Email your concerns to itdbas@housing.gov.tt with a copy of your ID for assistance.

Our current programs include:

1. New Home Mortgage
2. Rental Accommodation
3. Emergency Grant and Special Cases
4. Home Improvement Grants
5. Home Improvement Subsidies
6. Residential Lots

1. The quickest way is from any computer with an internet connection. The online application is accessible through the HAFS Housing Application Website or through the Housing Development Corporation Website.


2. Complete a paper application by downloading and printing from this site: http://www.housing.gov.tt/application-forms/. The completed paper application can be dropped off or mailed to the Housing Development Corporation, 44-46 South Quay, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, or it can be hand-delivered to a customer service center on Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.


3. Application forms can also be collected from the HDC office on Mondays to Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.



The major difference with applying via the Internet is that the application form is submitted electronically and is immediately entered into the Ministry’s Housing Application Database System for processing.

We recommended that you use any of the following web browsers to access the HAFS Online site:

1. Internet Explorer
2. Google Chrome
3. Firefox
4. Safari

Each service has its own qualification criteria. You can call the Ministry of Housing or the HDC office and discuss the qualifications with the Customer Service Representative.

Eligibility

No, you can submit only one application for each of the services provided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.

Depending on availability you should typically hear about your status in two weeks. Please note that there is a great need for affordable housing in our country and the majority of our properties have long waiting lists or no availability. Please call the HDC staff directly for questions regarding waiting lists.

In general, an applicant’s wait for housing is usually several years.

We will need information to confirm your identity and that you are eligible for public housing. If we don’t already have the following information about you, you may be asked to bring it to the interview.

We may ask you to bring the same information about other members of your household who are moving with you. You also need to tell us at least three areas where you prefer to live so you can be matched to a suitable property.

Household members are people who permanently live with you, and can include extended family and boarders.

If you qualify for public housing, you’ll probably have to wait for a suitable house to become available. A suitable property for you is one that meets your housing needs as agreed during your assessment.

Explanation of the terms contained in the online housing application are available to you as HELP topics while you complete the housing application.

Once you have entered all of the required information and clicked the “Submit Application” at the end of the form, you will receive a message informing you that your application was successfully saved to the database. If your application was saved then you will be able to retrieve it from the Home Page under My Applications , otherwise you will have to recreate the application.

If you are editing an existing application, all information is automatically saved when each page is completed, so your edits will not be lost.

In order for data changes made from the edit page links to save, you must click the buttons at the bottom of each page that says Save or Submit.

The HAFS Online Home page allows an applicant to navigate through the system and perform any of the following functions:

1. Apply
   Use any of the links provided under “Apply” to create and submit an application for a housing solution/service.


2. Join Application
   Become a co-applicant by attaching your account to an existing application.


3. My Applications
   Retrieve your existing applications to perform updates, view the status of your application(s) and request removal of application or removal of co-applicant.


4. Home Menu Option
   Allows the applicant to return to the HAFS Home Page.


5. User Registration Menu Option
   Allows an applicant to update/change their personal, demographic and financial information.


6. FAQ
   Review the Frequently Asked Questions for instructions about using the HAFS system.


7. Message Center
   Review your incoming messages sent from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development.


8. Logout
   Used by the applicant to log out of HAFS.

To access a function on the HAFS Main Menu, position the mouse on the required function and click.

Applying online for any of the services provided by the MHUD and its Agencies is exactly the same as completing a manual application form and submitting it for processing. The major difference with applying via the Internet is that the application form is submitted electronically and is immediately entered into the Ministry’s Housing Application Database System for processing.

The services currently offered by the various Agencies are:

1. New Home Mortgage
2. Rental Accommodation
3. Home Improvement Grant / Subsidy and
4. Squatter Regularization
5. Residential Lots

Applying for a service online involves the following simple steps:

1. Registering with the Ministry of Housing.

The registration process allows an applicant to create an account along with a username and password that allows them access to their individual account in the HAFS database. Creating an account requries the entry of basic personal information by the applicant. Both the principal applicant and the co-applicant are required to create individual accounts.




2. Updating Personal, Financial and Demographic information.

After creating an account, an applicant completes entry of his/her personal, demographic and financial information. The financial information is critical as it is evaluated by HAFS to determine if an applicant(s) financially qualify for the service being requested. Both the principal and co-applicant are required to enter their financial information.




3. Submitting an application

After creating an account, the principal applicant must enter and submit an application for the service being requested. During this step, the principal applicant indicates the service required by selecting the appropriate application type. For example, if an applicant is applying for a new home, he/she will select the New Home Mortgage Application link under “Apply”.

The information required to complete an application is dependent on the service being requested. Thus, some application forms will take longer to complete as additional information specific to the type of application, must be entered. Upon submission, an application is assigned a unique Application Reference Number that will be used by the principal applicant to access the application. If the principal applicant is the only applicant, the application is completed and ready for processing by the relevant Agency. Otherwise, proceed to step 4.




4. Adding a Co-Applicant

Becoming a co-applicant of an application requires the co-applicant attaching their account to an existing application. The principal applicant must provide the co-applicant with the Application Reference Number of the application to which they are to become a co-applicant. Once the co-applicant has attached his/her account to the application, the application is completed and ready for processing by the relevant Agency.




5. Attending an Interview

Answer all questions on the application accurately and completely. Electronically submitting your online housing application is the first step in the housing application process. Once you have electronically submitted your online housing application, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development will contact you to schedule an interview. The housing application process cannot be completed until you appear for an interview with a CSR and submit all required documents.

An application for any service being requested can have a maximum of two applicants: one (1) principal applicant and one (1) co-applicant.

A principal applicant is considered the owner of the application and will be responsible for the application. The co-applicant will share the financial responsibility of any service/solution provided but will not be the owner of the application. That is, the co-applicant will not be allowed to make changes to the application, but will be able to view the application. Access to and the right to make changes to the application resides only with the principal applicant.

Both the principal applicant and the co-applicant will share the financial responsibility of the service/ solution provided by the Agency.

It is possible for the Ministry of Housing to remove a co-applicant from your existing application as long as you are the MAIN applicant requesting the removal of a co-applicant.

If the co-applicant cannot be contacted then the main applicant can obtain a legal affidavit stating that the co-applicant cannot be contacted and request removal from the application. Our Customer Service Department at the Ministry of Housing will notify you when the removal is completed.

To add a co-applicant to your application, you must provide the co-applicant with your application reference number, which will be used to attach the co-applicant’s account to your application.

If you cannot remember your password, please email Technical Support at itdbas@housing.gov.tt

To update your personal account information, click the menu option User Registration.

The personal information page contains multiple tabs, each tab featuring a different category of information. Click directly on a tab to browse or update information.

An applicant’s personal and demographic information consists of six categories as follows:

1. Personal Information
2. Address
3. Contact Information
4. Financial Information
5. Checkbox Details
6. Employment History
7. Additional Information

Tab 1 – Personal Information

On this page an applicant enters their personal information such as their national identification number, name, date of birth, marital status, etc. This information allows for the unique identification of an applicant in the HAFS database.

Tab 2 – Address

On this page an applicant enters general information about themselves such as address and country of birth.

Tab 3 – Contact Information

On this page an applicant enters phone contact and email information.

Tab 4 – Financial Details

The Financial Details tab is used to update an applicant’s financial information. HAFS Online captures the following financial information for all applicants:

1. Salary
2. Total Monthly Loan Payments
3. Total Monthly Credit Card Payments
4. Contributions for Home/Grant

An applicant’s financial information is very important as it is used to determine whether they financially qualify for a new home or rental accommodation. That is, HAFS will automatically determine the financial status (financially qualified, not financially qualified) of an application (applicant) in relation to the selected housing preferences, available housing solutions, the cost of the housing solution, and the terms of the mortgage.

If an applicant does not enter their financial information, HAFS will automatically default their financial status to NOT Financially Qualified. It is in the applicant’s best interest that they enter the required financial information.

Tab 5 – Checkbox Details

This section is completed if an applicant is physically challenged or if an applicant is a victim of a disaster such as flooding or fire. If physically challenged, you must enter all relevant information pertaining to your disability. If you are a victim of a disaster such as flooding or fire you must enter all relevant information pertaining to the disaster that occurred.

Tab 6 – Employment History

This page is used by an applicant to record their employment history.

Tab 7 – Additional Information

This page is used by an applicant to record additional information specific to the application.

Your application status is viewable by logging into your profile and viewing the following information on your existing applications under the heading My Applications:

1. Application Reference Number
2. Primary Applicant Name
3. Co-Applicant Name
4. Description of Service Applied For
5. Application Status
6. Date Application was Submitted

Similar to viewing your application status, you can see a list of applications you have submitted. After you have logged in, you can access My Applications to view your past submissions. You may choose to view, update or withdraw a previously submitted application.

This may be the result of too many programs running at the same time. We recommend you close all of your Internet web browser windows and any other applications you may have open and restart your computer.

Once you have established a profile on our site, you are able to access your profile at any time. If there is a change in your personal information or employment history, you can log in and click on the User Registration menu option to make updates.

To start creating an application, select the type of solution/service by clicking the relevant hyperlink listed under Apply. The wizard will take you through the application process step by step.

The steps involved in this phase are summarized as follows:

1. Selecting the type of solution/service required.
2. Entering application specific details.
3. Indicating housing/rental preferences.
4. Entering household members’ information (if applicable).
5. Uploading required documents.
6. Submitting completed application form.

A solution/service type refers to services provided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and its Agencies.

An applicant can request through the HAFS Online for the following services:

1. New Home Mortgage
2. Rental Accommodation
3. Squatter Regularization
4. Home Improvement Grant / Subsidy
5. Emergency Grant
6. Residential Lot

It should be noted that the Home Improvement Grant service falls under the Home Improvement Program and forms part of the Housing Subsidy system of the Ministry of Housing. It is not a continuous service offered by the Ministry of Housing and thus access to this service is limited to when the program is operational. Similarly, access to the Residential Lots program is limited to when the program is operational.

Each household member is entered individually on the Household Members page and then saved by clicking on the + Add Household Member button.

After entering all household members, click on Next to proceed to the next step in the application process.

This step involves entering all persons who will be members of the applicant’s household. An applicant lists all persons who are to be members of their household by indicating the member’s:

1. Last name
2. First name
3. Middle name
4. Gender
5. Date of birth
6. Relationship to principal applicant
7. Dependent Status
8. Physically Challenged Status

An unlimited number of household members can be entered.

The final step in the application creation process is submission of the completed application form. During this phase, the system generates and assigns a unique reference number to your application. To complete your application click Submit Application . Be sure to write down the application reference number.

The Application Reference Number is used to access/retrieve an applicant’s application in HAFS.

The process of applying for a Home Improvement Grant is the same as applying for a New Home. The steps involved in completing a Home Improvement Grant application are:

1. Select “Home Improvement Grant Application” listed under Apply.
2. Enter Home Improvement Grant Requirements.
3. Enter household member’s information (if applicable).
4. Submit the completed application form.

The process of applying for Squatter Regularization is the same as applying for a New Home. The steps involved in completing a Squatter Regularization application are:

1. Select Squatter Regularization Application as the solution/service type listed under Apply.
2. Enter Squatter Regularization requirements (i.e. date of occupancy, land type, squatting location).
3. Enter household members’ information (if applicable).
4. Upload required documents.
5. Submit completed application form.

To become a co-applicant of another application, you must do the following:

1. Login to HAFS Online by entering your Username and Password.
2. On the Home Page, under Join Application, enter the Application Reference Number and click Join to proceed to becoming a co-applicant.

A message appears on the HOME page indicating that the co-application was successful. An application can have a maximum of two applicants, one principal applicant and one co-applicant. The principal applicant creates the application and allows one co-applicant to be attached to the application. The principal applicant is the owner of the application and is the only person allowed to make changes to the application. A co-applicant does not have access to the application, can only view the details of the application but cannot makes changes to it.

In order to become a co-applicant of an existing application, the principal applicant must provide the applicant with the Application Reference Number for the application. Using the Application Reference Number, the co-applicant will attach his/her account to the application. To become a co-applicant an applicant must first create an account by registering with the Ministry and complete entry of his/her personal and financial information. See instructions for Registering and Entering Your Personal and Financial Information.

The Home function on the HAFS Main Menu allows the applicant to return to the HAFS Home Page (Welcome Page). Click Home to return to HAFS Home Page.

If you are already signed in and you want to change your current password do the following:

1. Click User Registration on HAFS Main Menu.
2. Click the Reset Password hyperlink.
3. On the Reset Your Password page enter your new password, confirm new password, and password reminder hint (optional).
4. Click Submit to save the new password.

If you cannot remember your password and are unable to sign in to the application, please email Technical Support at itdbas@housing.gov.tt and attach your National ID for verification to have your password reset.

On average, it takes about 30 minutes for most of our customers to complete the on-line application. This is the quickest way to apply.

If you encounter problems completing an application, please call our Customer Service Center at the Ministry of Housing (1-868-623-4663) or send an email to IT Support at itdbas@housing.gov.tt.

Once your application has been submitted and saved to our database, a unique Application Reference number will be generated for your application. If you created a HAFS Online account you will be able to see when we update your application status by viewing the application details listed on the home page. If you are not able to go online, we will send your notices by mail or correspondence.

If your application was selected:

STEP 1: You will be called in for an interview.

We will call you within 5 days at the phone number you provided. If we can’t reach you we will leave a message and send a notice with our contact information. During your interview, we will ask questions about your household situation. You may also be asked questions to help us verify your identity.

STEP 2: You may need to provide additional information.

We will give or send a notice to you showing what is needed. The notice will give you a deadline to provide the required information. Some examples are: Proof of identity, citizenship, and noncitizen status, proof of earned and unearned income for each household member. You can mail, upload your documents to your HAFS Online Account, or submit information at our Head Office.

STEP 3: Your information is received and your application is being processed.

It may take longer to finish processing your application if you have outstanding documents to submit.

STEP 4: Your eligibility is determined.

If you are eligible for a housing solution we will contact you. If you are not eligible, you will receive a notice in the mail and in your HAFS Online Account explaining the reason(s) why you are not eligible.

You are not allowed to change your HAFS Online Account user name once you have created it.

Email your concerns to itdbas@housing.gov.tt with a copy of your ID for assistance.