Federal disaster loans now available to homeowners and businesses affected by August 2025 storms

Residents and business owners in Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties whose properties sustained damage during last August’s severe weather can now apply for U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans.

The disaster declaration covers the period of Aug. 16-19, when severe storms, high winds and flooding hit these counties. It makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and business owners.

Homeowners and renters can apply for home disaster loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. Business owners, as well as private nonprofit organizations, can apply for physical disaster loans to repair damaged property and inventory. Business owners also can apply for economic injury loans to cover financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster.

To apply for a disaster loan and learn more about the conditions and terms, visit the MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov. For further assistance, contact the SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955, or by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. If you are hard of hearing or have a speech disability, dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services.

The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is May 15, and for business economic injury loans is Dec. 16.