What you need to know about

Strengthen Mississippi Homes Grant Program

A clearer path to a stronger roof—and the right next step before work begins.

Existing southern home with a new dark shingle roof
Current program status · verified October 13, 2026 Applications are currently limited to eligible Mississippi Windstorm Underwriting Association (MWUA) policyholders. For 2026 grants, applicants must have three consecutive policy years with MWUA. Selection is by lottery. Program rules and open periods can change, so confirm current details with the Mississippi Insurance Department.
Strengthen Mississippi Homes
Check current status with MID Ask Knockout about FORTIFIED

Up to $10,000 toward a qualifying FORTIFIED Roof upgrade

The Strengthen Mississippi Homes (SMH) program helps eligible Mississippi homeowners strengthen their roofs against wind, hail and severe weather. A grant may cover up to $10,000 of approved roof-upgrade costs. Funds are paid directly to the contractor after the project is complete and the required FORTIFIED certificate is issued.

The grant does not cover the evaluator’s fee. Homeowners also pay any project cost above the grant award.

Important: submitting an application or interest form does not guarantee a grant. Do not begin mitigation work before SMH issues the grant award letter.

Start with the current eligibility rules

For the 2026 program, the Mississippi Insurance Department says applicants must meet the current MWUA requirement and the property requirements below.

  • Your home is your owner-occupied, single-family primary residence in Mississippi.
  • Your home is in good repair, except for eligible recent storm damage.
  • You have an in-force homeowners policy with wind coverage.
  • You have flood insurance if the home is in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
  • For the current 2026 round, you are insured through MWUA and have three consecutive policy years of MWUA coverage.

Condominiums, duplexes, mobile homes and manufactured homes are not eligible at this time.

What the grant pays—and what it does not

The grant may coverThe homeowner pays
Up to $10,000 of approved roof-upgrade costsThe FORTIFIED evaluator’s fee
Payment to the contractor after completion and certificationAny amount above the grant award
Work within the program-approved scopeWork outside the approved scope

How the SMH process works

Roofing crew installing a new roof on a southern brick home

Grant-funded work must meet FORTIFIED standards — and can’t begin until the award letter is issued.

  1. Check current status and apply onlineUse the official MID SMH page. Open periods and eligibility can change.
  2. Enter the lotteryMeeting the requirements and applying do not guarantee selection.
  3. Complete the application reviewIf selected, provide the documents SMH requests, including insurance and residence documentation.
  4. Choose an evaluator after approvalSelect from the current list of SMH-qualified evaluators. You pay the evaluator directly.
  5. Obtain three contractor bidsAfter the home passes evaluator pre-qualification, choose three program-qualified contractors to bid the required work.
  6. Wait for the award letterDo not begin program work until the SMH award letter is issued.
  7. Build, document and certifyThe evaluator documents materials and installation, submits the file to IBHS, and the contractor is paid after all grant requirements are satisfied.

The evaluator is the independent verification step

FORTIFIED roof gable detail against a clear blue sky

A Certified FORTIFIED Evaluator does not install the roof. The evaluator independently documents whether the home and completed work meet the FORTIFIED requirements.

  • Before work: inspects the property to determine whether it meets minimum FORTIFIED eligibility requirements.
  • During work: coordinates required documentation of materials and installation methods with the selected contractor.
  • After work: submits documentation and images to the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS) for review and certification.
Knockout is on the SMH evaluator list Knockout Inspections is listed with the Strengthen Mississippi Homes program as a qualified FORTIFIED evaluator. If your SMH application is approved, you can select Knockout directly — and we’ll guide you from pre-qualification through certification.

Why homeowners choose an independent FORTIFIED guide

The evaluator’s job is to verify the standard—not sell the roof. Knockout brings homeowners clear communication, disciplined documentation and experience coordinating the details that IBHS reviews for a FORTIFIED designation. Knockout is listed with the Strengthen Mississippi Homes program as a qualified FORTIFIED evaluator.

Ask Knockout about the evaluation process

Frequently asked questions

Is this a “free roof” program?
No. A grant may cover up to $10,000 of approved roof-upgrade costs. The homeowner pays the evaluator’s fee and any project cost above the grant award.
Is the current program open to every Mississippi homeowner?
No. As of October 13, 2026, applications are limited to eligible MWUA policyholders. The 2026 rules require three consecutive policy years with MWUA. Confirm current status with MID before applying.
Are duplexes eligible?
No. MID currently lists condominiums, duplexes, mobile homes and manufactured homes as ineligible.
Does applying guarantee a grant?
No. Eligible applicants are selected through a lottery process, subject to available funds and program review.
When should I hire an evaluator?
MID says homeowners will choose an evaluator after application approval from the list the program provides. The evaluator’s fee is paid directly by the homeowner.
Can work start before the award letter?
No. Wait until SMH issues the grant award letter and follow the program’s contractor-selection process. Work begun outside the approved process is not covered.
Does a FORTIFIED designation guarantee an insurance discount?
No. A designation may qualify a homeowner for a discount, but the amount and availability depend on the insurance carrier. Ask your insurance agent for policy-specific details.
What happens if my home does not meet minimum FORTIFIED eligibility?
The property will not be awarded an SMH grant. The evaluator’s first inspection determines whether the home can proceed under the FORTIFIED requirements.
How long does a FORTIFIED designation last?
FORTIFIED designations are valid for five years. A redesignation inspection is required to renew the designation.
Where can I verify the latest rules?
Use the official Mississippi Insurance Department SMH page for current application status, program documents and announcements.
Knockout Inspections

Know the rules before the roof work begins

Start with the official program status. Then use an independent evaluator who can explain the documentation path clearly and coordinate the verification steps from pre-qualification through certification.

Check current status with MID

Questions about FORTIFIED?

Call Knockout: (855) 463-6756

Program questions: SMH@mid.ms.gov

Program facts verified October 13, 2026. Confirm current details with the Mississippi Insurance Department before applying.

Call Now Button