How to get FEMA assistance in Missouri

Salvation Army volunteer Bryan Lundstrom, left, helps someone affected by the May 16 tornado make a claim at the Disaster Assistance Center on its first day of operation, Monday, June 9, 2025 at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis.

David Carson, Post-Dispatch

President Donald Trump approved Federal Emergency Management Agency aid on Monday evening to help St. Louis and its residents after a tornado struck the area on May 16, killing five and leaving over a billion dollars in damages, according to city officials.

Now that the disaster declaration is approved, affected residents can apply for help on FEMA’s website or over the phone. The deadline to apply for most programs is 60 days following the president’s declaration, so around Aug. 9.

Individuals can receive up to $770 for immediate needs, plus up to $43,600 for housing assistance. They also can receive up to $43,600 more for other needs like medical bills, replacement of damaged vehicles and funeral expenses.

Before applying

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FEMA encourages residents to take photos of your damaged home and belongings for your records. You can also make a list of damaged or lost items; the website says that a list would be helpful when discussing loss with your insurance or, possibly, a FEMA inspector.

If you have insurance, FEMA says to file a claim as soon as possible. You don’t have to have a claim to apply for assistance, but FEMA can’t provide assistance for needs that are already being covered by another source. You’ll be required to provide your insurance settlement or denial before being considered for for certain types of assistance.

What you’ll need while applying

• Social Security number
• Annual household income
• Contact information (like your phone number, damaged house address, mailing address and email address)
• Bank account information
• Insurance information
• Proof of ownership or occupancy. FEMA usually uses an automated public records search for this, but may ask for additional documentation if they can’t confirm your occupancy or ownership.

How to apply

• Go to fema.gov
• Hit “Apply for assistance”
• You’ll enter your location; the form asks for a zip code or you can just use a drop-down menu to select the state of Missouri and the city of St. Louis.
• After that, you’ll be taken to a screen that asks what disaster affected you. You’ll choose the May 16 tornado. 
• Then, you’ll again confirm that you live in the city.
• The next screen details what the rest of the application will entail: You’ll be asked about your losses and what you need, you’ll need to create an account and then go back to the site to finish your application.

Residents can also call 1-800-621-3362 or use the FEMA app, available on the Google Play store and Apple App Store.

What’s covered under FEMA assistance?

Rental assistance, reimbursement for emergency lodging (like if you stayed at a hotel or motel after being displaced by the tornado), home repairs and more are all covered. There is also “serious need assistance,” which covers displacement, childcare, funerals, personal property and more.

The Small Business Association provides long-term low interest loans to homeowners for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. Renters and homeowners can borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair other belongings, such as cars, furniture and clothing.

What comes next

After applying, FEMA may do a home inspection either remotely or on-site. Inspectors don’t decide whether or not you’ll receive assistance.

If additional information is needed, FEMA will reach out to you by phone or by letter. 

Once a decision is made, FEMA will send you a letter with what types of assistance you’ve been approved for, and what types you haven’t been approved to receive. If approved, you’ll receive a check from the U.S. Department of Treasury or a direct deposit, whatever method you chose when you applied.

Residents can appeal FEMA’s decision by following the instructions you’ve received in your decision letter. You must send your appeal within 60 days of receiving the decision letter.

FEMA cash for St. Louis tornado relief could grow by millions