The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) is committed to improving the quality of housing in Tobago. The THA provides qualified home owners with a grant or subsidy to repair or renovate their homes. The maximum grant amount is TT$15,000.00 and does not need to be repaid. The maximum subsidy is TT$20,000.00 and the homeowner must match all funds contributed by the government.
Do I qualify?
To be eligible for this programme, you must:
- Be a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago and resident in Tobago.
- Own a home.
- Have a combined household income that does not exceed TT$3,000.00 per month.
- Not have received any government or THA assistance for housing in the previous ten years.
How do I apply?
If you meet the criteria listed above, you can obtain and fill out an application form. Forms can be picked up from the Settlements Department of the THA at the address listed below. You must then return your completed application form to the Settlements Department.
The Settlements Department will review your application which must include the following:
- Proof of citizenship (birth certificate or passport).
- A recent job letter showing salary and employment status.
- One form of national picture identification (driver's licence, national identification card or passport).
- Estimates for repairs or renovation, including labour and materials.
How does the programme work?
Based on the information gathered, the Settlements Department determines whether you meet the criteria for assistance under this programme. If you meet the criteria, representatives from the Settlements Department visit your home to verify the work to be done. If the proposed work is justified, your application is recommended for approval. You must then submit all your invoices and receipts to the Settlements Department for checking and verification.
The Department will then issue you a cheque for 50% of the total grant amount. Representatives of the department visit your home once more to ensure that the work is completed in accordance with the request initially submitted and approved. Once these criteria are satisfied, a cheque for the remaining balance of the grant is issued.
The procedure for obtaining the subsidy is the same. However, the maximum amount payable is TT$20,000.00 and you must provide proof of ability to match the sum requested on the application form. This proof may be in the form of a statement from your savings or investment account, an official loan approval, or any other official document.
As in any other governmental housing programme, the neediest cases are addressed first.
Where can I find more information?
For more information on THA housing, or to obtain an application form, please contact the Settlements Department.
Settlements Department
Division of Settlements and Labour
Tobago House of Assembly
ANSA Mc Al Building
Milford Road
Scarborough
Tobago, West Indies
Tel. (868) 639-6800/635-1194
Fax. (868) 639-3494
Opening hours: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays