Posted Wednesday, May 28, by League staff.
While local governments affected by the tornadoes of March 14-15 are NOT eligible to receive federal assistance at this time, the Trump administration has made federal disaster assistance available for private individuals. Also, both local government and individuals can receive federal assistance for the April 2-22 storms. The League offers the following clarifications and guidance for cities, towns and individuals seeking assistance. Cities and towns can contact League Senior Grants Counsel Caran Curry at 501-517-0416.
Within the past month, FEMA has made announcements regarding the eligibility for financial assistance from storm damage and the various types of federal assistance. Following the announcements, the League has received several questions from its membership seeking clarification on the eligibility for and types of federal assistance.
MARCH 14-15 TORNADOES
FEMA announced on May 13 that federal disaster assistance is available to supplement recovery areas affected by severe storms and tornadoes that occurred March 14-15. The president’s action makes federal funding available to affected private individuals in Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties.
What about the cities, towns and counties affected by the March 14-15 tornadoes? Are they also included in the federal assistance announced on May 23?
No. President Trump did not issue a federal disaster declaration for any Public Assistance (the name for FEMA’s local government aid) for the March 14-15 tornadoes. Only Individual Assistance is available for the storms in this time period.
What is Individual Assistance and how is it accessed?
FEMA Individual Assistance is for private individuals and families to make claims for damages including temporary housing and home repairs. FEMA’s website provides specific information about what may be claimed. Private individuals can apply online here.
Can I file a claim in person?
Yes. To view FEMA’s list of locations and hours of local sites to file FEMA claims, click here.
What is the State of Arkansas doing in response to the March 14-15 tornadoes?
The State of Arkansas did issue a state disaster declaration, which means the state will cover 35% of certain costs for local governments because the federal government will not pay. The Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) will have an event later to explain how the process will work. The League will share that information with applicable cities/towns once it becomes available.
Are there additional options for recovery funding for victims of the March 14-15 tornadoes?
Yes. In addition to FEMA aid, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides assistance to private individuals, businesses and nonprofits in the form of low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses. Loans may help with home repair or replacement, personal property, vehicles, mitigation, business losses, and working capital for small businesses and most private nonprofits. Specifics can be found here.
Additionally, the State of Arkansas Division of Reemployment is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted due to the severe storms and tornadoes that occurred March 14-15, 2025, in the applicable counties. Individuals must file DUA claims by July 7, 2025.
APRIL 2-22 STORMS & TORNADOES
FEMA announced on May 23 that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Arkansas to supplement recovery areas affected by severe storms, tornadoes and flooding from April 2-22, 2025.
The president’s action makes federal funding available to affected private individuals in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Sharp, St. Francis and White counties. Individual Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Federal funding is also available for eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Clark, Clay, Craighead, Cross, Dallas, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Hempstead, Hot Spring, Izard, Jackson, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lee, Little River, Lonoke, Marion, Miller, Monroe, Montgomery, Nevada, Newton, Pike, Poinsett, Prairie, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Scott, Searcy, Sevier, Sharp, St. Francis, Stone and Woodruff counties.
Based upon the May 23 announcement, what assistance is available to those affected by the April 2-22 storms and tornadoes?
FEMA Individual Assistance is available to private individuals and families. Public Assistance is available to local governments at the rate of 75% for certain costs, and local governments will be left to cover the remaining 25%.
Are there additional options for recovery funding for victims of the April 2-22 storms and tornadoes?
Yes. The low-interest SBA loans discussed above are also available to (non-government victims) of the April 2-22 storms and tornadoes.
How do individuals begin the assistance process?
Individuals and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas should first file claims with their insurance providers and then apply for assistance by registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA App. If you use a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, provide FEMA the number for that service. NOTE: There are deadlines involved in applying. For example, the deadline for individuals to apply for the March 14-15 disaster is July 14 and for the April 2-22 individuals July 22, 2025.
The State of Arkansas also has information on its website, and FEMA claims can be filed there as well. Click here to visit the Arkansas Storm Recovery Information page.
The ADEM website includes a number of resources, including the ADEM Citizen Portal, an interactive public platform to help locate emergency response information for shelters, police and fire, and other resources. You can also contact the ADEM Recovery Branch at 501-683-6700.
The Disaster Distress Helpline is available to provide year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call/text 1-800-985-5990.
Español: Llama o envía un mensaje de texto 1-800-985-5990 presiona “2.”
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing ASL Callers: Please text or call the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 using your preferred Relay provider.
Cities and towns can contact League Senior Grants Counsel Caran Curry at 501-517-0416.
