• To qualify for DFA, your farm must have yearly gross revenues of less than $15M.
• Damages must be uninsurable.
• For more information visit our DFA Frequently Asked Questions.
• Visit the Agricultural Claim Eligibility Fact Sheet

To process your DFA claim, Manitoba EMO requires the following mandatory documents:

• A copy of the insurance declaration form.
• The most recent property tax bill for each affected property to confirm the property value and property ownership of all affected parcels of land and structures.
• For claims with damage to rented land where repairs are delegated by the landowner to the tenant, a Farmland Owner's Authorization must be completed and signed by the landowner.
• The most recent complete tax filing for the farm to demonstrate gross revenue does not exceed $15M.
• Photographs of the damage.
• Invoices and proof of payment for event-related repairs (when required.)
• Veterinary Certificate completed and signed by you and your veterinarian for verification of livestock loss.

DFA is provided based on damages identified in the inspection and evidence provided by the claimant. Ensure you:

• Take pictures of all damaged property and items before you dispose of anything.
• Keep track of all your disaster-related repairs and activities including:
• Labour and equipment hours.
• Materials used, including quantities.
• List of articles lost.
• Specific types of equipment used, including make, model, year, horsepower, and attachments.
• Extra mileage.
• Receipts, invoices, proof of payment and other documents you need to verify your response and recovery costs.

• You have 90 days from the announcement of a DFA program to apply to Manitoba EMO.
• Visit the Active DFA Programs page to review the active programs. If you have been impacted by a disaster with an approved DFA program, a link will be available on the Active DFA Programs page to submit your application. Submitting an application does not mean DFA assistance will be provided to you.
• Contact us if you would like the application in a different format.

• All DFA applications go through an initial screening. If it is determined that you are not eligible for DFA, you will be notified by letter.
• If it is determined that you may be eligible for DFA, an inspection of your property may be arranged. This process can take some time.
• You may begin cleanup and repairs before an inspection takes place, but remember to:
• Take pictures of all damaged property and items before you dispose of anything.
• Keep track of all your disaster-related repairs and activities.
• Keep all receipts, invoices, proof of payment and any other documents for disaster related expenses.

• An inspection of your property may be arranged if you screen into the program. An inspector will contact you to pick a time and day that works for you. To prepare for the inspection, ensure:
• A person is there to meet the inspector (preferably, the person most familiar with the damages to the business).
• A person is there who knows about any repairs made to the property and the conditions prior to the repairs (pictures are needed to verify conditions).
• You tell the inspector about any damages and losses from the event, even if repaired. The inspector cannot necessarily identify repairs made and needs to be aware of any and all damages during the inspection.

• Once an inspection has been completed, your claim will be evaluated in accordance with DFA policies and guidelines to determine your assistance.
• DFA is not insurance or compensation: it only covers essential needs and work required to restore basic functionality. 
• DFA does not replace everything that was lost. 
• Most eligible costs are capped and DFA may not cover the entire cost of restoring or replacing damaged property.

• DFA provides up to a maximum of $2.4M for farms ($3M - 20% deductible)

• In general, eligibility of expenses is limited to uninsurable losses for basic and essential needs. 

• Assistance is capped at the lesser of the cost of: restoring function; replacing an asset; or the assessed value of land or structures.

• Standardized rates are applied to eligible costs. Maximum amounts may not cover the entire cost of replacement or repair, or the total number of labour hours performed. 

• An initial payment may be issued based on losses and damages noted during the inspection and basic documentation you provided. 

• Additional payments may be issued when paid invoice of repair (or replacement) is provided. Examples include:

  • Mechanical components such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.

  • Structural and foundation repairs.

  • Driveway and site repairs.

• Speak to your Recovery Advisor to learn more.

• All repairs must be completed, and all required documents must be submitted within one year of the DFA program announcement.
• Extensions may be granted in exceptional circumstances. Formal extension requests must be submitted in writing before the program closure date. Contact Manitoba EMO for more information on extensions.

• If you feel you have not received all the assistance you are eligible for, you can appeal the decision. You can base your appeal on two grounds: that your application was deemed ineligible under an approved DFA program, or you feel your claim amount is less than what you are entitled to.
• Your request for an appeal must be in writing and clearly state the reason for the appeal. Once your claim is closed, you will receive information on submitting an appeal. /li>
• Information on submitting an appeal is provided once your claim is closed. A request for an appeal must be in writing and must clearly state the reason for the appeal.
• Step 1 - Internal Review. You must submit a written appeal within 60 days of receiving EMO’s written decision on your DFA application or receiving your final payment. Manitoba EMO will conduct the internal review and then confirm, set aside, or change the original decision.
• Step 2 - Appeal to the Manitoba Disaster Assistance Appeal Board. You can submit a second-stage appeal to the to the Manitoba Disaster Assistance Appeal Board. The appeal must be filed within 60 days of receiving Manitoba EMO's written decision regarding your application and/or internal review. All decisions made by the Board are final and binding. To appeal, you must include:
• The grounds for your appeal.
• Reference to the provincial Disaster Financial Assistance Regulation or the federal Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements to support your appeal request.