The Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment offers two home improvement programmes designed to assist persons who wish to do improvement works to their home and need financial assistance.
The IDB Home Improvement Subsidy offers a maximum of TT$20,000 and requires the homeowner to make a matching contribution of an equal or greater amount.
The Home Improvement Grant offers a maximum of TT$15,000 and does not require a financial contribution from the homeowner.
Both programs provide financial grants and the money provided does not need to be repaid.
Residents of Tobago should apply to the Tobago Home Improvement Grant and Subsidy Programme, administered by the Tobago House of Assembly.
IDB Home Improvement Subsidy
The IDB Home Improvement Subsidy Programme targets persons who wish to do improvement works to their home. The Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment will provide a maximum of TT$20,000 to successful applicants. The applicant, however, must also be able to contribute a matching or greater amount, which may consist of:
- Cash.
- Materials on site.
- Improvement works done within a period not exceeding 6 months prior to applying for the subsidy.
- A percentage of labour cost (sweat equity) can be valued and counted as part of the applicant's contribution.
"Sweat Equity" is the estimated dollar value of the actual physical labour contributed by the residents of the property to the improvement works. A percentage of the project's labour cost can be valued and counted as part of the applicant's contribution.
If an applicant does not have the matching contribution, he/she would not qualify for the Home Improvement Subsidy.
The following criteria must be satisfied in order to qualify for the subsidy:
- The total household income of all persons who live in the home to be repaired must not exceed TT$4,500.00 per month (i.e. annual household income of TT$54,000.00 and under)
- The home must be owned by the applicant (or the applicant must have written legal authority to occupy the property).
The applicant:
Must be a citizen and resident of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Must not have benefited from the Government's Home Improvement Grant Programme.
- Must be able to contribute a matching or greater amount to the subsidy.
The applicant must also be able to show proof of contribution (a combination of savings, materials on site, sweat equity) that would be applied to the repairs. Proof of savings must also be shown, in the form of a letter from a financial institution (e.g. Bank, Credit Union, Unit Trust Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago, etc.). This is required as the applicant must initially use his or her contribution toward the repairs. Thereafter the applicant would receive the matching subsidy from the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment.
Home Improvement Grant
This programme is similar to the Home Improvement Subsidy with the exception that matching funds are not required for the grant. A maximum grant of TT$15,000 is provided to successful applicants.
The following criteria must be satisfied in order to qualify for the grant:
- The total household income of all persons who live in the home to be repaired must not exceed TT$3,000 per month (i.e. annual household income of TT$36,000 and under).
- The land must be owned by the applicant (or the applicant must have legal authority to occupy the property).
The applicant:
- Must be a citizen and resident of Trinidad and Tobago.
- Should not have benefited from the Government's Home Improvement Subsidy Programme.
How do I apply?
Persons seeking assistance through these Home Improvement programmes can submit an application to the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment by:
- Filling out an online application via Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment website
- Filling out an application form at any of the offices or agencies of the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment
- Downloading an application form for the IDB Home Improvement Subsidy or the Home Improvement Grant using the link below
- Clipping or photocopying an application form from the newspaper
Completed application forms should be brought to a Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment office.
IDB Home Improvement Subsidy Application Form
Home Improvement Grant Application Form
How are applicants selected?
A frequent computerized draw is performed where applicants meeting the criteria are randomly selected. Once selected, applicants are then processed:
- A letter is sent requesting an interview.
- An interview is held between the applicant(s) and the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment. Required documentation and proof of matching funds (for Housing subsidy applicants only) must be presented to proceed with the process.
- Interviewees are informed by mail whether their application was successful or unsuccessful.
- An official of the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment performs a site visit to ensure that the house requires repairs.
- Recommended applicants are then contacted and must come to the Ministry to sign an agreement
- Another site visit is performed and the first payment is released on the recommendation of the official.
- Subsequent visits by the Ministry to assess repairs result in further disbursements.
What documents do I need?
The following documents must be provided by those selected for an interview:
- Copies of applicants Birth Certificate.
- Copies of ID Cards or Passports of all applicants.
- Copies of Marriage Certificate (if applicable).
- Copy of Title Deed or Deed of Lease or any other proof of ownership or permission to occupy the property - e.g. rent receipts.
- A recent pay slip and job letter (or an affidavit attesting to income for self-employed and other persons).
- Proof of matching savings e.g. letter from financial institution (for Home Improvement Subsidy applicants only).
- A statement of repairs and estimate of materials and labour required.
Applicants must show proof of legal tenure by:
- Providing a Deed or Certificate of Title in the applicant's name.
- Where land is family owned, the applicant must show a letter of permission from the co-owners of the land.
- If the land is rented, the applicant must show rent receipts in his or her name over a period of not less than five years.
- Where the applicant is not renting the land on which the structure exists, he/she must have written permission from the owner of the property, as well as a copy of a Deed or Certificate of Title in the owner's name.
When can I apply?
Application cycles are run periodically throughout the year. Application forms are printed in the daily newspapers at the beginning of each cycle. No applications will be accepted when the cycle period is closed.
Where can I find more information?
For further information about the Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment's home improvement programmes, please visit the Ministry's website at the link below. You may also contact the Trinidad and Tobago Housing Development Corporation (HDC) at (868) 623-HOME (4663). Dial extensions 2225 or 2229 for Home Improvement Grants or extensions 2094 or 2227 for the Home Improvement Subsidy.
Ministry of Planning, Housing and the Environment Home Improvement Programmes