Residents affected by the February 2025 floods in Eastern Kentucky have until May 25 to apply for federal disaster assistance, AppalReD Legal Aid reminds in a press release Monday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance is available to individuals and families in 16 counties included in the disaster declaration: Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Martin, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Simpson and Woodford.

The deadline to apply for FEMA for these counties is May 25.

Survivors of the April storms still have until June 25 to apply.

People impacted by Friday’s tornadoes must wait to apply for FEMA assistance until the disaster is declared.

“The most important step is getting your initial application submitted by the deadline, even if you’re still sorting out details,” said Whitney Bailey, disaster response project director for AppalReD Legal Aid. “Once you’re in the system, you have options. If you’re denied or don’t receive what you think you deserve the first time, don’t give up—many people qualify on appeal.”

Bailey explains that FEMA appeals will be ongoing after the deadline and that AppalReD can offer help with appeals.

AppalReD Legal Aid is offering free assistance to disaster survivors who need help navigating appeals or other legal issues related to the flooding.

Disaster survivors who need help with FEMA appeals or disaster-related legal issues should call AppalReD Legal Aid at 1-844-478-0099 or visit ardfky.org/disasterhub.

AppalReD Legal Aid serves approximately 10,000 low-income people each year including seniors, survivors of natural disasters, survivors of domestic violence, and families facing hard times. They provide free help with civil legal issues that help low-income people put food on the table, keep a roof over their head, and live free of abuse. For more information visit ardfky.org.