SBA Disaster Assistance Available for June 21 Tornado and Severe Weather That Hit the Jefferson County Area

Media Release

Aug. 4, 2026

Director Theodore Berger

Deputy Public Information Officer Melissa Hahn

217-299-9045/[email protected]

Springfield- The U.S. Small Business Administration has notified the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA OHS) that it has approved a disaster declaration for Jefferson County in southern Illinois for damage in the June 21 storms. Residents and business owners in the contiguous counties of Marion, Washington, Perry, Franklin, Hamilton, and Wayne Counties will also be eligible to apply for the SBA's long-term, low-interest disaster loans.

"We know that severe weather can devastate communities and are pleased that the SBA loans will be available for storm-related damages not covered by insurance," said Theodore (Ted) Berger, IEMA-OHS director. "We are further pleased that the SBA is offering a disaster loan outreach center (DLOC) so that residents and business owners can access in-person guidance on loan details and benefits."

Jefferson County

United Way of South Central Illinois

716 Main Street

Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Aug. 3-17, 2026

Hours:

Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Homeowners can apply for up to $500,000 in low-interest SBA disaster loans to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners or renters can apply for up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. Businesses and not-for-profits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damages. The deadline to apply for loans for physical damages is Sept. 28, 2026, and the deadline to apply for economic injury loans is April 29, 2027.

Agricultural producers, farmers, and ranchers are not eligible for SBA loans, but may contact their local USDA Service Center or visit https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/severe-storms for USDA disaster recovery programs.

For online applications, visit sba.gov/disasterhttp://www.sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA's Customer Service Center at (800) 659 2955 or email [email protected]. People who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 7 1 1 for relay services.

For more information, visit https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS): www.Ready.Illinois.gov

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