Financial assistance coming to those impacted by flood and slides

British Columbians affected by flooding and landslides in the southwest, central and southeast areas of the province and Vancouver Island from Nov. 14 – Nov. 16 may now be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA).

DFA is available to homeowners, residential tenants, business owners, local governments, Indigenous communities, farmers and charitable organizations that were unable to obtain insurance to cover disaster-related losses. By regulation, DFA is unable to compensate for losses for which insurance was reasonably and readily available. DFA will assess each application using its legislative criteria in a fair and consistent way.

Applications for the DFA must be submitted to Emergency Management BC by Feb. 12, 2022. The form can be accessed online at: http://www.gov.bc.ca/disasterfinancialassistance

Applicants should be aware of the following:

– Financial assistance is provided for each accepted claim at 80% of the amount of total eligible damage that exceeds $1,000, to a maximum claim of $300,000.

– Claims may be made in more than one category (e.g., homeowner and farm owner).

– A homeowner or residential tenant must show that the home is their principal residence.

– Seasonal or recreational properties, hot tubs, patios, pools, garden tools, landscaping, luxury items (e.g., jewelry, fur coats and collectibles) and recreational items (e.g., bicycles) are not eligible for assistance.

– Small business owners and farm owners must demonstrate that their farms and businesses are their primary source of income.

– Charitable organizations must provide a benefit of service to the community at large.

– DFA is limited to restoring actual damage caused by a specific disaster that has been declared eligible for compensation.

Assistance is also available to Indigenous communities and local governments
Information, eligibility criteria, categories and applications can be found calling toll free 1-888-257-4777 or visiting: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-management/local-emergency-programs/financial/communities-dfa