Residents can apply for disaster assistance
funding available to Merrillville residents and other areas affected by the tornadoes, straight-line winds,
and severe weather that struck the state March 31 to April 1.
In Merrillville, Forest Hills and Madison Meadows were the hardest hit communities during the March
31 EF-1 tornado that ripped through the Town.
Available assistance to property owners can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs,
low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business
owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
Biden’s decision also makes federal aid available to supplement state and local recovery efforts in
response to the weather events.
Survivors can apply for FEMA disaster assistance by going online at DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-
621-3362, or using the FEMA mobile app. The helpline is open and available from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Central Time in most languages. If you use a relay service such as video relay service (VRS), captioned
telephone service or others, give FEMA the number for that service.
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot
duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. FEMA assistance cannot replace all losses, but if your
policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.
When you apply for assistance, please have the following information ready:
▪A current phone number where you can be contacted
▪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
▪Banking information if you choose direct deposit
▪If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance is June 14, 2023. For an accessible video on how to apply for
assistance go to, youtube.com/watch?v=WZGpWI2RCNw.
If you have any questions or would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to contact FEMA-R5-Congressional@fema.dhs.gov.
