Disaster Financial Assistance coverage and eligibility

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.

• Individuals: Assistance covers basic necessities and structural damages up to $200,000, with a $1,000 deductible. Repeat claims for the same damage are reduced to 80%. Contents are covered as per the Schedule of Loss (publication).
• Small business (including farmers and fishers): Coverage includes structural damages, essential contents, equipment and inventory up to $500,000, with a $5,000 deductible.
• Nonprofit organizations: Coverage includes structural damages and essential contents up to $500,000, with a $1,000 deductible.

• Buyouts: If flood damage is 50% or more of your property's value, the province may buy your property. Refusal means no future assistance and a Land Registry notice. Acceptance allows salvage rights until the purchase, based on fair market value.
• Long-term rental assistance: Up to $1,500 per month for 6 months if you are displaced, can't stay with family/friends, and don't qualify for other aid.
• Flood proofing / mitigation - Up to 15% of repair costs for flood-proofing damaged infrastructure. Funds allocated within 90 days; only projects reducing future flood risk are eligible.

Detailed information about the coverage can be found in the Disaster Financial Assistance Program Policy (publication).

• The claimant must be the registered owner of the property. A copy of your property tax bill showing proof of ownership is required.
• The property must receive the Residential Tax Credit in order to be considered your primary residence for this program. 
• For replacement of personal property, the claimant must be either the registered owner (a copy of your property tax bill) or a tenant (your rental/lease agreement is required as proof of residency or another document indicating that is your current address). 
• Eligible small businesses are enterprises with yearly gross revenues, as reported for income tax purposes, of between $4,800 and $2,000,000, and employing not more than the equivalent of 20 full-time employees. The day-to-day manager must own 50% or more of the business and the business income must make up at least 20% of the owner's total income.
• Eligible not-for-profit-organizations include churches, charities or service clubs that allow public access and contributes significantly to the fabric and sustainability of the community and a basic or essential service in the interest of the community is provided in the facility of the organization.

Low-income households and/or a Social Development Client may qualify for the following provisions when submitting a Disaster Financial Assistance for application:

• $1000 deductible waived.
• Apply for assistance for damage caused by a sewer backup, which is not otherwise eligible under the program.
• Apply for assistance for damages caused by overland flood if you could not get or afford overland flooding insurance.

To determine a low-income household New Brunswick Emergency Management Organization will use the low-income threshold used and established each year by the Department of Social Development.