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How to Apply for FEMA Assistance - Southeastern Wisconsin August 2025 Floods

Wisconsin homeowners and renters in Milwaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties with uninsured damage to their primary home, personal property loss, or disaster-related emergency needs due to the August storms and flooding may apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. The deadline to apply is November 12, 2025.

You should first file an insurance claim.

If you have homeowners, renters, or flood insurance, you should file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

FEMA Assistance

FEMA may be able to help if you are displaced, have serious needs, need temporary lodging, require basic home repair costs, lost personal property, or have other uninsured disaster-caused needs. The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language DisasterAssistance.gov/es.

You will need to provide the following information: 

  • Your contact information. 
  • Your email address.
  • Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.
  • Your Social Security number.
  • A general list of damage and losses.
  • Annual household income.
  • Banking information if you choose direct deposit.
  • If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name. 

If you need more information or additional help:

  • Download the FEMA App to complete your application and find other resources.
  • Call the FEMA Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 for assistance in multiple languages.

If you use a relay service, captioned telephone, or other service, please give FEMA your number for that service. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit What You Need to Know Before Applying for FEMA Assistance.

After You Apply

If you applied for FEMA assistance you will receive a letter by mail or email. If the letter says you are 'not approved' for assistance, it does not mean that you won't receive assistance. 

It is important to read the letter carefully because it will include the amount of money FEMA may provide and information on the appropriate use of that money. The letter will also explain your application status and advise on what you need to do to appeal if you disagree with the decision. Learn more about appeals here.