FEMA offers help for loss of tools and equipment

If you are self-employed, FEMA may be able to provide funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for your work. This help is available to a wide range of applicants, including farmers, artists, musicians, mechanics and many other occupations. FEMA may also be able to help if you are an employee and you lost tools or equipment required for your job and not reimbursable by your employer.

Eligible Work Tools

Tools and equipment required for self-employment or required, but not provided, by an employer. Examples of tools include:

• Computers required by an employer or for self-employment when you are responsible for the replacement of the computer.
• Tools and equipment such as power tools, art materials, musical instruments, tractors, utility vehicles, lawnmowers, ladders, etc.
• Uniforms required for work when you are responsible for replacement of the uniforms.

This assistance may be available if the items were damaged by the Texas storms and flooding April 26-June 5, and you do not have another working item that can meet this need and the loss of the item was not covered by insurance.

Required Documentation

To be eligible for self-employment assistance, you must provide documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as federal tax return documents, and must meet the eligibility criteria for FEMA assistance.

Self-employed Texans should provide FEMA with:

• Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits
• Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items
• A written statement that explains the items are needed for self-employment

To find out if you are eligible, apply to FEMA:

• Go online to disasterassistance.gov.
• Download the FEMA App for mobile devices.
• Call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362 any day from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
• Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. For operating hours and addresses, go online to fema.gov/drc.

Learn more at fema.gov/disaster/4781 

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