Social Security Minister Pearnel Charles Jr says the government has disbursed more than J$5.22 billion to households affected by Hurricane Melissa under the Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday (March 11), Charles Jr. said the programme continues to provide critical financial support to Jamaicans whose homes were damaged during the passage of the hurricane.

“The ROOFS Programme is the Government’s primary mechanism for delivering shelter recovery support to Jamaicans whose homes were damaged as a result of Hurricane Melissa,” Minister Charles Jr said.

To date, several beneficiaries have received payments, with funds being distributed through multiple channels including direct bank deposits, prepaid debit cards and QR code payments. The ministry has
completed four payment batches since the programme began issuing grants on January 30.

More than 100,000 household assessments were conducted across the island using the Jamaica Household Damage, Impact and Needs Assessment (JHDINA) digital system. The assessment phase officially closed on February 28, 2026.

The data-driven process categorised damage into three levels:

• Severe damage: J$500,000 grant
• Major damage: J$200,000 grant
• Minor damage: J$75,000 grant

Minister Charles emphasised that rigorous verification procedures are in place to ensure the programme remains fair and accountable.

“The integrity of this process is paramount. Every dollar of this programme must reach a family that
genuinely lost their home or had it damaged. Our verification systems exist to protect taxpayers and
beneficiaries alike,” he said.

Verification measures include geotagged assessments, TRN validation, GPS location checks, and
cross-referencing by the National Spatial Unit.

Several western parishes continue to account for a large share of verified cases due to the severity of hurricane damage.

Current figures show:

• Westmoreland: major – 3,806 | Severe – 2,488
• St Elizabeth: major – 2,203 | Severe – 952
• St James: major – 1,677 | Severe – 1,129
• Trelawny: major – 1,011 | Severe – 318
• Hanover: major – 948 | Severe – 442

The ministry said payments will continue to be issued in verified batches as additional cases become payment-ready. Beneficiaries whose homes were assessed as severe or major damage receive a text
message containing a secure link and personalised QR code to redeem building supplies at approved
vendors. They may also collect up to J$75,000 in cash if desired.

Persons with minor damage are contacted by telephone and receive the J$75,000 grant through direct
deposit or prepaid bank cards. Recipients must present valid government-issued identification, such as
a passport, voter’s ID card, or driver’s licence, when accessing benefits.

Minister Charles further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting all families affected by
Hurricane Melissa.

“The ROOFS Programme represents one of the most significant shelter recovery initiatives ever undertaken in Jamaica. We remain firmly committed to ensuring that every Jamaican family affected by the hurricane receives the support they need to rebuild their homes and restore stability to their lives,” he said.

The minister also continues to encourage beneficiaries to rebuild using proper building standards and hurricane-resistant construction measures, including the installation of hurricane straps, to strengthen
resilience against future storms.