Super storm Sandy hit New Jersey (NJ) hard. Residents all over the state were upset to find their homes and property damaged, with almost no recovery process in sight. In order to help combat this issue, NJ dispenses up to $150,000 in the Released for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation and Mitigation (RREM) Program to provide grant funding assistant to eligible NJ homeowners.
The program helps to provide homeowners with funds in order to help people restore their primary residences after the storm. The homeowner will then work with a pre-qualified FEMA approved RREM contractor to handle the construction.
The state of NJ will conduct regular reviews including environmental clearances to help the process. If you were a victim of sandy, contact a NJ RREM contractor today to help speed up your home and family’s recovery process.
Here are several Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the RREM program:
Am I eligible for the RREM program in NJ?
In order to be eligible for the RREM program, the home in question has to be a primary residence. In addition, the homeowners must be registered with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
The program only serves households with adjusted income of less than $250,000. Money is provided on a “first received, first evaluated” basis. Finally, if you qualify, you have to be located in one of the nine accepted counties: Atlantic County, Bergen County, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex County NJ, Monmouth County NJ and Ocean County NJ. Those in the program receive their care and funds based on a ranking that is decided by the degree of damages, per RREM program NJ guidelines.
If you believe you qualify, contact an NJ RREM contractor for further information on your home repair process.
What does the RREM program actually fund?
RREM awards top off at $150,000 based on the degree of the damage. Funding can be used for pre-approved and eligible costs for rehabilitation, reconstruction, demolition (incidental to reconstruction), elevation and storm mitigation as determined by the State Department of Community Affairs and its RREM contractors.
You will not be able to use RREM funds for duplicate construction projects in which you received fund from FEMA or SBA on an approved basis. Basically, you can’t use two awarded grants for the same damage, the amount will be deducted from your grant.
How do I Apply for the RREM Program in NJ?
The Department of Community Affairs of NJ posts on its website follow-up outreach events and information coordinated through a Superstorm Sandy Housing Incentive Program (SSHIP) manager.
This SSHIP manager is responsible for the management of ‘intake centers,’ or places where you can find information about the RREM program, in each of the nine most impacted NJ counties, including phone and remote assistance. He or she will assign you a case worker to guide you through the RREM approval, construction and funding process.
What Documents Do I Need for the RREM Program NJ Application?
There are a few documents that you may need to supply if you are seeking relief assistance from RREM. If you can’t provide these documents or if it will take you a longer amount of time to produce them, it will slow down the approval process.
You may need to provide these documents, as well as others:
- FEMA payments for structural damage
- USDA loans and/or SBA loans
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and other Insurance Payments
Penn Jersey Development Company is a team of leaders and innovators that focuses on detail, value and sophistication for a seamless beginning-to-end home building experience. For more information on how we can become your RREM contractor, contact us.
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