If you are self-employed, FEMA may provide funds to repair or replace disaster-damaged tools and equipment required for your work. Funding is also available if you are an employee and lost tools or equipment required for your job but your employer cannot cover the losses.
This help is available to a wide range of applicants including farmers, artists, musicians and mechanics.
Eligible Work Tools
- Tools and equipment required for self-employment or required, but not provided, by an employer. Examples include:
- Computers required by an employer or for self-employment when you are responsible for the replacement of the computer.
- 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.
FEMA assistance may be available if the items were damaged in the March 14-21 Oklahoma wildfires, if you do not have other working equipment to meet this need, and if insurance did not cover the loss.
Required Documentation
To be eligible for self-employment assistance from FEMA, you must provide documentation that proves you’re self-employed, such as a federal tax return, and you must meet the eligibility criteria. The following documents are acceptable:
- 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, or written statement from your employer that explains the items are needed for employment but not provided
Ways to Apply to FEMA
Under the major disaster declaration for the Oklahoma wildfires, FEMA designated Cleveland, Creek, Lincoln, Logan, Oklahoma, Pawnee and Payne counties for assistance. The last day to apply is Tuesday, July 22.
There are several ways to apply. Go to DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App for mobile devices or call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Lines are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT seven days a week and specialists speak many languages. To view an accessible video on how to apply, visit Three Ways to Apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance - YouTube.
For the latest information about Oklahoma’s recovery, visit fema.gov/disaster/4866. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.