A fire, flood or storm
What to do first
- If you are in danger, call 911 and follow what local officials tell you.
- Call 211 for shelter, food and supplies near you.
- Take photos of the damage and keep every receipt.
- Call your insurance company to start a claim.
- If the President declared a disaster in your area, apply with FEMA.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
60 days
FEMA disaster help
You usually have 60 days from the date of the disaster declaration to apply with FEMA. FEMA sometimes gives more time, and you can ask to apply late if you have a reason.
Source: FEMA.gov
Help from Wisconsin
Wisconsin programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
FoodShare
In Wisconsin, SNAP is called FoodShare.
FoodShare helps eligible households buy groceries using monthly benefits.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Administration
State housing and homelessness programs
DOA funds local organizations and governments that provide housing and homelessness services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Wisconsin Department of Children and Families and Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority
Emergency Assistance
Also: Housing Choice Voucher Program
Emergency Assistance can help eligible families with children pay certain costs after a housing or other serious emergency.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Unemployment Insurance
Unemployment Insurance pays temporary benefits to eligible workers who lose work through no fault of their own.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhone
Wisconsin Department of Administration
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
In Wisconsin, LIHEAP is called WHEAP.
WHEAP helps eligible households pay heating and electric costs and respond to energy emergencies.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
BadgerCare Plus and Wisconsin Medicaid
In Wisconsin, Medicaid is called BadgerCare Plus.
BadgerCare Plus and Medicaid provide health coverage to eligible Wisconsin residents.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Community mental health services
Wisconsin counties deliver mental health services and can connect residents to local care.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
SBA.gov
Disaster loans for homes
The Small Business Administration makes low-interest disaster loans to homeowners and renters, not only businesses, to repair or replace what was lost.
USDA.gov
Food help after a disaster
After some disasters, the state may offer Disaster SNAP (D-SNAP) for a short time. Your state's food benefits office will say if it is open.
SAMHSA.gov
Someone to talk to
The Disaster Distress Helpline is free and open all day, every day, for anyone upset by a disaster.
Federal Emergency Management Agency
FEMA disaster assistance
Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.
Social Security Administration
Replace a Social Security card
Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Request it online with a my Social Security account, or visit or call Social Security. It is always free.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 Wisconsin
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988