Secure Your Home and Cut Insurance Costs- Strengthen Oklahoma Homes (SOH) Program

Oklahoma residents are no strangers to the powerful winds and hailstorms that strike each year. That’s why the Strengthen Oklahoma Homes program is a smart way to protect both your home and your budget. Managed by the Oklahoma Insurance Department, this initiative has completed two pilot phases, and more ZIP codes will soon become eligible.

This grant-based program helps homeowners safeguard their property from storm-related damage while potentially lowering insurance premiums. Eligible participants can receive up to $10,000 in funding to upgrade their roof to meet the FORTIFIED Home™ standard—a set of resilient building techniques developed by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS). These roofs are built to withstand winds over 120 mph and hail as large as 2 inches, focusing on the roof—your home’s most vulnerable feature during storms.

Choosing a FORTIFIED™ roof doesn’t just offer better protection; it can also lead to long-term savings. Many insurance providers offer discounts for homes that meet these enhanced standards. With Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather and rising repair costs, this program is a cost-effective way to invest in your home's future.

How to Get Started

Basic Eligibility

Your home must be your primary residence and located in an eligible ZIP code. It should be in good condition, unless recently damaged by severe weather. Unfortunately, condos, duplexes, mobile homes, and manufactured homes do not qualify.

Required Documents

Before starting your application, make sure you have:

• Homestead exemption proof from your county assessor
• An active homeowners insurance policy covering wind and hail
• A current flood insurance policy (if located in a designated flood zone)
• Your most recent federal tax return (Form 1040)
• Social Security Number

How to Apply

Once your documents are ready, visit oid.ok.gov/okready and click "Apply." You’ll need to create an account, fill out your information, and upload your documents.

What to Expect Next

After submitting your application, you’ll receive email instructions on next steps. You can also monitor your status at strengthenoklahomahomes.com. If approved, you'll choose a certified evaluator through the portal, who will assess your home and prepare a project scope. From there, you’ll select three pre-approved contractors to bid on the job, choose one, and schedule the work. Once completed and certified by IBHS, the grant will be paid directly to the contractor.

Important Notes

While the grant may not cover all costs, it can greatly reduce your share of the expenses. You’ll be responsible for evaluator fees and any additional construction costs beyond the grant amount.

The Oklahoma Insurance Department is proud to offer this valuable resource to help families weather future storms. For full program details, visit oid.ok.gov/okready, or contact OKReady@oid.ok.gov with questions.