One Week Left for April Storm Federal Aid

 

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is reminding survivors of April’s severe storms, tornadoes and flooding that one week remains to apply for federal financial assistance. 

The deadline for survivors to apply for FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) program is Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. local time. The deadline to apply for a Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loan for physical damage is also Aug. 31.

As of August 23, there have been over 5,000 approved applicants for aid. $28,091,691.70 in IA funds has been approved to support recovery efforts for Michigan’s April storms. 

Survivors can apply for FEMA assistance online or by using the FEMA Helpline at (800) 621-3362. Assistance is also available in person by visiting any Michigan Disaster Recovery Center (MI DRC). Find a nearby center by using the interactive dashboard found on the April 2026 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding disaster website.

Applying for a SBA low-interest disaster loan can be done online or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center or Business Recovery Center. For more information or to check an application status, call SBAs Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability may dial 711 to access telecommunications relay services. 

Between April 10 and April 21, severe storms, heavy rain, snowmelt, and nine confirmed tornadoes caused widespread damage and flooding in 43 counties across the state. Throughout the entire month, the National Weather Service issued 13 flash flood warnings, 24 flood warnings, and 25 flood advisories.  

A major disaster declaration, approved by President Donald J. Trump on June 30 opened the path for FEMA’s IA program and SBA low-interest disaster loans for 27 counties, including: Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Gratiot, Iosco, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Manistee, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, Washtenaw, and Wexford Counties. The program provides financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to damage caused by severe weather.