Be vigilant in applying for NHT refund, agency urges

The National Housing Trust (NHT) will commence accepting applications for a refund of contributions made in 2017 on January 1, 2025.

While the NHT begins to accept applications for the new refund year on January 1, qualified contributors are being reminded that they may apply for a refund at any time during the year for contributions made in 2017 or earlier.

In addition, the NHT will extend the cash refund granted to eligible public sector workers for the upcoming year, 2025. Existing mortgagors who received their loan directly from the NHT will receive their contributions refund as a credit to their mortgage account.

APPLYING FOR AN NHT REFUND

Refund applications MUST be submitted exclusively online through the official NHT channels.

These are:

• NHT website (www.nht.gov.jm)

• NHT mobile app (available for download in the Google Play Store or App Store)

• NHT online platform (online.nht.gov.jm).

Contributors submitting refund applications are advised of the following:

• Ensure the use of secure, official NHT platforms only. Avoid third party websites or unofficial channels.

• Input accurate information during the application process.

• Double-check details such as name, banking information, and contribution history. Incorrect information causes delays in the processing of applications and will likely result in the application needing to be redone.

• Applicants must have their National Identification Scheme (NIS) and Taxpayer Registration Number (TRN) cards readily available during the application process.

Customers are being reminded that the service standard for the processing of a contributions refund is 15 working days, where the application was submitted correctly. Contributors should not make multiple applications and should ONLY resubmit an application upon advice from an NHT representative.

COLLECTING YOUR REFUND

Contributors may collect their refund as a direct deposit to their bank account or via a remittance agency. This must be selected during the application process.

For contributors who opt to use a remittance agency, there have been some changes to the rates associated with the service.

The new rates are as follows, inclusive of GCT:

1. JMMB Money Transfer Limited (JMMBMT) – $172.50

2. JN Money Services Limited (JNMS) – $200.000

3. VM Money Transfer Services Limited (VMMTS) – $160.00

The customer rates are applicable for payments in excess of J$500 and will take effect from January 1, 2025, through to December 31, 2027.

BEWARE OF FICTITIOUS COMMUNICATION

At the start of a new refund period, there is an increase in fictitious communication purporting to be from the NHT. These are not affiliated with the Trust and are fake.

Contributors are advised to:

1. Igno re unsolicited emails:

The NHT only sends communication regarding successful refunds or requests for customer contact if there is a problem with the application submitted. Ignore unsolicited emails claiming to be from the NHT.

2. Verify email addresses:

Official NHT communication will only come from verified NHT email addresses. Verify the sender’s email address before responding.

3. Avoid clicking suspicious links:

Do not click on any links in emails that seem suspicious or ask for personal information. Official communication will guide you to the secure NHT platforms.

Please be reminded that NHT communication during this time is to advise you of a successful application or where there is an issue in processing your application, to make direct contact with the NHT.

For assistance or to report suspicious activity, contact the NHT directly through any of its official channels. Do not use contact information provided in unsolicited communications.

By adhering to these guidelines, contributors can safeguard their personal information and enjoy a hassle-free application process.

For more information and updates, visit the official NHT website at www.nht.gov.jm.

You may also contact the NHT via email at wecare@nht.gov.jm or via the customer contact centre at 888-CALL-NHT or 876-929-6500, via web chat or the official NHT social media pages.

Refund applications MUST be submitted exclusively online through the official NHT channels.

• NHT website (www.nht.gov.jm)

• NHT mobile app (available for download in the Google Play Store or App Store)

• NHT online platform (online.nht.gov.jm).