Health & Benefits

Experiencing a natural disaster can be a traumatic event. The federal government and the state of Illinois have disaster relief resources that can help.

After a natural disaster

First, call 911 for injuries or trapped persons. You should also call 911 for dangerous hazards such as: 

• Fallen power lines,
• Fires, or
• Ruptured or leaking gas lines.

Visit Ready Illinois for information on steps to take after a disaster. You can find steps to take after a thunderstorm, tornado, earthquake, or flood.

You can find resources on the American Red Cross of Illinois website. Find your local American Red Cross of Illinois location here.

The federal government provides disaster relief through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. You can find your local Disaster Recovery Center at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Emergency financial assistance

Natural disasters can have a significant impact on your personal financial situation. If you need immediate food assistance, you can apply for expedited SNAP benefits. Learn more about getting emergency or expedited SNAP benefits. 

You may also be able to receive cash assistance to help pay for: 

• Rent,
• Food,
• Clothes,
• Household supplies, or
• Furniture. 

Find out more at How can I get cash assistance as a victim of a crisis?

Homeowners or renter's insurance

Your homeowners or renter's insurance policy will likely tell you what it covers in the event of a natural disaster. You should reach out to your insurance company to find out more about filing a claim. Visit Homeowners insurance basics and Renter's insurance FAQ to find out more.

Rental Repairs

Natural disasters may cause conditions that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of tenants. Structural issues such as fires, flooding or sinkholes, and other issues that may make the home uninhabitable are emergencies that a landlord An owner of property who rents it out to a tenant may be required to repair quickly. Find out more about emergency rental repairs. 

Replacing Lost Documents

Critical licenses or documents, such as Social Security cards and Birth certificates may be damaged or lost in disasters. Learn more about how to replace lost or stolen ID cards.