Last Updated on: 23rd January 2024, 01:29 pm
The National Housing Trust (NHT) in Jamaica has initiated the process for the reimbursement of contributions made in 2016, effective from January 1, 2024.
NHT Refund Application 2024
The NHT has officially announced the commencement of the refund process for qualified contributors who made payments to the Trust in 2016 and earlier years.
This initiative, effective January 1, 2024, provides an avenue for individuals to reclaim their contributions under specific circumstances, aligning with the NHT’s commitment to transparency and financial accountability.
The NHT aims to streamline the processing of applications within 30 days from the date of receipt, accompanied by a non-refundable processing fee of $500 for online applications and $1,000 for paper applications. You can also check When to File GST and HST Return.
NHT Refund Eligibility
Key eligibility criteria for NHT Refund Applications include:
- Contribution Year: Contributions made before 2017 are eligible for refund in 2024.
- Eight-Year Rule: Applicants must have reached the eighth year since their initial contribution for the year they are applying for.
- Previous Refunds: Applicants cannot apply for a refund for a year in which they have already received one.
- Mortgage Status: Some mortgage-related restrictions may apply.
NHT Refund Types for 2024
The NHT offers three primary refund types catering to specific circumstances:
-
Regular Contributions Refund:
- Eligibility: Available to eligible contributors who have met the eight-year waiting period and have no outstanding mortgages or loans with the NHT.
- Purpose: Reclaim contributions made for personal financial needs or other purposes.
- Documentation: Basic personal information and identification documents.
-
Compassionate Refund:
- Eligibility: Applicable under specific conditions such as terminal sickness, permanent disability preventing gainful employment, or emigration from Jamaica.
- Purpose: Provide financial assistance in challenging circumstances.
- Documentation: Medical certificates, proof of disability, or emigration documents, along with standard personal information.
-
Death Benefit:
- Eligibility: Paid to the designated beneficiary upon the contributor’s death.
- Purpose: Offer financial support to the deceased’s family or beneficiaries.
- Documentation: Death certificate, beneficiary information, and personal details of the deceased contributor.
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NHT Refund Application Process 2024
Online Application:
- Visit the NHT website: www.nht.gov.jm.
- Navigate to the “Contributions Refund” section.
- Complete the online application form with accurate personal information and select the appropriate refund type.
- Upload clear and legible scans or photos of all required documents.
- Pay the non-refundable processing fee of $500 using a valid credit or debit card.
Paper Application:
- Download the application form from the NHT website or obtain one from an NHT branch.
- Complete the form legibly in black or blue ink.
- Attach photocopies of all required documents.
- Visit an NHT branch in person during working hours to submit the completed form and payment.
- Pay the non-refundable processing fee of $1,000 in cash or by debit card.
Gather Required Documents:
- Valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, voter’s ID)
- Tax Registration Number (TRN)
- Bank account information for direct deposit (recommended)
- Proof of eligibility for specific refund types (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate)
Submit Your Application:
- Online: Follow the online prompts, review your information carefully, and apply with uploaded documents and payment.
- Paper: Submit the completed form and documents in person at an NHT branch and make the payment.
NHT Refund Applications 2024 Timeline & Processing Fees
Timeline:
The NHT aims to process refund applications within 30 days of receipt, including reviewing the application, verifying eligibility, and processing payment if approved. Factors such as incomplete information, missing documents, or high application volume might extend the processing time.
Processing Fees:
- Non-refundable Processing Fee: A non-refundable processing fee is charged for all refund applications, regardless of approval status.
- Online Applications: The processing fee is $500.
- Paper Applications: The processing fee is $1,000.
- Payment Methods: Online applications can be paid using credit or debit cards. Paper applications can be paid in cash or by debit card at NHT branches.
NHT Refund Application Status
Applicants can track the status of their NHT refund application through the following steps:
- Visit the NHT website: www.nht.gov.jm.
- Access the “Contributions Refund” section.
- Locate the “Track Your Application Status” feature.
- Enter the application reference number received upon submission.
- Click “Track” to view the current status of the application.
