Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) — BC: Free, by phone or online. Who it's for: Only for events the province has authorized for DFA; homeowners and residential tenants (principal residence only, not seasonal or….
Categories: Emergency Services & Reporting, Financial Aid, Wildfire Supports
If a disaster like a flood damages your home, business or farm in BC, Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) may help pay for losses insurance cannot cover. DFA only opens when the province authorizes it for a specific event. ▸ Who can apply? • Homeowners and renters, for the home that was your main residence. Cabins and vacation homes do not count. • Small businesses and landlords that meet size and income rules • Farms run by a full-time farmer • Charities and non-profits registered under the BC Societies Act for at least 12 months Local and Indigenous governments use a separate DFA program. ▸ What you get • 80% of your eligible damage, minus $1,000, up to $400,000 per claim • It can cover essential repairs, essential belongings, clean-up and debris removal ▸ What is not covered • Damage you could have insured, such as wildfire, earthquake, snow load, wind storms, sewer or sump back-up, and water coming in from above ground • Insurance deductibles, landscaping, luxury or non-essential items, and land lost to erosion ▸ How to apply 1. Report the damage to your local or Indigenous government. 2. Talk to your insurance broker about what you are covered for. 3. Check the DFA page to see if your event is authorized. 4. If it is, apply online through the DFA portal within 90 days of the event being authorized for DFA. 5. Include the insurance template your broker fills out, and other papers for your category. ▸ What you need (renters) • Your lease or rental agreement • Government ID, like a driver's licence, BC Services Card or BC ID • Insurance template from your broker ▸ Good to know • Check the DFA page for the list of authorized events. • You can appeal a decision. • Help in over 220 languages is available through Service BC.
Also known as: DFA disaster financial assistance flood damage landslide uninsurable losses EMCR emergency recovery
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