Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026

The "Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026" significantly expands eligibility for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance, particularly for housing-related needs. It allows individuals and households without documented ownership rights to a property, such as those on "heirs' property," to receive aid, and extends eligibility to individuals experiencing homelessness or residing in various temporary accommodations. This expansion also covers costs associated with obtaining property titles, including land surveys, taxes, and fees.

To streamline the process, the bill mandates that FEMA consider a wide range of evidence to demonstrate "constructive ownership" for those lacking traditional documentation, such as utility bills, state-issued identification, or wills. FEMA must create a self-certification "declarative statement" form for applicants, explicitly prohibiting any notarization requirement. This form is exempt from certain public review requirements, and FEMA must provide guidance to its employees on these new provisions.

For applicants affected by disasters since January 1, 2017, the bill provides 180 days to submit the declarative statement form to reopen or appeal their cases. It also amends the Stafford Act to broaden the scope of repair and rebuilding assistance, changing the criteria from "rendered uninhabitable" to "damaged by a major disaster" and focusing on ensuring residences are "habitable during longer term recovery." Additionally, FEMA and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are required to consult within 60 days of a major disaster declaration to implement joint programs for temporary rental assistance, ensuring comprehensive support for all eligible survivors.