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Consumer Options for Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund Payment

If a DCWP-licensed home improvement contractor did not complete the job you contracted them to do or owes you money, you may be eligible for repayment through the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund. Please note that all disbursements are made at the discretion and review of DCWP. If you meet specific eligibility guidelines, you can file for a:

Standard Trust Fund Invasion Process
OR
Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund Claim Process

Learn more about each process below.

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1. Standard Trust Fund Invasion Process

Under the Standard Trust Fund Invasion Process, eligible consumers may recover up to $25,000 from the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund.

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Who is eligible for the Standard Trust Fund Invasion Process?

You are eligible for the Standard Trust Fund Invasion Process if:

a) The money requested arises out of a contract with a DCWP-licensed home improvement contractor; and
b) The contractor held a DCWP-issued license at the time you contracted with them; and
c) The contractor paid into the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund when obtaining their DCWP license; and
d) You have all relevant contracts, proofs of payments, repair receipts, and all other documentation sufficient to support the money requested; and
e) You have obtained and can provide DCWP with one of following:

i. Breached Settlement Agreement; or
ii. Court Judgment; or
iii. Arbitration Award; or
iv. Administrative Decision; and

f) Some or all of what is owed to you is still outstanding.

How can I pursue a Standard Trust Fund Invasion?

You may pursue a Standard Trust Fund Invasion by filing a complaint with DCWP online.

You must include all required documents (store receipts, bill of sale, warranties, contracts, cancelled checks, letters to the business, judgments, etc.). DCWP cannot process the complaint without these documents, and failure to provide them upon request may result in your complaint being closed.

What happens when I file a complaint to pursue a Standard Trust Fund Invasion?

If you have provided sufficient documentation demonstrating eligibility for a Standard Trust Fund Invasion, DCWP will request an affidavit from you certifying that you have not received payment. Once the affidavit is received, DCWP will issue a demand to the contractor that they pay you the monies owed. If the contractor fails to comply, DCWP will approve your payment and mail you the appropriate amount.

2. Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund Claim Process

In October 2023, DCWP created an easy Claim Process to recover up to $10,000 from the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund for eligible consumers.

Who is eligible for the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund Claim Process?

You are eligible for the new Claim Process if:

a) You submitted a complaint with DCWP against a licensed home improvement contractor on or after January 1, 2016; and
b) You fully participated in the mediation process but did not reach a settlement, and did not recover in court; and
c) The contractor was licensed by DCWP at the time you signed the home improvement contract; and
d) The contractor paid into the Home Improvement Contractor Trust Fund; and
e) You submit all relevant contracts, proofs of payments, repair receipts, and all other documentation sufficient to demonstrate your claim; and
f) You submit sworn and notarized statements detailing your claim and any refunds or credits you have received.

How can I file a claim?

Download the claim form and fully complete, sign, and notarize it.

You must also submit sufficient documentation to fully demonstrate and support the amount you seek. Failure to provide documentation will result in your claim being denied.

Submit your Claim Form and all required documentation to: HICClaims@dcwp.nyc.gov.

What happens when I file my claim?

If you have provided sufficient documentation demonstrating eligibility for the Claim Process, DCWP will approve your claim and mail you the appropriate payment.