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STL Recovers
Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance
Instructions for individuals to apply for May 16 tornado-related disaster assistance through FEMA. The deadline to apply is August 11.
Overview
On June 10, 2025, FEMA announced that federal disaster assistance is available to the state of Missouri to supplement recovery efforts in the areas affected by the severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding on May 16, 2025.
Individuals who sustained damage or losses due to the May 16 tornado in the City of St. Louis and St. Louis and St. Charles counties may now apply for FEMA disaster assistance. The deadline to apply is August 11, 2025.
The information below is for individuals applying for assistance. Businesses can visit sba.gov or call 1-800-569-2955.
Choose a service option:
Instructions
Please choose a service option above.
Showing instructions for Apply Online.
On This Page
Preparation
Determine What You Need
Disaster assistance to eligible individuals generally falls into the following categories:
- Property Damage
- Home damage
- Vehicle damage (car, truck, motorcycle, van, or other motorized machine that's legal for public roads)
- Personal property damage (furniture, electronic equipment, etc.)
- Emergency Needs
- Food, clothing, shelter, gas, medication, or medical equipment
- Essential utilities (electric, gas, water, or sewer)
- Home access (blocked entry; damage to accessibility equipment like a ramp; unsafe roads or bridges)
- Other Expenses
- Funeral or reburial expenses
- Lodging expenses (paid lodging like hotels, motels, etc.)
- Medical or dental expenses
- New or extra child care costs
- Home safety item costs (dehumidifier, chainsaw, smoke detectors, etc.)
Assemble Information
You'll need the following to complete your registration:
- Your social security number (SSN) OR the SSN of a minor child in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
- The name, social security number and birthdate of anyone you want to list as a co-applicant.
- Annual household income (wages, unemployment payments, Social Security benefits, assistance from other government agencies NOT including SNAP benefits, child support, stocks, interest and annuities).
- Contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address, and damaged home address).
- Insurance information (coverage, insurance company name, etc.).
- Bank account information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account).
- Documentation of losses, including receipts and damage photographs.
File an Insurance Claim
FEMA can't provide money for losses already covered by insurance. So if you have insurance that may cover them, contact the company to file a claim as soon as possible.
You don't have to file your insurance claim before you apply with FEMA.
Instructions
Use the Begin Online button to apply for assistance.
During the process you will be asked about the assistance you're requesting and the disaster that affected you. You will need to create an account at login.gov, or sign into your login.gov account if you already have one.
The application process will take about 20 minutes.
Begin online: https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
What to Expect
After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage.
FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed.
Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:
- whether you are approved for assistance
- how much assistance you will receive
- how the assistance must be used
- how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it
The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.
Additional Information
Showing instructions for Apply by Phone.
On This Page
Preparation
Determine What You Need
Disaster assistance to eligible individuals generally falls into the following categories:
- Property Damage
- Home damage
- Vehicle damage (car, truck, motorcycle, van, or other motorized machine that's legal for public roads)
- Personal property damage (furniture, electronic equipment, etc.)
- Emergency Needs
- Food, clothing, shelter, gas, medication, or medical equipment
- Essential utilities (electric, gas, water, or sewer)
- Home access (blocked entry; damage to accessibility equipment like a ramp; unsafe roads or bridges)
- Other Expenses
- Funeral or reburial expenses
- Lodging expenses (paid lodging like hotels, motels, etc.)
- Medical or dental expenses
- New or extra child care costs
- Home safety item costs (dehumidifier, chainsaw, smoke detectors, etc.)
Assemble Information
You'll need the following to complete your registration:
- Your social security number (SSN) OR the SSN of a minor child in the household who is a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien.
- The name, social security number and birthdate of anyone you want to list as a co-applicant.
- Annual household income (wages, unemployment payments, Social Security benefits, assistance from other government agencies NOT including SNAP benefits, child support, stocks, interest and annuities).
- Contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address, and damaged home address).
- Insurance information (coverage, insurance company name, etc.).
- Bank account information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account).
- Documentation of losses, including receipts and damage photographs.
File an Insurance Claim
FEMA can't provide money for losses already covered by insurance. So if you have insurance that may cover them, contact the company to file a claim as soon as possible.
You don't have to file your insurance claim before you apply with FEMA.
Instructions
Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. If you use a video relay service, captioned telephone service, or other communication services, please provide FEMA the specific number assigned for that service.
Call: (800) 621-3362
What to Expect
After applying for assistance, your request is reviewed to determine if an inspection is needed to verify disaster-related damage to your home and personal property. FEMA staff and inspectors may contact you to discuss your disaster-caused damage.
FEMA may also request more information to support your eligibility for assistance or information related to your specific disaster-related needs identified in your application. If this is needed, you will receive a letter from FEMA outlining the information needed.
Once FEMA has reviewed your application, the results of the inspection and/or documentation submitted, you will get a letter explaining:
- whether you are approved for assistance
- how much assistance you will receive
- how the assistance must be used
- how to appeal FEMA’s decision if you do not agree with it
The letter will be sent to you by email or mail based on what you selected when you completed your application.
Additional Information
Contact
City Emergency Management Agency
(314) 444-5466
1915 Olive Street,
Sixth Floor, CEMA
St. Louis, MO 63103
Monday - Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Other hours as necessary.
Related Services
- Child Support Services Information and Overview to file with Child Support Services
- Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance REDIRECT Instructions for individuals to apply for May 16 tornado-related disaster assistance through FEMA.
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