The National Housing Trust (NHT) is now accepting applications for a series of disaster relief initiatives implemented to support contributors and mortgagors whose homes and livelihoods were affected by the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
The initiatives include the Hurricane Relief Loan, the Special Disaster Grant, and a Moratorium on Mortgage Payments. Together, they form a comprehensive framework to ease the financial burden faced by families as they begin rebuilding.
HURRICANE RELIEF LOAN FACILITY
Through the Hurricane Relief Loan facility, homeowners, including contributors, NHT mortgagors and former mortgagors may access up to $3.5 million at an interest rate of 2% to effect home repairs or improvements to strengthen homes against future disaster. The loan was also designed to help mortgagors supplement insurance arrangements, such as financing the 2% insurance excess required.
Applicants must be current NHT contributors, aged 18-70, and listed on the property title. Contributors may also apply for a loan on behalf of an immediate family member whose home was damaged. Loan applicants will have up to 20 years or age 70, whichever comes first, to repay the loan, and includes a six-month repayment moratorium.
SPECIAL DISASTER GRANT
The NHT has also made available a Special Disaster Grant to provide additional relief to contributors and mortgagors impacted and who can demonstrate significant need.
The grant offers up to $500,000 to repair homes damaged by Hurricane Melissa. It may also be used to supplement the Hurricane Relief Loan, cover the 2% insurance excess or provide support where insurance coverage is insufficient.
Priority consideration will be given to: contributors unable to afford a loan, contributors who can only finance part of the repairs, contributors assisting immediate family members, pensioners whose homes or solar systems (financed under the NHT’s Smart Energy Grant) were damaged. Consideration will also be given to former contributors willing to regularise their contributions status.
MORATORIUM ON MORTGAGE PAYMENTS
Meanwhile, understanding the financial strain Hurricane Melissa has caused on our mortgagors, the NHT is offering an automatic six-month moratorium to mortgagors in the seven most adversely affected parishes. These are namely; Manchester, St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St. James, Trelawny and St. Ann.
The moratorium allows for a temporary suspension of all, or part of the required monthly mortgage payments. Mortgagors who prefer not to access this facility may continue to ordinarily make their monthly mortgage payments.
Mortgagors in all other parishes who are experiencing hardship or income disruption due to Hurricane Melissa may apply for a moratorium of up to six months. Applications close January 31, 2026, and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
PERIL INSURANCE CLAIMS
In addition to the disaster relief initiatives, the NHT has activated its comprehensive homeowner’s insurance arrangements.
Mortgagors whose properties were damaged by Hurricane Melissa are encouraged to submit Peril Insurance claims by January 15, 2026. Submissions must include: a completed Peril Insurance Claim Form, an estimate of the damage, photographs of the damage, valid identification. Claims may be submitted at any NHT branch office.
To further support affected contributors, the NHT will conduct targeted outreach across impacted communities, including mobile unit visits and pop-up locations, to ensure easy access to information and assistance.
For more information on any of the Trust’s disaster relief initiatives, contributors and mortgagors may contact their nearest NHT branch office or visit the NHT’s website, www.nht.gov.jm/recover.
The NHT remains committed to helping Jamaican families rebuild safely, with dignity, a sense of security and hope for the future.
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