The provincial government is announcing further details on Disaster Financial Assistance to help New Brunswickers affected by winter storms in December and February.
The Disaster Financial Assistance program provides assistance for eligible damages and losses that threaten the health and safety of individuals and communities.
“We are committed to ensuring New Brunswickers who were affected by these storms get the help they need,” said Public Safety Minister Kris Austin. “This is an important step in the recovery process.”
Recovery process
Residents who have not already registered property damage related to the Dec. 18-19 storm, can report it by calling 1-888-298-8555 or by registering online.
The Service New Brunswick TeleServices line is available to receive calls between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
The Damage Report Line program allows residents, tenants, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to receive information and register their storm-related damage with a single phone call.
A Disaster Financial Assistance package will be mailed to everyone who has registered damages. Application packages are also available online, but residents must still register.
The deadline for homeowners, small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to submit an application is Aug. 9. They can call 1-888-553-8558 if they have questions.
In case of issues with the insurer, residents may call the Office of the Consumer Advocate for Insurance at 1-888-283-5111.
Disaster Financial Assistance
Disaster Financial Assistance, when provided, is only available after all other forms of disaster aid have been received and only covers uninsurable loss. The Disaster Financial Assistance program does not pay for any damage or loss that is covered by an insurance policy. Claimants must contact their insurance provider first to determine if coverage will be provided. If coverage was available and not purchased, the Disaster Financial Assistance claim cannot be approved.
Disaster Financial Assistance will assist in covering the costs of basic-needs items. For example, it will help pay for basic repairs of structural damage to a family home or small business. The program covers primary residences only and not seasonal residences (cottages or camps) or recreational equipment, such as boats, all-terrain vehicles or travel trailers. In addition, it does not cover erosion, landscaping or tree removal.
A deductible will be applied to all claims. Residential and not-for-profit claimants are responsible for the first $1,000 and small businesses for the first $5,000 of their claim.
Eligible not-for-profits and small businesses – including farms and others in agriculture and aquaculture – can also receive disaster financial assistance for damage to buildings, inventory and furnishings. Salaries, lost profits and insurable loss are not covered.
The Disaster Financial Assistance program covers the same items as the federal program. The qualifying criteria as established by the federal government can be found online.