FAQs of Disaster Assistance for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate

FEMA disaster assistance is a multi-step process. Specialists are at the Flood Assistance Center, located at the Tribal Administration Building, to begin the application process and help with any questions.

Who can apply for FEMA disaster assistance?

• Any enrolled SWO member, whether a renter or homeowner, who had home or personal property damages from wind or water caused by the storms and flooding June 12-16, 2025 may be eligible for disaster assistance. One application is accepted per household.

What kind of assistance is available?

• The Individuals and Households Program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants, determined by the unique needs and circumstances of each household. Assistance could include funds to repair disaster-caused home damages, personal property loss or damage and other disaster-caused expenses. FEMA assistance is a grant that is usually deposited directly into an applicant's bank account to be used for disaster recovery needs.
• The U.S. Small Business Administration, who makes low-interest disaster loans available to individuals and business owners, is also at the Flood Assistance Center. For those not eligible for FEMA assistance, or if FEMA assistance is not enough help, a low-interest disaster loan can help.

What are the basic steps of the disaster assistance process?

• The process begins with an application at the Flood Assistance Center. Within a few days, the applicant will get a call from a FEMA damage inspector and a tribal guide, asking to schedule an inspection.
• It is important to take the call, and to keep the inspection appointment. Within a week or so after the inspection, a letter is sent explaining what assistance the applicant is eligible for. The letter may note that additional information or documentation is needed to continue the process. It is important to read the letter completely. You can bring the letter to the Flood Assistance Center to discuss next steps.

What happens during the damage inspection?

• An inspector and tribal guide will come to your home to review your damages and circumstances. They will ask for a list of people who live at your home, a list of damage to your home and personal property, insurance information, photos of damage if you took any, and receipts for any repairs you've made.

What should I do if I missed the inspector's call or missed the scheduled inspection?

• Call the inspector back to re-schedule as quickly as possible. Applicants may also call the Flood Assistance Center information number: 605-776-6003.

What should I do if my FEMA letter says I'm not approved?

• Please read the letter carefully. There is often a need for a little more information or another document to move the application forward to approval. The specialists at the Flood Assistance Center can help. Bring your letter with you to discuss next steps.

There are a few different families living at my house, should we all apply for assistance?

• Only one application per household is needed for FEMA disaster assistance, and the needs and circumstances of the household as a whole are considered.

I still have a few questions about disaster assistance or the process, who can I call?

• You can call or come by the Flood Assistance Center, 8am to 4:30pm, Monday-Friday:
  Flood Assistance Center
  SWO Tribal Administration Building
  12554 BIA Highway 711, Agency Village, South Dakota
  Phone: 605-776-6003