As storms batter Illinois, some homeowners could get help paying for flood damage repairs

For Illinois homeowners coping with flooded basements and similar storm-related damage, some of their expenses may be offset.

Under a newly enacted law, short-term rebates will be available to eligible homeowners after flooding, providing financial relief from severe weather.

Here's what to know

WAND reported that the law allows local home equity assurance programs to start three-year rebate programs. Residents could get a one-time payment that covers up to 50% of qualifying flood-related expenses, with a maximum benefit of $1,000.

The legislation arrives as major storms and flooding continue to affect Central and Northern Illinois.

"When disaster strikes, people should not have to worry whether their ZIP code or party affiliation will determine whether they get help," Gov. JB Pritzker Pritzker said, per WAND. "A flooded basement does not care whether you are a Democrat or a Republican."

The bill passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature unanimously and takes effect Jan. 1.

More background

Because standard homeowners insurance generally does not pay for flood damage, residents without separate flood coverage may end up paying storm recovery costs themselves.

When water gets into a home, it can damage both the property and what is inside it, leaving homeowners to decide what they can save and what they must replace.

"The images of streets flooded, videos of home appliances submerged in water, and one-on-one accounts we all heard were overwhelming," state Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar said, per WAND. "I walked into basements for some of our seniors in the area, and it wasn't just the physical destruction but the memories that were also destroyed and floating in the basement."

What's being done?

Help may depend on whether a community has one of these programs and if homeowners meet eligibility requirements. The setup gives municipalities a way to provide direct aid in places where flood recovery costs keep coming back.

For homeowners whose insurance plans do not cover such damage, the reimbursements could help pay for cleanup and repairs.

"On your worst day when the rain is falling and everyone has that anxiety and apprehension, that's exactly the time government needs to show up," state Sen. Mike Porfirio said. "That's exactly the time government needs to show people that they care, that they get it, and that they're going to bring them real relief."

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