Pandemic Assistance for Timber Harvesters and Haulers Program FAQ
Last Updated: July 28, 2021
Adapted from:U.S. Department of Agriculture FAQ
USDA's Farm Service Agency will accept PATHH applications from July 22 through October 15, 2021. Learn more and apply atfarmers.gov/pathh.
REMEMBER:
Contact Our Logger Support Team for Help
Email:MELoggerSupportTeam@mail.house.gov
Phone:207-241-6767
About PATHH
PATHH is a new program that will provide up to $200 million in financial relief to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced losses in 2020 due to COVID-19.
Q: When does the signup period for PATHH open and close?
USDA's Farm Service Agency will accept PATHH applications from July 22 through October 15, 2021.
Q: Are PATHH funds a loan that must be repaid? Is there a fee to apply?
No. PATHH is not a loan program and there is no fee to apply.
Q: I don't participate in any USDA programs. Can I apply for PATHH?
Yes. Participation in other USDA programs is not a prerequisite to apply for PATHH.
Find out more about the program here.
Eligibility
Q. How do I know if my timber harvesting or timber hauling business is eligible for PATHH?
PATHH will support timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that experienced a loss of at least 10 percent gross revenue from January 1 through December 1, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
To be eligible for PATHH, applicants must have been in operation as a timber harvesting business or timber hauling business for at least part of the periods from January 1, 2019, through December 1, 2019, and January 1, 2020, through December 1, 2020. USDA will adjust your gross revenue proportionally if you did not operate during the entire period for one or both years.
Q. Are minors eligible for PATHH?
No. Minors under 18 years of age are not eligible for PATHH.
For more information on Eligibility and formulas, click here.
How to Apply
Loggers and truckers will be able to apply for PATHH by working directly with the Farm Service Agency office at theirlocal USDA Service Center. Applications will be accepted via mail, fax, hand delivery, or electronic means.
Producers with an eAuthentication account can apply for PATHH via ourPATHH Application Portal. Applications can be completed, electronically signed, and submitted directly to your local USDA Service Center through this online system. Reference ourPATHH Application Portal User Guide for more information. Producers interested in creating an eAuthentication account should visitfarmers.gov/sign-in to learn more.
Your local Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff will work with you to fill out the PATHH application. Visitfarmers.gov/service-locator to find contact information for the FSA office at your local USDA Service Center. FSA staff are available to support you in preparing your application. You may also call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer assistance or answer any questions.
Q. What documents do I need to submit with my PATHH application?
The forms needed to complete your PATHH application are available for download at farmers.gov/pathh. These include the program application form – FSA-1118 – along with forms to confirm your personal information, enable your direct deposit payment, and certify compliance with USDA conservation compliance provisions. You may also be required to provide certain documentation from your tax records.
Q. My local USDA Service Center is not open for walk-in service. How does this impact how I'll submit my application?
We are committed to delivering USDA services while taking safety measures in response to the pandemic. Some USDA offices are open to limited visitors by appointment only. Service Center staff also continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, email, and other digital tools. Please call the Farm Service Agency office at yourlocal USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment if you'd like assistance or have questions about applying for PATHH.
A call center is available for applicants who would like additional one-on-one support with the PATHH application process over the phone. Please call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer support. The call center can provide service to non-English speaking customers. Customers will select 1 for English and 2 for Spanish. For other languages, customers select 1 and indicate their language to the call center staff
For additional information on the Application Process, click here.
PATHH Payments
Q. How will PATHH payments be calculated for eligible truckers and loggers?
PATHH payments will be based on the applicant's gross revenue received from January 1, 2019 through December 1, 2019, minus gross revenue received from January 1, 2020 through December 1, 2020, multiplied by 80 percent. The below equation represents this calculation:
Expected PATHH Payment = (2019 Gross Revenue – 2020 Gross Revenue) x 0.80
The Farm Service Agency will issue an initial payment equal to the lesser of the application calculated payment amount described above or $2,000. A final payment will be made after the signup period closes to applicants whose expected total payment exceeds $2,000. The sum of both payments will be no greater than $125,000, and USDA may prorate final payments and/or reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total funding allocated for the program.
Q. How will PATHH payments be distributed?
Eligible program applicants will receive up to two PATHH payments through direct deposit. The first payment up to $2,000 will be made after an application is approved. A second and final payment will be made after the application period closes on October 15, 2021. The sum of both payments will be no greater than $125,000, and USDA may prorate final payments and/or reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total funding allocated for the program.
Q. Is this a first-come, first-serve program? What if you run out of money?
To ensure there is adequate funding for all eligible loggers and truckers, the Farm Service Agency will make an initial payment of equal to the lesser of the application calculated payment amount or $2,000. A final payment will be made after the signup period closes to applicants whose expected total payment exceeds $2,000. The sum of both payments will be no greater than $125,000, and USDA may prorate final payments and/or reduce this payment limitation if total calculated payments exceed the total funding allocated for the program.
Q. When are PATHH payments expected to begin?
Farm Service Agency county offices will process applications as they receive them beginning July 22, 2021. Program approval is handled at the local level and the timeline for this approval process, including required internal controls and data validation, varies from county to county. Initial payments of up to $2,000 will be made shortly after applications are approved. A second and final payment will be made after the application period closes on October 15, 2021.
Click here for additional information on Payments.