | 1-800-427-4661 |
| NFIP Website | floodsmart.gov |
As of July 30, 2026, more than $5.3 million in NFIP flood insurance claims have been paid to Michigan disaster survivors.
How to Contact Disaster Recovery Centers for In-Person Help
Michigan has established 11 Disaster Recovery Centers across the state where survivors can get one-on-one support navigating the assistance process.
| What You’ll Find at a Recovery Center |
|---|
| FEMA specialists to help with applications |
| SBA representatives for loan applications |
| State and local agency representatives |
| Information about additional recovery resources |
| Help with documentation and appeals |
Finding a Recovery Center Near You
| Method | How to Find |
|---|---|
| Online Locator | Visit fema.gov/disaster/4925 for current locations and hours |
| FEMA Helpline | Call 1-800-621-3362 and ask for the nearest center |
| DisasterAssistance.gov | Search by ZIP code for nearby centers |
As of July 30, 2026, recovery centers have provided in-person support to nearly 700 Michiganders.
How to Contact Michigan State Police – Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division
The Michigan State Police – Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP-EMHSD) is leading the state’s recovery coordination.
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | michigan.gov/msp/emhsd |
| Phone | (517) 284-3700 |
| Role | State lead for disaster recovery coordination |
How to Contact Your Local Government for Community Recovery Support
Your city, township, or county emergency management office can connect you with local resources, including:
- Debris removal information
- Building permit assistance
- Local recovery programs
- Utility restoration updates
- Road closure information
| How to Find Your Local Office |
|---|
| Search online for “[Your County] Michigan emergency management” |
| Contact your city hall or township office |
| Call 211 (United Way) for local service referrals |
How to Contact 211 for Additional Community Resources
Dial 211 or visit 211.org to connect with local services, including:
- Food assistance
- Mental health support
- Utility bill assistance
- Volunteer opportunities
- Donation centers
- Housing resources
Key Deadlines to Remember
| Assistance Type | Deadline |
|---|---|
| FEMA Individual Assistance | August 31, 2026 |
| SBA Physical Damage Loans | August 31, 2026 |
| SBA Economic Injury Loans | March 30, 2027 |
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Disaster Assistance
Step 1: File an Insurance Claim
If you have homeowners, renters, business, or flood insurance, file a claim with your insurance provider first. FEMA assistance is for unmet needs not covered by insurance.
Step 2: Apply for FEMA Assistance
- Online: DisasterAssistance.gov
- Phone: 1-800-621-3362
- In Person: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center
Have this information ready:
- Social Security number
- Current and pre-disaster address
- Phone number where you can be reached
- Insurance information
- Household annual income
- Bank account information (for direct deposit of assistance)
- Description of disaster-caused damages
Step 3: Apply for an SBA Loan (if applicable)
Even if you don’t think you’ll qualify, the SBA encourages all eligible survivors to apply. The application process may reveal other forms of assistance you qualify for.
- Online: SBA.gov/disaster
- Deadline for physical damage: August 31, 2026
- Deadline for economic injury: March 30, 2027
Step 4: Visit a Disaster Recovery Center
If you need help with your application, have questions, or want to appeal a decision, visit one of Michigan’s 11 recovery centers for face-to-face assistance.
Step 5: Keep Records
- Save all correspondence from FEMA, SBA, and insurance companies
- Take photos of damage before making repairs
- Keep receipts for all disaster-related expenses
- Document all phone calls (date, time, person spoken to, what was discussed)
What to Do If Your FEMA Application Is Denied
If FEMA determines you are not eligible for assistance or the amount is less than expected, you have the right to appeal.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Read your determination letter | It explains why you were denied or the amount awarded |
| 2. Gather additional documentation | This may include proof of occupancy, ownership, insurance settlements, or contractor estimates |
| 3. Submit your appeal | Within 60 days of the determination letter date |
| 4. Get help | Visit a Disaster Recovery Center or call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 |
Avoiding Disaster Fraud and Scams
Unfortunately, disasters can attract scammers. Protect yourself:
| Warning Sign | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Someone asks for your FEMA registration number or personal information | FEMA will never ask for this over the phone or email unless you initiated contact |
| A contractor demands full payment upfront | Never pay in full before work is completed |
| Someone claims to be a FEMA inspector without proper ID | Ask to see their FEMA-issued photo ID badge; call 1-800-621-3362 to verify |
| Offers that seem too good to be true | Get multiple estimates and check references |
| Requests for wire transfers or gift cards as payment | Legitimate businesses and agencies don’t use these methods |
Report suspected fraud:
- FEMA Fraud Hotline: 1-866-223-0814
- FEMA email: StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov
- FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Michigan Recovery by the Numbers (as of July 30, 2026)
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total FEMA IHP Grants Awarded | Nearly $10.9 million |
| Eligible Homeowners & Renters Assisted | More than 1,500 |
| Counties with Eligible Applicants | 27 |
| FEMA Housing Grants | More than $6.2 million |
| FEMA Other Needs Assistance | More than $4.6 million |
| SBA Disaster Loans Approved | More than $1.4 million |
| NFIP Flood Insurance Claims Paid | More than $5.3 million |
| Recovery Centers Established | 11 |
| Survivors Served at Recovery Centers | Nearly 700 |
Quick Reference: Contact Information at a Glance
| Agency/Resource | Contact |
|---|---|
| FEMA Helpline | 1-800-621-3362 |
| FEMA Online Application | DisasterAssistance.gov |
| SBA Disaster Loans | SBA.gov/disaster |
| NFIP Flood Insurance | 1-800-427-4661 or floodsmart.gov |
| Disaster Recovery Centers | fema.gov/disaster/4925 or call FEMA Helpline |
| Michigan EMHSD | (517) 284-3700 or michigan.gov/msp/emhsd |
| 211 (Local Services) | Dial 211 or 211.org |
| FEMA Fraud Hotline | 1-866-223-0814 |
| FEMA Disaster Page | fema.gov/disaster/4925 |
Important Reminders
- The application deadline is August 31, 2026 — don’t wait to apply for FEMA assistance or SBA physical damage loans.
- File your insurance claim first — FEMA assistance is for unmet needs after insurance.
- Keep all documentation — photos, receipts, correspondence, and notes from phone calls.
- Visit a Recovery Center if you need in-person help — 11 centers are open across Michigan.
- Beware of scams — FEMA and SBA will never ask for payment to apply for assistance.
- Apply even if you’re unsure you qualify — the SBA loan application may open doors to other assistance programs.
- Update your contact information with FEMA if your phone number or address changes.
This guide is based on the FEMA press release dated July 30, 2026, regarding Disaster Declaration DR-4925 for Michigan severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding (April 10–21, 2026). For the most current information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4925.
Leave a Reply