Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2026

This bill would let people in federally declared major disaster areas, including people who live on property without documented ownership, people who do not rent, and people experiencing homelessness, qualify for FEMA individual and household assistance. FEMA would have to accept many kinds of documents, such as utility bills, pay stubs, school records, or medical records, as proof of ownership or occupancy. Within 30 days, FEMA would have to create a self-certification form that does not require notarization, and give applicants since January 1, 2017 at least 180 days to use it to reopen or appeal a case. The bill would also change repair rules so that homes damaged by a disaster, not only those made uninhabitable, can receive repair help. It would require FEMA and HUD to consult within 60 days of each new major disaster about a joint temporary rental assistance program.

Full text and official record on Congress.gov

Sponsors

• Elizabeth Warren Democrat sponsor
• 12 cosponsors