Indiana has begun issuing an estimated $307,000 in payments to residents in 27 counties, including Jackson, who suffered damage due to severe weather in June and July.

At this time, 49 checks for up to about $2,500 are being issued. This is based on the overall dollar amount available and a projected number of applicants — 118, according to a news release from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Residents in nearby Bartholomew, Brown, Clark, Jennings, Jefferson, Monroe and Scott counties also are eligible for the grants from the Indiana State Disaster Relief Fund, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

The counties qualified for U.S. Small Business Administration low-interest disaster loans. Applicants turned down for SBA loans are eligible for the state grants. The deadline to apply for SBA loans was Oct. 19.

Applications for state relief will be paid according to a consistent formula until about Jan. 20. At that time, any remaining funds will be supplementally and proportionally distributed to anyone qualifying for an amount more than the original award cap.

This process allows the state to assist qualifying applicants as soon as possible, while verifying that the funds will be available for all potentially eligible applicants.

Established in 2003, the fund provides assistance to disaster-affected individuals and governments that were not eligible for federal disaster loans but meet the state’s criteria for disaster relief.

Fees from retail fireworks sales provide the funding.