The Hawaii declaration: DR-4936
Last checked September 26, 2026. Disaster declarations and designated areas change — always confirm current status with FEMA and with Matthew.
Active — Individual Assistance FEMA's data shows DR-4936 declared on September 1, 2026, for an M6.0 earthquake on May 22, 2026, with Individual Assistance for Hawaii County — the Island of Hawaiʻi. Notice the gap: the earthquake was in May, but the declaration came more than three months later. For 203(h), the one-year clock generally starts at the declaration date, which gives survivors until about September 1, 2027.
Declaration dates are from FEMA's data and may differ by a day or two from press-release dates; confirm with Matthew.
Official details: FEMA's DR-4936 page.
No down payment: 100% financing in a high-cost market
FHA 203(h) loans don't require the normal 3.5% minimum down payment that standard FHA 203(b) mortgages require — eligible disaster victims can finance up to 100% of the purchase price. Closing costs, prepaid items, and FHA mortgage insurance still apply, and standard FHA underwriting and county loan limits still apply. In a market where saving for a down payment can take years, a no down payment mortgage can be the difference for Hawaii County survivors.
FHA loan limits are set by county and reflect local home prices, but they still cap the loan amount. Matthew will check the current limit for Hawaii County against the homes you're considering.
203(h) is time-sensitive. Tell Matthew your county and what happened to your home — he'll help you check eligibility and next steps.
Talk with MatthewEarthquake damage and insurance
Earthquakes raise insurance questions that storms don't:
- Standard homeowner's policies typically exclude earthquake damage. Coverage usually comes only from a separate earthquake policy or endorsement. Check your declarations page.
- Fire following an earthquake is often treated differently from the shaking itself. Ask your insurer how your policy handles it.
- Without earthquake coverage, FEMA assistance, savings, and new financing may be the main resources — which is where 203(h)'s no-down-payment feature can help.
Buying or rebuilding on the Big Island
- Structural review. Earthquake damage isn't always visible. If you're weighing repair vs. rebuild, a structural engineer's report helps — and a 203(k) can finance major structural repairs. See rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k).
- Condos. 203(h) can be used for a unit in an FHA-approved condo project; confirm the project's FHA approval before you write an offer.
- Leasehold and land tenure. Some Hawaii properties are leasehold rather than fee simple, and FHA has specific requirements for leasehold properties. Ask Matthew before you make an offer on one.
- Post-disaster inspections. Lenders may require an inspection or appraisal update for homes in affected areas.
Homeowners, renters, and documents
Both owners and renters may be eligible. Gather proof you lived at the damaged property before May 22, 2026 (Hawaii driver's license or state ID, utility bills, voter registration, lease or mortgage statement), your FEMA registration, any insurance or earthquake-policy claims, engineer or county damage reports, photos, and standard income and asset documents. If you have a mortgage on the damaged home, call your servicer and read mortgage relief options.
Matthew is licensed in multiple states, not everywhere — tell Matthew where the property is and he'll confirm he can help there.
Frequently asked questions
The earthquake was in May. Is the deadline May 2027?
Generally no. The clock runs from the September 1, 2026 declaration date, so about September 1, 2027. Confirm with Matthew.
Is it really no down payment?
FHA 203(h) loans don't require the normal 3.5% minimum down payment that standard FHA 203(b) mortgages require — eligible disaster victims can finance up to 100% of the purchase price. Closing costs, prepaids, and FHA mortgage insurance still apply.
Does my homeowner's policy cover earthquake damage?
Typically not, unless you have a separate earthquake policy or endorsement. Check with your insurer.
Find out if FHA 203(h) fits your situation
Tell Matthew a little about the property and your plans. He'll follow up by phone or email — no obligation.
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