Cervantes announces disaster assistance for residents affected by summer storms

CHICAGO – State Senator Javier Loera Cervantes is sharing disaster assistance for residents impacted by the summer storms on July 27 and Aug 9-11. Families and businesses in Cook County may be eligible to receive recovery assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as waived tax interest and penalties.

“The recent storms have wreaked havoc on our communities, and residents throughout my district and the state are still dealing with the aftereffects,” said Cervantes (D-Chicago). “Providing resources for these residents and businesses will help them get back on their feet and get them through this unexpected event.”

Residents who are seeking a waiver for tax penalties and interest should send a brief written explanation to the Illinois Department of Revenue explaining why they cannot pay or file in a timely manner. The explanation should include the resident’s full name, mailing address, account number (or only the last four digits if a Social Security number is used), and an estimate of when they believe they would be able to file or pay their taxes.

Requests can be submitted electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by postal mail using the return address. When submitted by postal mail, “Severe Storms – Summer 2026” should be written at the top of the request in red ink, and the explanation for why the sender needs an abatement of penalties and interest should be attached or included.

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

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

• Business Physical Disaster Loans: Loans to repair or replace disaster-damaged property owned by a business, including real estate, inventory, supplies, machinery and equipment. The SBA must receive these applications no later than Oct. 19.
• 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 because of the disaster. These applications must be submitted to the SBA no later than May 18, 2027.
• Home Disaster Loans: Loans for homeowners or renters to repair or replace disaster-damaged real estate and personal property, including automobiles. These loan applications are due Oct. 19.

Residents can apply for SBA assistance and receive additional disaster information by calling the SBA’s customer service line at 800-659-2955.