NJ Offers Funding to Elevate Primary Homes

New Jersey is offering a grant program to help homeowners with the cost of elevating their homes.

People can get information on the New Jersey Hazard Mitigation Elevation Program offered through New Jersey’s Office of Recovery and Rebuilding by visiting www.renewjerseystronger.org or calling 1-855-SANDYHM (1-855-726-3946).

The program offers up to $30,000 of reimbursement for homeowners to elevate their primary single family residences. This program can help people meet the elevation requirements and avoid financial penalties of higher flood insurance premiums.

There are no income requirements to participate, but the single family residence must have been owned and occupied by the homeowner at the time of Superstorm Sandy. The program is limited to homes located in the 100-year floodplain in Sandy-impacted counties of Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union.

The application period will close on September 15th, FEMA registration is not required. Homeowners can apply online, by phone or in person at a State Housing Recovery Center. Atlantic County’s center is located at 500 Scarborough Drive, Suite 101, Egg Harbor Township.

All homeowners who wish to take advantage of this program or other FEMA programs to elevate their home will eventually need to obtain a current Elevation Certificate that shows how much elevation is required to be compliant. Since obtaining an Elevation Certificate will take some time, homeowners are encouraged to start this process now.

Homeowners who accept the HMGP Elevation program assistance can use any elevation contractor registered in New Jersey that is qualified to do the work. The program provides for reimbursements once the work is complete and all necessary documents are submitted.