The Ministry of Social Security says it has paid out over $115 million to Jamaicans whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Melissa.

The payments were distributed as of Friday January 30.

In a statement today, the ministry said under the Restoration of Owner Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) Programme,1,305 households have received financial assistance across multiple payment modalities, with all systems now fully activated to accelerate disbursements nationwide.

The assistance is provided across three damage categories.

They are minor damage: with a payment of $75,000 for structurally sound homes with damaged roofs, windows, doors, or fixtures.

Major damage: with payments of $200,000 for homes with compromised structural elements requiring significant repair, and severe damage: with payments of up to $500,000 for homes requiring demolition and complete
reconstruction.

The ministry said 1,235 households received $75,000 each via direct deposit, totaling $92.625 million, and 50 beneficiaries in the severe damage category received up to $500,000 each through digital vouchers, totaling 25 million.

It added that 20 Jamaicans received prepaid cards totaling $1.5 million.

Speaking at the roofs handing-over ceremony in Santa Cruz on Friday, Portfolio Minister Pearnel Charles JR., expressed heartfelt gratitude to the more than 400 volunteers and approximately 300 staff members whose dedication resulted in the completion of 87,876 home assessments –which enables payments.

Minister Charles also emphasized the Government’s commitment to responsible stewardship and complete recovery.

The Government has pledged that every Jamaican who lost a home due to Hurricane Melissa would receive support to rebuild, emphasizing that no one would be left behind.

It said that commitment is now being fulfilled.