Disaster Financial Assistance helps cover uninsurable losses from disasters 

January 14,2926

RED FM News Desk

Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) is now available to eligible individuals, businesses, and communities in southwestern British Columbia impacted by flooding caused by heavy rainfall between Dec. 10 and 19, 2025.

Eligible communities

DFA applies to flood-related losses within the following areas:

  • City of Abbotsford
  • Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (electoral areas)
  • Capital Regional District (electoral areas)
  • City of Chilliwack
  • Fraser Valley Regional District
  • District of Hope
  • Village of Pemberton
  • City of Port Coquitlam
  • Town of Port McNeill
  • Chawathil First Nation
  • Leqʼá:mel First Nation
  • Matsqui First Nation
  • Semá:th First Nation
  • Stsailes First Nation
  • Tsartlip First Nation

What DFA may cover

Insurance remains the primary means of protection in the event of a disaster. However, when insurance coverage was not reasonably available, DFA may help offset sudden, unexpected, and uninsurable essential losses.

Eligible costs may include repairs to a principal residence, cleanup and debris removal, and replacement of essential personal belongings. DFA does not cover losses that could have been insured.

Applying for DFA

DFA is available to homeowners, renters, business owners, farmers, corporations, charitable organizations, local governments, and First Nations for eligible uninsurable disaster-related losses.

Applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness within 90 days of the event’s authorization. The deadline to apply is April 13, 2026.

An online DFA application portal, launched for private-sector applicants in 2024, is now also available to public-sector applicants. The portal is designed to make it faster and easier for individuals, organizations, local governments, and First Nations to apply for assistance.

Local governments and First Nations

Local governments and First Nations that experienced infrastructure damage as a result of the December flooding are encouraged to submit a DFA application as soon as possible.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR