How To Determine If You Are Eligible For RREM Contractor Funding in NJ

Homeowners in New Jersey who live at the shore know the term “RREM Contractor” all too well. It’s a state program designed to help distribute federal funds so homeowners can rebuild after Hurricane Sandy.

A RREM contractor reviews paperwork for a house raising project.

If you already have a RREM Contactor, you probably already know that RREM stands for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Elevation, and Mitigation. Upwards of $1.1 billion in federal funds were issued to New Jersey to help homeowners repair or rebuild homes damaged by the superstorm.

But first is determining if you are eligible. Here’s what you need to know about RREM contractor requirements. Eligibility requirements to receive RREM Program funding include:

Your home must have been damaged by Hurricane Sandy
The property in question must have been your primary residence at the time of Hurricane Sandy.
Your property must be located in Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, or Union counties.
The residence must have had Sandy damage with a Full Verified Loss (FVL) of at least $8,000 or had more than one foot of water on the first floor. This will be determined by FEMA.
You must have first registered for FEMA assistance. You must also have a FEMA number.
Your adjusted gross annual household income must be less than $250,000.

It’s important to recognize that grants go towards reconstruction and rehabilitation, as well as for house lifting and other improvements by your RREM Contactor to help prevent future flood damage. Eligible homeowners can get grants of up to $150,000.

Administered by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), RREM grants are intended for a homeowner’s primary residence. Property owners using RREM funds for secondary homes are committing fraud.

Property owners who get RREM funds must be sure their home meets with federal elevation requirements if their home is located in a flood plain. In many cases, that may mean a house lifting project.

If you begin the RREM process, the state will assign you a Housing Advisor and a RREM Project Manager. These individuals will assist you with the process, help you navigate the program, determine eligibility, assist with the application, and so on, as well as to provide technical assistance, ensure your RREM Contactor does work that meets construction standards, etc., as well as to inspect the in-progress construction.

According to the RREM Program standards, homeowners will only be reimbursed for costs determined to be “reasonable and necessary,” and those for repairs / improvements must be in the same footprint of the damaged home, as per requirements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

During the construction process, you’ll be assigned an RREM Project Manager, who is there to ensure sure the construction work meets RREM Program requirements. They will also handle construction payment requests. When your project is completed, the RREM Project Manager will also perform your final inspection.

To begin the process of securing funds for your home improvement or repair, reach out to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs or get in touch with your local RREM Contractor, who will assist you with the application process, the actual construction, securing funds, and more.