People affected by the flood last month now have the chance receive financial assistance.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Friday that the federal government approved his request for federal assistance for flood victims for seven counties including Cook, DuPage, DeKalb, Kane, La Salle, Grundy and Will.

Patti Thompson, communications manager for Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA), said residents and businesses affected by the flood can immediately apply for assistance.

“Those eligible can start registering by calling the toll-free number or register online,” she said.

If eligible, they can receive temporary grants or loans to help pay for the losses caused by the flood.

Thompson specified that these are only available for the flood damage that occurred Sept. 13 and 14.

In the Oct. 3 press release, Blagojevich said he was happy the federal disaster assistance went through.

“I am pleased that we were successful in getting federal disaster assistance for people who have been devastated by these floodwaters,” Blagojevich said. “This assistance will help them begin rebuilding their lives.”