Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, DFSS Launch Disaster Relief Assistance Program for People Who Faced Financial Hardship Due to Severe Storms in 2023 and 2024
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Launches Disaster Relief Assistance Program for Residents Affected by Severe Storms

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services have announced the launch of a new Disaster Relief Assistance Program (DRAP) to support eligible residents who were most impacted by severe storm damage in the city during the summers of 2023 and 2024.

The online application portal for DRAP is now live, allowing current residents who experienced documented financial hardship as a result of storms that occurred from June 29-July 2, 2023; Sept. 17-18, 2023; and/or July 13-16, 2024 to apply for support. The program aims to provide direct relief to those who are still dealing with the aftermath of these storms.

"Chicagoans who have suffered from severe storms deserve the support and resources they need to recover," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "For too many families, the financial impact does not end when the storm passes. This investment will provide direct relief to help residents with essential household costs and ensure that additional resources are reaching families still dealing with the impact of these storms."

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Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program, DRAP is designed to help stabilize households by addressing critical gaps in support left unaddressed by other federal assistance programs and insurance following the 2023 and 2024 storms. The program will distribute $15 million in aid citywide, with qualifying households potentially receiving up to $15,000 in financial relief through reimbursement for documented expenses such as rent or mortgage payments and utility payments.

The City of Chicago CDBG-DR Action Plan, approved by HUD on September 15, 2025, was informed by storm damage data gathered during and after the qualifying storms. While all residents citywide are eligible to apply for assistance, the areas hit hardest by the storms and in greatest need of repair and recovery investment are zip codes 60644, 60651, 60639, 60641, and 60624. As a result, the DRAP application selection process has been designed to provide targeted support in these areas. Weighted consideration will also be given to renters and seniors age 60 and up.

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"We are proud to extend this new opportunity for assistance to households in need that were never made whole after experiencing storm-related financial losses in 2023 and 2024," said DFSS Commissioner Angela Green. "Their needs have not been forgotten by City leaders, and today's launch of the Disaster Relief Assistance Program is a testament to our commitment, especially to those areas and populations we know were hardest hit and most vulnerable."

Applications for assistance will be accepted on a rolling basis. To qualify, applicants' household income cannot exceed the maximum annual income limit, and they must provide documentation demonstrating their storm-related financial hardship. For more information on eligibility criteria, please visit chi.gov/drap.

Even those who have already received assistance through programs provided by FEMA, other agencies, or insurance may still qualify for DRAP assistance by demonstrating remaining unmet household needs.

The City of Chicago is committed to supporting its residents who have been impacted by severe storms. Through DRAP, eligible individuals and households can receive much-needed financial relief as they continue to recover from the devastating effects of these natural disasters.

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