The West Virginia declaration: DR-4932
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-4932 declared on August 3, 2026, for a severe storm, straight-line winds, tornadoes, flooding, landslides, and mudslides during July 21–22, 2026. FEMA's press release is dated August 4. Individual Assistance was first designated for Lewis and Upshur counties, and an amendment on August 7, 2026 added Pleasants and Ritchie counties.
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-4932 page.
The four West Virginia counties designated for Individual Assistance
| Individual Assistance counties (DR-4932) | |
|---|---|
| Lewis | Upshur |
| Pleasants (added Aug 7, 2026) | Ritchie (added Aug 7, 2026) |
Lewis and Upshur are neighboring counties in north-central West Virginia; Pleasants and Ritchie are in the northwest, near the Ohio River. Check FEMA's designated areas for any 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 Matthew100% financing for eligible West Virginia 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. For West Virginia families who qualify, that means a 0% down mortgage to replace or rebuild the home they lost.
Closing costs can be covered with your own funds, seller contributions within FHA limits, lender credits, or eligible gifts and grants. Matthew will estimate them with you at the start.
Landslides, mudslides, and insurance
This declaration is unusual in listing landslides and mudslides along with storms and flooding, and that matters for recovery:
- Insurance gaps. Standard homeowner's policies typically exclude earth movement and flood. Flood policies may cover certain mudflow damage but generally not landslides. Read your policy and ask your agent exactly what applies.
- Rebuilding on the same site. If the ground itself moved, rebuilding may require a geotechnical evaluation and could be restricted. That can tip the decision toward buying a replacement home elsewhere.
- Buying nearby. Lenders may require a post-disaster inspection or appraisal update before closing in affected areas, and an appraiser may note slope or drainage concerns.
See rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k) for how to weigh the choice.
Deadline and documents
Case numbers generally must be assigned within one year of the declaration — about August 3, 2027. For Pleasants and Ritchie, the clock generally runs from the original August 3 declaration, not the August 7 amendment. Confirm with Matthew.
- Proof you lived at the property before July 21, 2026 — West Virginia driver's license or ID, utility bills, voter registration, lease or mortgage statement
- FEMA registration, insurance claims, adjuster reports, and any engineering or county records about ground movement
- Photos and standard income, asset, and credit documents
Owners and renters may both be eligible. 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 West Virginia counties are included?
Lewis and Upshur, plus Pleasants and Ritchie (added August 7, 2026).
My home was damaged by a landslide. Does 203(h) apply?
Landslides and mudslides are part of the DR-4932 incident. If your primary residence in a designated county was destroyed or badly damaged, 203(h) may apply.
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.
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.
Prefer to start now? Start your pre-approval · Schedule a call · (512) 952-1125
Please don't include Social Security or account numbers.