The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) administers the Public Assistance Program, as the Grantee for the State of Illinois. Eligible organizations for the Program are considered subgrantees. The Program reimburses subgrantees for at least 75% of eligible costs which were a result of the disaster.

Upon a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the President, applicant's briefings are conducted by the IEMA Public Assistance Program staff in the designated counties. These applicant's briefings provide an overview of the Program requirements and a hands-on session of completing the requried application forms. To apply for assistance, each organization must submit a completed FEMA Form 90-49, Request for Public Assistance form to the IEMA within 30 days of the date of the Presidential declaration. Organizations must also complete and submit a State of Illinois, Public Assistance Grant Agreement to the IEMA before reimbursement payments can be made.