FEMA Assistance Available for Self- Employed Survivors

FEMA assistance can help people in Baxter, Benton, Boone, Fulton, Greene, Madison, Marion and Randolph counties who are self-employed, including farmers, ranch hands, artists, musicians and mechanics.

Eligible Occupational Tools

FEMA can help replace tools and equipment required for self-employment, or not provided by an employer but required for employment. Eligible tools may include:

• Computers
• Equipment such as power tools, art materials, musical instruments, tractors, utility vehicles, lawnmowers and ladders
• Uniforms

You may be able to get reimbursed for these items if they were damaged by the disaster, you do not have another working item, and the loss was not covered by insurance.

Required Documents

To be eligible for self-employment assistance, apply for FEMA assistance. When you apply, include:

• 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, and
• A written statement that explains you need the items for self-employment.

To apply for FEMA disaster assistance, call toll-free 800-621-3362, go online to DisasterAssistance.gov, download the FEMA App or visit a Disaster Recovery Center. You can find available centers at fema.gov/drc. The phone line is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. CDT, and help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service such as VRS, captioned telephone service or others, give FEMA your number for that service. The deadline for applications is August 28, 2024.

For the latest information visit fema.gov/disaster/4788. Follow the FEMA Region 6 Twitter account at twitter.com/FEMARegion6 or on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6/.