Hastings announces disaster assistance available to those impacted by summer storms

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings is sharing disaster assistance for those affected by the summer storms. Families and businesses in Will and Cook County may be eligible for recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration as well as waived tax penalties and interest.

“This is an important step toward recovery,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “Now we have to make sure the support that comes with it actually reaches the people who were hit the hardest. I will keep working with our local and state governments until it does.”

Residents seeking a waiver of penalties and interest for taxes should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding why they cannot file timely or pay. They should provide their full name, account number (if using a Social Security number, include only the last four digits), mailing address, and an estimate of when they believe they can file or pay their taxes.

Requests may be submitted electronically to REV.DisasterRelief@Illinois.gov or by postal mail using the address on the return. When submitting by mail, taxpayers should write “Severe Storms - Summer 2026” at the top of the return in red ink and attach or include the explanation for requesting abatement of penalties and interest.

Taxpayers who experienced property damage should contact their county supervisor of assessments if they wish to apply for a reassessment.

Additionally, residents of Will County, as well as surrounding counties, are eligible to apply for SBA’s long-term, low interest disaster loans. Three types of loans are available:

·Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to businesses to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by the business, including real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment.These applications must be received by the SBA no later than Oct. 19, 2026.

·Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Working capital loans to help small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and most private nonprofits meet their ordinary and necessary financial obligations that cannot be met as a result of the disaster. These applications must be submitted to the SBA no later than May 18, 2027.

·Home Disaster Loans: Loans to homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loan applications are due Oct. 19, 2026.

Applicants can apply for SBA assistance and receive additional disaster information here or by calling the SBA Customer Service line at 800-659-2955.

Will and Cook County residents can find information here about Multi-Agency Resource Centers, which provide access to in-person assistance and resources related to storm recovery.