FEMA Denies Disaster Relief for Storm-Damaged Homes in Illinois

State's appeal for federal aid to help residents impacted by severe storms last year was rejected by the federal government.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has officially denied Illinois' request for disaster relief funding to help homeowners and businesses affected by severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding that impacted several counties in the state last summer. The state's appeal was also denied, leaving residents to deal with the aftermath of damaged homes and lost memories without federal assistance.

Why it matters

This decision by the federal government is seen as a politically motivated move that will leave many Illinois residents struggling to recover from the storm damage on their own. The denial of disaster relief funding could have significant financial implications for affected communities and homeowners.

The details

After the storms impacted homes and businesses in Cook, Kane, McHenry, Will and Boone counties between August 16-19 last year, the state of Illinois requested assistance from FEMA. However, FEMA denied the initial request, and the state's subsequent appeal was also rejected. Illinois officials, including the governor and Chicago's mayor, have criticized the decision as politically motivated by the previous Trump administration.

  • The severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding impacted Illinois homes and businesses between August 16-19, 2025.
  • Illinois requested disaster relief assistance from FEMA following the storms.
  • FEMA denied Illinois' initial request for disaster funding in February 2026.
  • Illinois appealed FEMA's decision, but the appeal was also denied in February 2026.

The players

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois who called FEMA's decision a "politically motivated" move by the previous Trump administration.

Toni Preckwinkle

The Cook County Board President, who stated that parts of Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and Mount Prospect were among the hardest-hit municipalities in the county.

Tom Tomschin

The executive director of the Town of Cicero Housing Department, who described the extensive damage to homes and the loss of personal memories stored in basements.

Dominick Rivelli

The president of the Town of Cicero, who directed housing officials to gather additional data to make the case for disaster relief after the initial denial.

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago, who said the city will "push back" on FEMA's decision and criticized the "animus towards working people" shown by the previous administration.

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What they’re saying

“Not be able to deliver is … frustrating. It's disappointing.”

— Tom Tomschin, Executive Director, Town of Cicero Housing Department (nbcchicago.com)

“We're going to push back, obviously. And yeah, it's unfortunate that this administration has shown so much animus towards working people.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (nbcchicago.com)

What’s next

Illinois officials have vowed to continue fighting FEMA's decision and working with local emergency management partners to support recovery efforts in affected communities.

The takeaway

FEMA's denial of disaster relief funding for storm-damaged homes in Illinois is seen as a politically motivated move that will leave many residents struggling to recover without federal assistance. This decision highlights the ongoing tensions between state and federal governments and the challenges communities face in securing disaster aid, especially when it is perceived as being withheld for political reasons.