FEMA aid now available for St. Louis tornado victims; here’s what you qualify for and how to apply

President Trump approved a major federal disaster declaration on Tuesday, June 10, for the tornado that struck St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Scott County on May 16. This declaration makes individual and public assistance available to residents and local governments. State officials say it unlocks roughly $71 million in federal aid.

A powerful EF‑3 tornado swept through north St. Louis suburbs and the city itself on May 16, 2025, at around 2:39 p.m. CDT. It left a 26-mile path of destruction over 26 minutes.

Wind speeds reached 152 mph, and the twister widened to nearly a mile across at its peak. The devastation killed seven people in total and injured around 38 more. About 5,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, with overall property losses estimated at $1.6 billion.


Federal emergency teams called this the most extensive residential destruction since the 2011 Joplin tornado.

Residents described missing siren alerts and widespread power outages. Many homes, churches, businesses, and key areas such as Forest Park were severely hit.

Mayor Cara Spencer said that “no city can shoulder this burden alone,” calling federal support essential. In response, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened assistance programs, and below are the guidelines for receiving help.

How to apply for the assistance

The declaration enables two types of aid:

1. Individual Assistance – Grants for temporary housing, home repair, vehicle replacement, medical or dental bills, and childcare expenses.
   
   
   
2. Public Assistance – Federal funds to help local governments and nonprofits repair public infrastructure, clean debris, and reimburse emergency service costs.
   
   
   

Eligible residents can apply via:

• Online at www.disasterassistance.gov
  
  
  
• Phone: FEMA toll-free at 1‑800‑621‑3362, daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT
  
  
  
• FEMA Mobile App, or through video/caption relay services.
  
  
  

Applicants need to have:

• A current phone number
  
  
  
• The disaster and current addresses
  
  
  
• Social Security number (if available)
  
  
  
• A list of damage and losses
  
  
  
• Insurance policy number or agent details (if insured)
  
  
  
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit.
  
  
  

FEMA grants can provide up to $43,600 for housing and $43,600 for other disaster-related needs.

Deadlines

• Individual Assistance applications must be submitted by August 11, 2025, 60 days after the declaration.
  
  
  
• Public Assistance application requests will be coordinated through local government agencies.
  
  

Mayor Spencer and Governor Kehoe are urging residents to apply as soon as possible. A Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) has opened in St. Louis, providing in-person support on select June dates.

The DAC will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 9-12, June 16-18, and June 23-26. Walk-ins are welcome, but individuals can also register for an appointment online or by calling 211.