If you are self-employed, FEMA may be able to provide funds to repair or replace your work-required tools which were damaged due to Hurricane Helene. This help is available to a wide range of applicants, including farmers, artists, musicians, mechanics and many other occupations.
Eligible Occupational Tools
Tools and equipment that are required for self-employment or required by an employer, but not provided, may be eligible for FEMA assistance.
Eligible tools may include:
- Computers required for self-employment or required by an employer if you are responsible for its replacement.
- 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.
You may be able to get reimbursed for eligible items if they were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working item, and the loss was not covered by insurance.
If you are an employee and you lost tools or equipment required for your job that are not reimbursable by your employer, FEMA may also be able to help.
Required Documentation
To qualify, you must provide the following documentation to FEMA:
- Documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a tax return.
- Insurance documents for all potential coverages and benefits.
- Itemized receipts or estimates for repairing or replacing the requested items.
- A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment.
Apply for Assistance
To find out if you are eligible for funding for your disaster-damaged tools or equipment, apply for FEMA assistance. Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation who were affected by Hurricane Helene are eligible to apply.
You can apply in several ways:
- Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov.
- Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find a center close to you, visit fema.gov/DRC, or text DRC along with your Zip Code to 43362 (Example: “DRC 29169”).
- Use the FEMA mobile app.
- Call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. It is open every day. Help is available in many languages. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.
For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, select this link. FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.