The Wisconsin declaration: DR-4923
Last checked September 26, 2026. Disaster declarations and designated areas change — always confirm current status with FEMA and with Matthew.
Active — Individual Assistance According to FEMA's data, DR-4923 was declared for Wisconsin on June 30, 2026, covering severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding from April 13–23, 2026. Individual Assistance was designated for 19 counties and the Oneida Indian Reservation. It shares a declaration date and an overlapping incident period with Michigan's DR-4925, but it's a separate declaration with its own designated areas.
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-4923 page.
Wisconsin areas designated for Individual Assistance
| Individual Assistance areas (DR-4923) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bayfield | Brown | Buffalo |
| Jackson | Jefferson | Juneau |
| Kenosha | Manitowoc | Marathon |
| Milwaukee | Outagamie | Racine |
| Rock | Sauk | Vernon |
| Washington | Waukesha | Waupaca |
| Winnebago | Oneida Indian Reservation | |
The list runs from Bayfield County on Lake Superior to Kenosha and Racine counties on the Illinois border, and includes the Milwaukee and Green Bay metro areas (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Washington, Brown, and Outagamie counties) along with many rural counties. The Oneida Indian Reservation is listed separately; FHA lending on tribal trust land has its own rules, so talk with Matthew early if that applies to you.
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: what it means for Wisconsin borrowers
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 short, 203(h) works as a no down payment mortgage for Wisconsin survivors who qualify.
For a family paying rent on temporary housing while still carrying costs on a damaged home, keeping a down payment in the bank can make the difference in being able to buy at all. Closing costs can be covered with your own funds, seller contributions within FHA limits, lender credits, or eligible gifts.
The deadline: around June 30, 2027
Case numbers generally must be assigned within one year of the declaration date — for DR-4923, around June 30, 2027. Wisconsin's winter slows both home sales and construction, so if you plan to buy, starting the search in fall 2026 gives you more room than waiting for spring. If you plan to rebuild, get contractor bids and permit guidance before the ground freezes if you can. Confirm your exact deadline with Matthew.
Homeowners and renters
- Homeowners may buy a replacement home or rebuild, and can pair 203(h) with 203(k) for major repairs — see rebuilding with 203(h) and 203(k). If you have a mortgage on the damaged home, call your servicer and read mortgage relief options.
- Renters may be eligible too. Your lease, utility bills, and FEMA registration help show the damaged unit was your primary residence.
Insurance and documents
Standard homeowner's and renter's policies typically cover wind and tornado damage but exclude flood; flood damage is usually covered only by a separate flood policy. Knowing which coverage applies helps you plan the new loan.
- Proof you lived at the property before April 13, 2026 — Wisconsin driver's license or ID, utility bills, voter registration, lease or mortgage statement
- FEMA registration number and letters
- Insurance claim, adjuster's report, and photos
- Standard income, asset, and credit documents
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
Is the Oneida Indian Reservation covered?
Yes, it's listed for Individual Assistance under DR-4923. FHA lending on trust land has additional requirements — Matthew will confirm how they apply.
Is it really 0% down?
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.
My county isn't listed. What now?
Check FEMA's designated areas for amendments, and ask Matthew about standard FHA, 203(k), or other options.
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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