• To qualify for DFA, the damaged home must:
• be your principal residence,
• not be a secondary residence or cottage.
• Damages must be uninsurable.
• For-profit rental residences may be eligible as a small business.
• For more information visit our DFA Frequently Asked Questions.

• To process your DFA claim, Manitoba EMO requires the following mandatory documents:
• A copy of the insurance declaration form.
• For homeowners: the most recent property tax bill for your property. 
• Tenants must provide proof that you live in the residence (Manitoba Drivers' Licence, Manitoba Health card, rental agreement or an attestation by the homeowner or leaseholder).
• Photographs of the damage.
• Invoices and proof of payment for event-related repairs (when required.)
• Unhoused people who lack documentation will be supported through a separate process.

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.

Manitoba EMO uses both self-inspections and in-person inspections to assess and document disaster-related damage and determine whether it is eligible for assistance under our programs

1. Self-Inspection
• You can document and report damage to your home and personal belongings by completing a Self-Inspection Report Form
2. In-person Inspection
• A Manitoba EMO inspector will visit your property to assess the damage. In-person inspections are scheduled based on the priority and circumstances of each claim.

Self-Inspections

A self-inspection allows you to complete the inspection process at a time that is convenient for you, rather than waiting for an inspector to visit your property. In many cases, this may help move your claim forward more quickly.

Before you begin, please review the Self-Inspection Guide to help ensure your report is completed accurately and thoroughly.

If you need help completing the self-inspection, you may ask a friend, neighbour, or family member to assist you. If someone will be completing the form on your behalf, please complete the Authorization of Personal Representative Form.

Requesting an In-Person Inspection

If you are unable to complete a self-inspection and do not have anyone who can assist you, you may contact Manitoba EMO to request an in-person inspection.

Please note that requesting an in-person inspection does not guarantee that one will be scheduled. Manitoba EMO will review your request and determine the most appropriate inspection method based on the circumstances of your claim.

Preparing for an In-Person Inspection

To help ensure your inspection goes smoothly:

• Have someone available to meet the inspector, preferably the person most familiar with the damage.
• Be prepared to explain any repairs that have already been completed. Photographs of the damage before repairs are required.
• Tell the inspector about all damage and losses caused by the disaster, including any items or areas that have already been repaired. The inspector may not be able to identify repaired damage 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 individuals ($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.
• You cannot appeal the decision not to establish a DFA program.
• 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. 
• 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.