The Louisiana declaration: DR-4927
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-4927 declared for Louisiana on June 30, 2026, for Tropical Storm Arthur, with an incident period of June 17–24, 2026. FEMA's press release is dated July 3. Individual Assistance was first designated for Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, and Terrebonne parishes; an amendment on July 20, 2026 added Pointe Coupee and Lafourche parishes.
Declaration dates are from FEMA's data and may differ by a day or two from press-release dates; confirm with Matthew.
Arthur also produced a separate declaration in Mississippi (DR-4930) — see the Mississippi page. Official Louisiana details: FEMA's DR-4927 page.
The six Louisiana parishes designated for Individual Assistance
| Individual Assistance parishes (DR-4927) | |
|---|---|
| Avoyelles Parish | St. Landry Parish |
| St. Tammany Parish | Terrebonne Parish |
| Pointe Coupee Parish (added July 20, 2026) | Lafourche Parish (added July 20, 2026) |
The list pairs coastal parishes (Terrebonne and Lafourche), a Northshore parish (St. Tammany), and parishes farther inland (Avoyelles, St. Landry, and Pointe Coupee). If your parish isn't listed, check FEMA for later amendments.
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 MatthewNo down payment: up to 100% financing for eligible survivors
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. Put simply, it's a 100% financing mortgage for Louisiana survivors who meet the program rules.
In Louisiana, prepaid items often include flood insurance in addition to homeowner's insurance, which can make the prepaid line larger than buyers expect. Matthew will help you estimate it early so there are no surprises at closing.
The deadline: around June 30, 2027
The 203(h) case number generally must be assigned within one year of the declaration — for DR-4927, around June 30, 2027. For Pointe Coupee and Lafourche, the clock generally still runs from June 30, not from the July 20 amendment. Hurricane season returns in June 2027, right as the window closes, so earlier is better. Confirm the exact date with Matthew.
Flood zones, elevation, and rebuilding in Louisiana
Many homes in the designated parishes sit in mapped flood zones. That affects both paths:
- Rebuilding: if a home in a mapped flood zone is substantially damaged, local floodplain rules may require the rebuilt home to be elevated or otherwise brought into compliance. Talk with your parish permit office or floodplain administrator before you commit. See rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k).
- Buying: if the replacement home is in a special flood hazard area, lenders will require flood insurance. Ask for the flood zone and any elevation certificate before you make an offer.
- Post-storm inspections: lenders may require a post-disaster inspection or appraisal update before closing on homes in affected areas.
Homeowners, renters, and documents
Both owners and renters may be eligible. Gather proof you lived at the damaged property before June 17, 2026 (Louisiana driver's license or ID, utility bills, voter registration, lease or mortgage statement), your FEMA registration, your homeowner's or renter's claim and any separate flood insurance claim, adjuster reports, and photos. 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
Which parishes are included?
Avoyelles, St. Landry, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, plus Pointe Coupee and Lafourche (added July 20, 2026).
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.
Will I need flood insurance on the new home?
If it's in a special flood hazard area, the lender will require it. Matthew can help you check before you make an offer.
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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