Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson speaks alongside FEMA and local emergency management officials during a disaster assistance press conference in Renton on May 20, 2026, encouraging residents impacted by December flooding to apply for federal aid before the June 10 deadline. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor)
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Washington residents impacted by December’s historic flooding have until June 10 to apply for federal disaster assistance, according to Governor Bob Ferguson.
The federal assistance became available after President Donald Trump approved a Major Disaster Declaration on April 11 following widespread flooding across Western Washington. As a result, residents in both Whatcom and Skagit counties qualify for several forms of assistance, including FEMA aid, disaster unemployment benefits and low-interest Small Business Administration loans, officials said.
I know firsthand how resilient Washingtonians are — but no one can recover from a disaster of this magnitude alone. If you were impacted by December’s historic flooding, help is available. Apply today.
— Gov. Bob Ferguson
FEMA Individual Assistance
FEMA assistance can help cover expenses insurance does not pay for, including temporary housing, home repairs, personal property replacement and other disaster-related expenses. Importantly, these are grants, not loans, meaning recipients do not need to repay the money, officials emphasized. So far, FEMA has distributed more than $6.5 million to 715 households statewide.
Residents can apply by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362 or visiting a Disaster Recovery Center.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Workers who lost jobs or income because of the flooding may also qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance. In particular, the program can help self-employed workers, small business owners, real estate agents and workers without enough hours for traditional unemployment benefits.
Applications are available through the Washington Employment Security Department at ESD.wa.gov or by calling 855-952-9988.
SBA Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration also offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses and nonprofits. Additionally, loans may help cover uninsured losses and business operating expenses tied to the flooding disaster. To apply, visit SBA.gov.
Local Disaster Recovery Centers
Residents in northwest Washington can receive in-person help at regional Disaster Recovery Centers.
584 Maple St., Hamilton
Flooding Impacts Across Washington
State officials described the December flooding as one of the worst flood disasters in modern Washington history. In total, 33 rivers exceeded flood stage, including the Skagit, Snohomish and Cedar rivers, which each reached record levels. Meanwhile, nearly 3,900 homes suffered damage statewide, more than 100,000 people received evacuation orders and 450,000 customers lost power. As a result, interstate highways and rail lines also closed due to flooding damage.
Notably, the Mount Vernon flood wall helped protect downtown Mount Vernon from more extensive flooding damage during the storm, officials said.
The June 10 federal deadline applies to all assistance programs.
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