When faced with unimaginable loss, the last thing you want to hear is, “We need proof.” Learn about the information required to access the Canadian disaster assistance and services you need.
If you have insurance, file a claim with your insurance company first
Contact your insurance broker immediately to file a claim. You can also register with the Canadian Red Cross simultaneously. The Canadian Red Cross coordinates with provincial, territorial and federal governments to dispense financial assistance to eligible individuals.
Government benefits won’t provide money for expenses covered by insurance or other duplicative benefits. Contact the appropriate disaster assistance program in your province or the Canadian Red Cross about temporary support. Visit the Canadian Red Cross website or call them at 800-418-1111.
What disaster assistance programs help with
Government disaster benefits don’t reimburse additional living expenses like home insurance does. Depending on the severity of the disaster, the Canadian Red Cross may provide funding for essential needs like temporary housing, hygiene products, school supplies, child care, food and clothing. But remember that disaster relief funds are limited.
The Canadian Red Cross works closely with the provincial and local governments as well as community partners to support individuals, families, and communities impacted by disasters. Once you are registered with them, you may be entitled to:
- Personalized recovery support funded by donations. Examples include help planning for your return home, access to insurance and community resources, referrals to mental health services, and information to help you make decisions and inform your next steps.
- Financial assistance from the government if you were forced to evacuate
- Emergency accommodation, food and hygiene kits
If your insurance pays but not enough to cover restoration expenses, funds from a government program or the Canadian Red Cross might help bridge the gap. Some programs also offer limited funding to help build stronger homes. This is another reason to alert the disaster relief programs as soon as you receive your insurance claim decision.
Making an insurance claim
When you file a claim, the insurance company will require you to provide evidence of your losses:
- Take pictures or videos of your damaged things.
- Keep receipts for living expenses like hotel stays and replacement clothing.
- Store your inventory someplace safe, like an encrypted cloud server or app.
Create a home inventory now
A current home inventory will help you accurately assess the cost of replacing your things. Complete your list and keep it current. Some insurance companies offer free home inventory apps as policy perks.
A home inventory can also help when establishing your case with disaster assistance programs.
Filing for disaster assistance benefits
Disaster assistance programs begin helping once your area is declared a disaster. You can complete an application online, via the Canadian Red Cross, or through provincial government offices. Remember, you’ll need documentation to establish your eligibility for benefits.
When applying for disaster benefits, have this information on hand:
- Your Social Insurance number
- Your insurance policy details
- Your contact information
- A description and proof of the damage (Provide pictures, videos, an estimated value of your personal belongings and a contractor’s repair estimates, if you have them.)
- Information about other financial assistance or grants you’ve received for disaster recovery
- Proof of residency or ownership (You’ll need to prove you occupied or owned the property before the disaster occurred.)
Disaster programs will accept one of the following documents as proof of occupancy or ownership:
- A lease or housing agreement
- Rent receipts
- A utility bill
- Your driver’s license or medical ID card
- Your vehicle registration
- A house deed or official record
- A mortgage document
- A homeowners insurance document
- A property tax receipt or bill
- A letter prepared by a mobile home park owner, manager or public official after the disaster
You can use your home inventory to support your disaster assistance application, too. Some home inventory apps and digital wallets allow you to store personal information like deeds and tax returns. You can also purchase cloud storage, but confirm it’s secure and encrypted.
Checking your application status
You can check your application status by:
- Visiting the insurance provider’s online platforms or apps
- Viewing the appropriate provincial disaster relief page
- Contacting local disaster assistance offices directly
If your claim is denied, you can appeal. Provincial disaster relief and insurance companies typically have time limits for filing appeals, so double-check the deadlines set by your local program.
Prepare now
Preparing for disasters is key. Understanding disaster assistance benefits, knowing which documents you need and how to access them from anywhere, and keeping an up-to-date home inventory can help ease the recovery process.
