Disaster Assistance Now Available
Federal disaster assistance is available in Maine counties affected by severe storms and flooding on January 10 and January 13, 2024.
Apply at www.DisasterAssistance.gov.
January Storm Assistance Deadlines: April 19, 2024 (Public) | May 20, 2024 (Individuals)
Individual Assistance
Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, York counties: Affected individuals and businesses are eligible for Federal grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help recovery. For damages related to the January 2024 storms, the deadline for applications is May 20, 2024.
Public Assistance
Washington, Hancock, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, York counties: State, Tribal, eligible local governments, and certain nonprofits are eligible for Federal funding for emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged facilities. For damages related to the January 2024 storms, the deadline for applications is April 19, 2024.
Unemployment Assistance
Hancock, Washington, Waldo, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Cumberland, York counties: On March 25, Disaster Unemployment Assistance will be available to people whose employment or self-employment was impacted by the January 2024 storms. The deadline for applications is April 22. However, If you are out of work due to the effects of any storm, even temporarily, the Department of Labor encourages you to apply for unemployment insurance.
How To Apply
- Individuals and business owners can apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov; with the FEMA Mobile App; or calling 1-800-621-3362. Phone lines operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
- If online or mobile access is unavailable, applicants should call the FEMA toll-free helpline at 1-800-621-3362. Those who use 711-Relay or Video Relay Services should call 1-800-621-3362.
- If an applicant is unable to access the website, they may call the SBA's Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information.
- People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, should dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
- Visit a Disaster Recovery Center in your county. Find your local center at in the map below or using FEMA's locator tool.
News Updates
April 18, 2024: Governor Mills Directs Administration to Prepare to Distribute $60 Million in Storm Relief as Soon as Funding Becomes Available
March 20, 2024: Governor Mills Announces President Biden’s Approval of Major Disaster Declaration for January Storms
Feb. 27, 2024: Kennebec County Approved for Federal Funding to Repair Public Infrastructure Damaged by December Storm
Feb. 23, 2024: Governor Mills Requests Major Disaster Declaration from President Biden for Damage Caused by January Storms and Coastal Flooding
Feb. 9, 2024: Governor Mills Moves to Expedite $50 Million Proposal to Rebuild & Enhance Infrastructure Resiliency
Feb. 5, 2024: IRS: Maine taxpayers impacted by severe storms and flooding qualify for tax relief; various deadlines postponed to June 17
Find Disaster Assistance In Your County
Select a county on the left to show assistance programs in your area. Click the program name to be taken to its website and application portal. Filter by eligible entity. If a federal Diasaster Recovery Center is located in your county, find the address and hours of operation.
To open this map in your browser, please click here.
Storm Recovery Programs & Guidance
Working Waterfront Recovery
The Maine Department of Marine Resouces has compiled this list of financial and technical assistance resources to support the recovery of Maine's working waterfronts from the January storms.
Insurance Resources
The Maine Bureau of Insurance has several resources to help Maine people navigate insurance questions during flooding and natural disasters.
Permitting Guidance
The Maine Department of Enviromental Protection has compiled guidance for property owners regarding permitting and rebuilding as part of storm recovery. Visit the DEP's online resources here, or download the PDF.
Flood Cleanup
During flooding, basement fuel oil tanks can float and release oil. If you have an oil spill requiring cleanup, Maine DEP can often provide cleanup services at little or no cost to you. This service is available after any weather event. Request it by calling Maine DEP at 1-800-482-0777. The line is staffed 24/7.
FEMA Financial Assistance
These grants can help cover the cost of temporary housing, home repairs, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses, medical, dental, funeral expenses.
SBA Disaster Loans for Homeowners and Renters
Homeowners and renters may be eligible for a low-interest loan from the SBA to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. Disaster loans up to $500,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $100,000 to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed personal property. To apply: sba.gov/disaster.
Business Physical Disaster Loans
Low-interest loans from the SBA are available to help businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventories, supplies, machinery and equipment. Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations such as charities, churches, private universities, etc., are also eligible. To apply: sba.gov/disaster.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans
Low-interest capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, and most private, non-profit organizations of all sizes meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a direct result of the disaster. These loans are intended to assist through the disaster recovery period. For more information and eligibility visit sba.gov.
Storm Resiliency Programs & Guidance
Community Resilience Partnership
Through grants and direct support to municipal and tribal governments and unorganized territories, the Community Resilience Partnership assists Maine communities to become more resilient to climate change effects such as extreme weather, flooding, rising sea levels, public health impacts, and more. See partner communities and projects across Maine.
Maine Infrastructure Adapation Fund
The Maine Infrastructure Adaptation Fund provides direct funding to municipalities, tribes, and state agencies to adapt their critical infrastructure to reduce vulnerability to climate effects such as extreme strosm, rising sea levels, inland and coastal flooding. Grants are administered by the Maine Department of Transportation.
Efficiency Maine Resources
Efficiency Maine has numerous rebates and incentives that may ease some of the financial burden on Maine residents and businesses who are trying to repair, replace, and rebuild their homes and buildings in the wake of recent destructive storms.