Little Rock, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — July 8, 2025 — Only two weeks are left for homeowners, renters and businesses to apply for federal disaster assistance who had damage or losses in the April 2-22 severe storms, tornadoes and flooding in Arkansas.
Craighead County residents qualify for this assistance. Residents of Clark, Clay, Crittenden, Desha, Fulton, Greene, Hot Spring, Jackson, Miller, Ouachita, Pulaski, Randolph, St. Francis, Saline, Sharp and White counties also qualify.
Disaster survivors are encouraged to file insurance claims for damage or losses to their primary homes, personal property and vehicles before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA grants do not have to be repaid, FEMA assistance is not taxable, and will not affect eligibility for Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits.
FEMA assistance may include rental assistance, lodging expenses reimbursement, home repair assistance, and home replacement assistance. The Individual Assistance program is designed to help with basic home repair costs and temporary housing for those unable to live in their homes while looking for a long-term or permanent housing solution.
Those with insurance may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance. You may qualify for FEMA disaster assistance even if you have insurance. However, you will need to file a claim with your insurance carrier and submit the insurance settlement or denial letter to FEMA. By law, FEMA cannot pay for losses covered by your insurance.
Low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration are also available to Arkansas residents, businesses, and nonprofit organizations recovering from the April storms. To apply to the SBA or to download an application, click here. One may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
The deadline to apply for FEMA assistance or an SBA loan for physical property damage is Tuesday, July 22.
Craighead County residents wanting to apply in person for FEMA assistance may do so at the Lake City City Hall, located at 406 Court St. It will be open July 14-16. Monday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday through Wednesday hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Click here for in-person assistance locations for other counties.
An EF-3 tornado was confirmed by the National Weather Service to have ripped through Craighead County, including Bay, Lake City and Monette on April 2. After the storms hit, the area faced severe flooding, resulting in multiple road closures. These roads have since reopened. Additionally, the state and federal tax deadlines were extended due to the storms.