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Home Improvement Grant Programme

The Home Improvement Grant (HIG) Programme forms part of Government’s holistic housing plan. Under this programme, the Ministry would provide a maximum of $15,000 to qualifying applicants to carry out approved repair/improvement works.

 

Approved Repair works

Approved repair works include (but are not limited to):

  •  Roof and ceiling repairs;
  •  Electrical works;
  •  Plumbing works including installation of indoor toilet and bath;
  •  Improved facilities for persons with disabilities;
  •  Additions, upgrades and adaption of space to ease overcrowding;
  •  Replacement of damaged floors, doors, cupboards and windows;
  •  Other works deemed critical to maintaining the integrity of the structure.

 

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, the applicant must:

  •  Be a citizen who reside in Trinidad and Tobago, and be 21 years and over;
  •  Have a monthly household income which does not exceed $5,000;
  •  Be able to show proof of legal tenure or permission to occupy;
    •  The applicant must be able to show a deed or certificate of title in their name; or, where the land is jointly owned, the applicant must show a signed letter of consent from the co-owner of the land along with valid identification;
    •  Should the land be rented, the applicant must show consecutive rent receipts in his/her name for a period of no less than three years;
    •  Should the land on which the structure exists is not owned or rented, the applicant has to show written permission from the owner of the property along with a copy of the deed or certificate of title in the owner(s) name, accompanied by a copy of the owner’s identification card;
    •  If squatting, the applicant must submit a Certificate of Comfort accompanied by a letter of non-objection from the Land Settlement Agency.
  •  Not have benefitted from a similar home improvement programme administered by the Ministry;

 

Application Process

  •  All applications are entered into the Ministry’s database and a random draw is used to select prospective applicants;
  •  Successful applicants are invited to attend an assessment interview to determine the veracity of their application;
  •  Supporting documents and a detailed estimate of the cost of repairs will be required;
  •  Applicants who are incapacitated, can make a request for interviews to be conducted at the applicant’s home or curbside at the Ministry’s office.
  •  A technical officer of the Ministry will visit the applicant’s premises throughout the process to ensure the approved work is being done in accordance with a legally signed Agreement;
  •  Funds will be disbursed in two (2) tranches, 50% on commencement and 50% when half of the repairs have been satisfactorily completed.

Where to Apply

Citizens can submit their completed applications to the following offices:

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development
#44-46 South Quay, Port of Spain
1(868) 623-HOME (4663) ext: 2188/2075/2054
Fax: (868) 625-8182
E-mail: grants@housing.gov.tt

The Housing Development Corporation
Sub-Office
Mc Gillvary Street, Mon Repos, San Fernando
1(868) 652-3116/2010

The Sugar Industry Labour Welfare Committee (SILWC) Offices
Cor. Dove and Balisier Avenue,
Couva
1(868) 636-2771/2