Residents and businesses damaged by August 2025 storms can apply for federal disaster loans at SBA centers across Chicago and six northeastern Illinois counties.
Where and When to Apply:
The SBA’s downtown Chicago office at 332 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 600 (312-353-4528) requires an appointment.
Four Southwest Side ward offices will host SBA personnel who are available to assist with low interest loan applications.
The 23rd and 13th ward offices are open through April 2:
- Ald. Silvana Tabares, Ward 23, 5680 S. Archer Ave., Suite 100 Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., closed Sat./Sun., permanently closing for SBA loan assistance, April 2, 4:30 p.m.
- Ald. Marty Quinn, Ward 13, 6500 South Pulaski Road, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., closed Sat./Sun., permanently closing for SBA loan assistance, April 2, 5:00 p.m.
Two additional ward offices, the 15th and 14th will be open April 3 through April 18:
- Ald. Raymond Lopez, Ward 15 2650 West 51st Street Monday–Wednesday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Thursday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Alderwoman Jeylu B. Gutierrez, Ward 14, 3124 West 59th Street, Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Spanish translators are available at all locations.
What to Bring:
According to the SBA website, applicants should bring completed SBA application forms (Form 5 or 5C) if possible, the last three years of personal or business tax returns information authorization (IRS Form 4506-C), personal or business financial statements (SBA Form 413), a schedule of liabilities (SBA Form 2202), proof of identification, insurance coverage documentation, and proof of disaster losses.
SBA staff at each center can help applicants complete forms and answer questions about the application process.
“When disasters strike, SBA’s Disaster Loan Outreach Centers play a vital role in helping small businesses and their communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “At these centers, SBA specialists assist business owners and residents with disaster loan applications and provide information on the full range of recovery programs available,” according to Public an SBA publication distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT).
How Much You Can Borrow
Homeowners and renters can borrow up to $500,000 to repair or replace damaged real estate, or up to $100,000 for personal property like appliances and furniture. Businesses and some nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages.
Deadlines and How to Apply
The deadline to apply for physical damage loans is May 15. Economic injury applications must be submitted by December 16.
Applicants can apply in person at any of the centers listed above, online at sba.gov/disaster, or by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955. Questions can also be emailed to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.
For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The U.S. Small Business Administration approved the disaster declaration for Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will counties.