Public Assistance Program

The Public Assistance (PA) Program provides federal disaster assistance to states, local units of government, and certain private non-profit organizations, for debris removal, emergency protective measures and the permanent restoration or replacement of public facilities as a result of a major disaster or emergency declaration being made by the President.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) administers the Public Assistance Program as the recipient for the state of Illinois. Eligible organizations for the program are considered as subrecipients and are also called applicants. The program reimburses applicants for at least 75% of eligible costs that were a direct result of the disaster incident. ​

Upon a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the President, applicant briefings are conducted by the IEMA Public Assistance staff for potential applicants in the designated counties. These applicant briefings provide an overview of the program requirements and a hands-on session to complete the required application forms. To apply for assistance, each organization must complete and submit a FEMA Form 90-49, Request for Public Assistance form to IEMA within 30 days of the date of the Presidential declaration. Applicants must also complete and submit Public Assistance Grant Agreement, Public Assistance Risk Assessment, and FFATA Certification forms to IEMA before grant payments can be made.

For more information on the Public Assistance Program, please contact the IEMA Public Assistance staff at (217) 782-8719 or PA.Grants@illinois.gov.