KINGSTON, Jamaica—The National Housing Trust (NHT) says it will commence accepting applications for a refund of contributions made in 2018 on January 1, 2026.

NHT in a media release on Wednesday, said while it 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 2018 or earlier. It said all mortgagors whose accounts are up to date, are eligible to apply for a refund of their 2018 contributions.

NHT is also advising that refund applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official NHT channels. These are the NHT website (www.nht.gov.jm ) and the ‘NHT Online’ platform (online.nht.gov.jm).

It said a new mobile app is under development and will be released in the coming year.

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 an application for 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.

NHT said contributors may collect their refund as a direct deposit to their bank account only.

Meanwhile, NHT is urging contributors to 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,” it said.

Contributors are advised to:

● Ignore 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.

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

● 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,” it said.