If You Can’t Live in Your Home Following the August 2026 Storms

COLUMBUS - FEMA disaster assistance may provide homeowners and renters in Ohio's designated counties with funds for serious needs, basic home repair, rental of temporary housing and other uninsured expenses resulting from the August 2026 disaster.

If it is unsafe to stay in your home because of the disaster, and you don't have insurance to cover a temporary place to live, be sure to report your housing needs to FEMA when you apply. FEMA staff will work with you to determine your eligibility and the type of assistance that meets your housing needs.

Displacement Assistance

Displacement Assistance is money to help with immediate housing needs if you cannot live in your home after the disaster. This money can be used to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or for other options while you look for temporary housing.

Displacement Assistance is a one-time payment. If you have used your Displacement Assistance and you still have housing needs, call the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

Lodging Expense Reimbursement

Lodging Expense Reimbursement is money to reimburse you for emergency lodging expenses such as a hotel or motel if you were displaced from your home due to the August 2026 storms and flooding. This would cover a short-term accommodation expense that you incurred immediately after a disaster. This money is only available if you do not receive money for Displacement Assistance.

Rental Assistance

Rental Assistance can help owners and renters pay for somewhere to live while repairs are made to their primary residence or they look for a permanent housing solution.

The initial award for Rental Assistance may be up to two months. If you're approved for an initial award, an application for continued temporary housing assistance will be mailed to you 15 days after the grant is approved. If you do not receive one, contact FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362.

Home Repair/Replacement

FEMA Home Repair Assistance can help you fix disaster-related damage to your primary residence. The money is meant to help make your home safe, clean, accessible and livable after a disaster. This may include addressing mold caused by the disaster, money to repair or replace damaged wells, septic systems or privately owned roads and bridges.

If your home repairs are complete or underway, you may still apply for FEMA assistance. Photographs, receipts and other documentation can demonstrate disaster-related costs or essential needs to move your application forward.

How to Apply for FEMA Assistance

If you have insurance, file a claim before applying for FEMA assistance. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

The fastest way to apply is online at DisasterAssistance.gov or the Spanish language DisasterAssistance.gov/es or by calling the FEMA helpline at 800-621-3362.

If you can't apply online or by phone or you need in-person help submitting documents, visit one of the open recovery centers. Find locations and hours online at fema.gov/drc.

The deadline to apply is December 1, 2026.