• Check first with your insurance provider to review policy coverage. If your current provider doesn't offer adequate coverage, shop around!
• To qualify for DFA, your small business must:
• have yearly gross revenues of between $10,000 and $2,000,000.
• employ no more than 20 full time workers.
• be owner-operated and the owner-operator must be the day-to-day manager.
• have an owner-operator who owns at least 50 per cent of the 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.
• The most recent property tax bill for your property to confirm the property value and property ownership of all affected parcels of land and structures.
• Tax information (send copies of all that apply to you):
• For a small business that is a sole proprietorship, a complete copy of the most recent T1 General income tax return.
• For a small business that is a partnership, complete copies of the most recent T1 General income tax return for both partners.
• For a small business that is a limited company, a copy of your articles of incorporation, and a complete copy of the most recent income tax return.
• Payroll Records to verify work force size may be requested.

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.
• Apply for DFA using the online application form.
• You can also download the form and print it, call or email to have one mailed to you, or visit your local authority's office.
• Have your mandatory documents on hand.

• 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 will 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 will 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 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.
  Remember that DFA is not insurance or compensation - it covers essential needs to restore functionality, not to replace everything that was lost.

DFA provides up to a maximum of $240K for principle residences ($300K - 20% deductible)

• In most cases, DFA provides assistance payments after the work is complete and paid for. You need to provide invoices or receipts for repairs/supplies and proof of payment (debit or credit receipts, e-transfer records, cancelled cheques).
• DFA provides only basic assistance for items - maximum amounts may not cover all of your labour hours or the entire cost of replacing the item.
• An initial payment may be issued based on losses and damages noted during the inspection and basic documentation you provided. Speak to your Recovery Advisor to learn more.
• Additional requirements apply to items like repairs of large appliances and mechanical components such as heating, plumbing, and electrical systems; structural and foundation repairs and driveway and site repairs.

• 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 entitled to, 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.
• 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. This step involves an internal review of your claim decision by Manitoba EMO's Director of Recovery and Mitigation. The appeal must be submitted within 30 days of receiving Manitoba EMO's written decision regarding your application or receiving your final payment. The Director of Recovery and Mitigation 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. If you are not satisfied with the internal review, a second-stage appeal can be submitted, in writing, to the Manitoba Disaster Assistance Appeal Board. All decisions made by the Board are final and binding. To appeal, you must include:
• Your internal review decision from step 1 above.
• 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.