Farmers and ranch hands in Kentucky may be eligible for federal disaster assistance if their tools or equipment were damaged by the severe storms, tornadoes, and mudslides in February or April.
According to FEMA, disaster aid can help replace essential work-related items such as tractors, plows, sprayers, balers, utility vehicles and other tools required for farming or ranch work. These items may be eligible if they were damaged by the storms, aren’t covered by insurance, and are essential for employment or self-employment.
Ranch hands can also apply for assistance if their tools or gear were required by their employer but not provided. The assistance does not cover crops or livestock, which are considered products, not tools of the trade.
FEMA emphasizes that while these items may be costly, assistance is limited to the maximum amount allowed under the agency’s Other Needs Assistance program. Additional support may be available through the U.S. Small Business Administration or the Department of Agriculture.
To apply for FEMA assistance:
Visit DisasterAssistance.gov
Use the FEMA mobile app
Call 800-621-3362 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET
Visit a local Disaster Recovery Center. To find one, text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362 or go to fema.gov/DRC.
If you were affected by both the February and April storms in Woodford County, you must apply separately for each disaster.
For more information, visit fema.gov/disaster/4864.
