KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the National Housing Trust (NHT) has rolled out a targeted Hurricane Relief Grant aimed at easing the financial burden on affected homeowners and contributors. The initiative underscores the NHT’s commitment to national recovery and its mandate to support Jamaicans in rebuilding their homes and lives after natural disasters.
The newly announced Disaster Relief Grant provides financial assistance to eligible contributors whose properties sustained damage as a result of the storm. With many households grappling with costly repairs, the programme offers critical short-term help at a time when families need it most.
Who Is Eligible?
The Relief Grant is available to a wide group of NHT contributors, including:
- Current contributors
- Pensioners
- Former contributors (conditions apply)
This inclusive approach ensures that longstanding contributors, as well as those no longer in the workforce, can still receive support if their homes were affected.
How Much Support Is Offered?
Applicants may receive up to $500,000 per collateral, depending on the level of damage and overall need. The NHT stressed that allocations will be assessed carefully to ensure fairness and to prioritise those most severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.
The grant is intended specifically for property-related damage, covering essential repairs that allow homeowners to restore safety, habitability, and structural integrity.
Application Process
To access the grant, contributors must complete the official application form and submit it—along with all required supporting documents—to the nearest NHT office. Applicants are urged to prepare their documents early to avoid delays, especially given the expected high volume of submissions.
The NHT also reminds applicants that proof of property ownership, evidence of storm damage, and current contributor details are essential for verifying eligibility.
Checklist: What You Need to Apply
A complete application must include the following:
- National Insurance Scheme (NIS) number
- Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- Two valid government-issued IDs
- Last two pay slips (where applicable)
- Marriage certificate (where applicable)
- Proof of ownership of the damaged property
- Photographs of the damage
- Estimate or invoice outlining the cost of repairs, including both materials and labour
These documents allow the NHT to assess the extent of the damage and determine the appropriate grant amount.
A Lifeline During Recovery
With communities across Jamaica still assessing losses from Hurricane Melissa, the Relief Grant is expected to play a vital role in helping families rebuild. The NHT reiterated its commitment to supporting national resilience and ensuring that contributors are not left alone in times of crisis.
The Trust encourages affected individuals to apply promptly and to reach out to their local NHT office with any questions.
For full details and to begin the application process, visit: https://www.nht.gov.jm/hurricane-relief-grant
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this news report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official guidance from the National Housing Trust (NHT). Eligibility requirements, grant amounts, documentation needs, and application procedures may change at any time at the discretion of the NHT. Individuals are encouraged to verify all details directly with the NHT before making decisions or submitting applications. This report does not guarantee approval of any grant or financial assistance.