According to a press release from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, or IDHS, after completing several weeks of damage assessments and outreach across Indiana in response to severe storms, flooding and tornadoes in March, April and May 2of this year, Indiana Governor Mike Braun has requested a presidential disaster declaration through FEMA for federal assistance related to the March 30th – April 9th disaster events.
FEMA will review the request and send it to the President with a recommendation. If approved, IDHS will work with county emergency management agencies to apply for assistance.
This request is not a guarantee of federal assistance, but if approved, additional federal resources could be brought in to help the recovery efforts.
Examples of assistance could be:
U.S. SBA Low-Interest Disaster Loans
FEMA Individual Assistance
FEMA Public Assistance
State Disaster Relief Fund
Separate from the federal request, IDHS opened applications to the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for residents who incurred damage to their homes or property located in qualifying jurisdictions from any of the following disaster events:
March 1, 2025: Mine Collapse
March 15, 2025: Severe Storms
March 19, 2025: Severe Storms
March 30 – April 2, 2025: Severe Storms/Flooding
Applications to help with immediate needs will be capped at $2,000 initially, although eligible homeowners could receive additional assistance now that the damage assessment is complete.
The SDRF applies only to individuals who are uninsured or underinsured. State funding cannot replace insurance coverage, which is the primary and best source of protection from storm damage. The maximum payout from the SDRF for an individual is $25,000. The fund only addresses the costs of repairing, replacing or restoring property that is the primary residence of the applicant.
Those wishing to apply or who have questions can call 211 to speak to a representative who will help walk you through the process. Alternatively, a link to apply online can be found here:
