Raising a house is expensive, and FEMA’s mitigation programs exist precisely to help pay for it in places like Slidell, where the same homes flood again and again. These programs are administered through the state and the parish, not by contractors, so the first step is always to talk to your local government. This page explains the main options so you know what to ask.
Program rules, funding and deadlines change. Always confirm current details with St. Tammany Parish, the City of Slidell, or the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP).
The main programs
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
HMGP funding becomes available after a federal disaster declaration. The state and parishes use it for projects that reduce future damage, and home elevation is one of the most common. Funding typically covers a large share of eligible costs, with the remainder paid by the homeowner or another source. Application windows open after disasters, so it pays to get on the parish’s interest list.
Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA)
FMA is an annual FEMA program aimed at reducing flood claims on NFIP-insured properties. Priority goes to repetitive loss and severe repetitive loss properties, homes that have had multiple flood insurance claims. For the highest-risk homes, FMA can cover most or all of eligible elevation costs.
Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC)
ICC is part of a standard NFIP flood insurance policy. If your home is declared substantially damaged by a flood (or repeatedly damaged), ICC can pay up to $30,000 toward bringing it into compliance, which can include elevation. ICC can also be used to help cover the homeowner’s share on some grant projects. Ask your insurance adjuster about ICC as soon as a substantial damage determination is made.
Are you likely to be eligible?
Your home is a strong candidate if:
- It is in a Special Flood Hazard Area on the FEMA maps
- It has had one or more flood insurance claims, especially if it is on the repetitive loss list
- It is insured under the NFIP
- It was substantially damaged in a recent flood
- You own and live in the home and plan to stay
Step by step
- Contact the parish or city and ask about open or upcoming elevation grant applications.
- Gather documents: deed, flood insurance policy, claim history, and an elevation certificate from a licensed surveyor.
- Submit the application through the local government during the open window.
- Wait for approval and funding, which can take months.
- Get contractor bids following the program’s rules.
- Construction and inspections, then a new elevation certificate is submitted to close out the grant.
Working with a contractor on a grant job
Grant projects come with paperwork, inspections and payment schedules that differ from a private job. Choose a house raising contractor who has completed grant-funded elevations before and understands the documentation required. Request an estimate below and mention that you are pursuing a grant.
Common questions
Who do I contact about an elevation grant in St. Tammany?
Mitigation grants for homeowners are applied for through the local government, not directly with FEMA. Start with St. Tammany Parish's floodplain or grants office, or the City of Slidell if you live inside city limits, and ask whether an application period is open and whether your home is eligible.
Do I have to have flood insurance to get a grant?
For Flood Mitigation Assistance, the home must be insured through the National Flood Insurance Program. Grant-funded homes are also generally required to keep flood insurance going forward.
How long do FEMA elevation grants take?
Often a long time. From application to construction can take a year or more because of reviews, environmental checks and funding cycles. Starting early matters.
Can I pick my own contractor on a grant project?
Program rules vary. Many programs let the homeowner choose a qualified contractor but require bids, approvals and documentation. Confirm the rules with the parish before signing anything.