COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohioans affected by August storms, tornadoes and flooding have until Dec. 1, 2026, to apply for federal disaster assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
After submitting an application, applicants receive a nine-digit FEMA application number they should keep for future communications with the agency. FEMA will review each application and may contact applicants by phone, text, email, mail or through their online account if additional information is needed.
Applicants may be contacted by a FEMA inspector within 10 days of applying to schedule an inspection at the address where damage was reported. Calls may come from unfamiliar or restricted phone numbers, and applicants should record the inspector’s name, contact date, appointment details and phone number.
Inspectors must present official FEMA photo identification when they arrive. Inspections are free, and inspectors will not ask for money, banking information or payment.
During an inspection, applicants or their co-applicants should be prepared to verify their identity, homeownership if applicable, occupancy and household members who lived in the home at the time of the disaster. They may also need to provide insurance documents, show damaged areas and describe their losses.
Applicants who cannot attend an inspection may designate someone else to meet with the inspector, but FEMA must receive a copy of the written designation. Those who have already begun repairs can use photographs and receipts to help document the damage.
The inspection is one of several factors FEMA considers when determining eligibility for assistance. Applicants should receive information about FEMA’s eligibility decision within 10 days after the inspection.
Those who have questions can call the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362. Applications can be submitted online at DisasterAssistance.gov or DisasterAssistance.gov/es for Spanish-language assistance. Applicants can also create an online account to receive updates and notifications.
Additional information about the inspection process is available on FEMA’s Home Inspections page.
Last Updated on October 14, 2026 by AVC News
