The Strengthen Alabama Homes (SAH) program provides grants of up to $10,000 to help eligible Alabama homeowners retrofit their homes to the FORTIFIED Roof standard, reducing damage from hurricanes and high winds, lowering insurance premiums, and increasing home value.
The program is managed by the Alabama Department of Insurance and funded entirely by insurance industry licensing fees, not taxpayer money.
What the Grant Covers
Grants pay 100% of the cost of mitigation up to $10,000. If the cost of work exceeds the grant amount, the homeowner is responsible for the difference. Payment is made directly to the contractor after the FORTIFIED designation certificate is issued. The grant does not cover the cost of the FORTIFIED Evaluation; the homeowner's responsible.
Who Qualifies
- Owner-occupied, single-family primary residence in an eligible Alabama county
- Home must be in good repair
- No condominiums, townhomes, mobile homes, or rental properties
- The home cannot be listed for sale during the process
- An active homeowners' insurance policy is required
- Wind insurance policy required at completion
- Flood insurance is required if the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area
- No income limits
Check StrengthenAlabamaHomes.com for currently eligible counties and upcoming application dates.
Tips Before You Apply
- Apply as soon as the portal opens. Applications close as soon as available funds are committed. Even a few minutes can make a difference. Your goal is to secure an applicant ID number, which holds your place in line.
- Select your evaluator quickly. Once your application is accepted, you have 7 days to choose an approved FORTIFIED Evaluator. Research evaluators before the grant opens so you are ready to choose immediately. Ask about their fee upfront since costs vary. Getting your evaluator lined up fast keeps your application moving.
- Then gather your documents. You have two weeks from the time you submit your application to upload your required paperwork, including insurance declaration pages, your most recent IRS Form 1040, and a notarized Vendor Disclosure Form. Use that time to carefully pull everything together.
- Research contractors in advance. After your evaluation, you will have 7 days to select three approved contractors to bid on the work. Knowing who you want to consider in advance prevents delays.
- The contract is between you and the contractor, not the grant program. Any cost above the $10,000 grant is your responsibility. Discuss this with your contractor before work begins.
How to Apply
Step 1: Create a profile and submit your application at StrengthenAlabamaHomes.com. You have two weeks to upload all required documentation.
Step 2: Once your application is reviewed and approved, select a certified FORTIFIED Evaluator from the approved list within 7 days. Get several price quotes before choosing.
Step 3: Complete the FORTIFIED Evaluation. Homes that do not pass are not eligible for the grant. If your home passes, select three approved contractors to bid on the work within 7 days.
Step 4: Once all three bids are submitted, you will receive your grant award amount. Select your contractor within 7 days. The contract for all work is between you and the contractor.
Step 5: Complete the mitigation work. Once your home receives its FORTIFIED designation certificate, the grant program pays the contractor directly up to the grant amount.
Step 6: Take your FORTIFIED designation certificate to your insurance agent to receive your discount. Upload your new insurance declaration page with the discount to your portal to finalize your application.
Documents Required
- Homeowners insurance declaration page
- Wind insurance declaration page (if a separate policy)
- Flood insurance declaration page (if applicable)
- Most recent IRS Form 1040 or 1040-SR (all pages, including signature page)
- Vendor Disclosure Form (must be notarized)
Insurance Discounts
Alabama homeowners with a FORTIFIED designation can save up to 35% off the wind portion of their insurance premium. Learn more about wind insurance.
About Strengthen Alabama Homes
The Alabama Legislature established the Strengthen Alabama Homes Act in 2011. It launched in 2016. The program is managed by the Alabama Department of Insurance and funded by insurance industry licensing fees, not taxpayer dollars. It is designed to lower insurance rates in Alabama while making communities more resilient to storm damage.
For general questions, contact Smart Home America. For application questions, contact the grant program directly.
Phone: 334-269-3550 or 1-800-433-3966 Email: SAH@insurance.alabama.gov Website: StrengthenAlabamaHomes.com