COVID-19 response

Due to the pandemic, the processing of applications from previous disaster events may be affected. As a result, applicants may experience delays with in-person evaluations and payments. Although this is a difficult time, we will continue to provide you with updates on your file as often as possible.

Overview

Recovering from a disaster is difficult. The Government of Alberta makes it easier by providing financial assistance for uninsurable loss and damage caused by emergencies and disasters.

After a disaster, the affected municipality can apply for a Disaster Recovery Program and if the municipal application is approved, affected residents can apply for financial assistance.

For more information about the types of disasters covered, visit Disaster assistance and recovery support.

For information on what disasters are considered covered by insurance, visit Insurable disasters.

2020 recovery programs

The following municipalities have been approved for Disaster Recovery Programs to help residents, businesses and not-for-profit organizations recover financially from flooding that occurred in 2020.

2020 Calgary and area overland flooding

Northeast quadrant of the City of Calgary, City of Airdrie and Rocky View County
Application deadline: September 23, 2020
Apply online beginning June 29, 2020

2020 Northern Alberta floods

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Application deadline: August 7, 2020

Mackenzie County
Application deadline: August 7, 2020

Northeast Calgary, Airdrie and Rocky View County

Damages caused by overland flooding are eligible for a disaster recovery program. Hail, sewer backup and insurance deductibles do not qualify under the program, as insurance coverage is considered reasonably and readily available for these issues.

Albertans are encouraged to work with their insurance providers for damages caused by the storm.

For more information, call the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422, or visit them online. Albertan’s can also visit the following sites if they are having issues with their insurance providers:

Individuals who have not chosen to insure their property or belongings, or those who do not have adequate insurance, will not be eligible to receive funding through the disaster recovery program.

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Starting June 15, 2020, those affected by the flood can call PULSE at 780-743-7000 or 1-800-973-9663 to arrange for in-person assistance filling out Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) applications. PULSE is a 24/7 call-in line offered by the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. This service offers real person support for your questions. A trained operator will respond to every call.

The assistance is offered by appointment only between the hours of 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday. COVID-19 protocols are in place. Residents and business owners will be provided with a mask and hand sanitizer. The Chief Medical Officer of Health’s physical distancing requirements will be followed.

Residents who do not require in-person assistance can apply for DRP funding online at alberta.ca/drp before August 7.

Eligible residents and businesses are encouraged to apply before August 7 to get their recovery funds sooner.

For more information, visit rmwb.ca/drp.

The Canadian Red Cross is also available to help with your application process.

Phone: 1-800-863-6582, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday
Email: albertadrphelp@redcross.ca
Website: Canadian Red Cross

Mackenzie County

Please complete your Disaster Recovery Program (DRP) application as soon as possible to open a file and have a case manager assigned to you.

Residents and businesses affected by the April 2020 flooding of Fort Vermilion, Buttertown and the Beaver Ranch area can call their local Family and Community Support Services office to book an appointment for in-person help filling out their application.

Fort Vermilion

780-927-4340
5021 49 Ave Vermilion, AB
T0H 1N0

La Crete

780-247-1680 or 780-247-1680
10105 94 Ave, La Crete, AB
T0H 2H0

High Level

780-821-4010
10511 103 Street High Level, AB
T0H 1Z0

Note: COVID-19 protocols are in place for all offices listed.

The Canadian Red Cross is also available to help with your application process.

Phone: 1-800-863-6582, 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday
Email: albertadrphelp@redcross.ca
Website: Canadian Red Cross

If you do not require in-person assistance, you can apply for Disaster Recovery Program funding at alberta.ca/drp before the August 7, 2020 deadline.

Other Numbers:

How to apply

If your community has been approved for a Disaster Recovery Program, and you are eligible to receive funding, you can apply in one of the following ways:

  • homeowners and residential tenants can fill out and submit your application through our online portal below
  • small business, not-for-profit institutions, condo associations, cooperatives and farmers can download and fill out a PDF application in the Fillable PDF applications section below

Information for applicants

The fact sheets below provide you with important information relevant to your application process:

Steps for completing your application

  • Step 1

    Contact your insurance company to confirm your coverage for your losses/damages due to the disaster event.

  • Step 2

    If your losses/damages are not covered, submit your application to the Alberta Emergency Management Agency within 90 days of a disaster recovery program being approved for your community.

  • Step 3

    A case manager is assigned to work with you on your file.

  • Step 4

    An assessment is completed to determine if you qualify for assistance.

If you qualify, the following applies:

  • Step 5

    Submit your insurance information.

  • Step 6

    We will then evaluate your damages.

  • Step 7

    You are required to submit materials to support your application.

  • Step 8

    The amount you are eligible for is calculated as per the Alberta Homeowner and Small Business Disaster Assistance Guidelines.

  • Step 9

    You receive a payment for your eligible amount.

  • Step 10

    Your file is closed.

Online application portal

To complete an online application for homeowner and tenant assistance from the Disaster Recovery Program, you will need a MyAlberta Digital Identity (MADI). If you do not have a MADI account, sign up on the MyAlberta Digital ID website.

Users should receive their verification code via mail within 10 days, but may use their temporary or unverified MADI ID, which should be received within 20 minutes of applying. You may complete your pre-qualification screening application without a verification code.

Once your MADI account is activated, visit the Disaster Financial Assistance Portal.

Please note that if your application is for a property on a First Nation’s reserve, you need to contact Indigenous Services Canada to discuss your application.

Fillable PDF application forms

If you are an eligible small business, not-for-profit institution, agriculture operation or landlord, or Irrigation District, you can complete the fillable PDF application form below and email it to drp.info@gov.ab.ca, or mail it to:

Alberta Emergency Management Agency
5th Floor, Terrace Building
9515 107 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2C1

Trouble opening or completing PDF forms?

Fillable forms do not open properly on some mobile devices and web browsers. To fill in and save this form:

  1. Click on the PDF link to save it on your computer.
  2. Launch Adobe Reader.
  3. Open the PDF from within Adobe Reader. You can now fill and save your form.

Steps to take following a disaster

After a disaster has affected your property, it is hard to know where to start. Here are some steps you should take post-disaster:

  • contact your local government directly or visit their website to see if there are any supports available to you through non-governmental organizations in the area which may include assistance with clean up
  • take pictures of:
    • all damaged items before you throw anything away or make any repairs
    • the inside and outside of your property
  • contact your insurance company and open a claim. If you experience issues with your insurance provider or have concerns, visit Getting your insurance claim settled: know your options for more information
  • contact the Insurance Bureau of Canada at 1-844-227-5422
  • begin clean-up and repair work
    • Contact your local municipality to ensure you have all required building permits, authorizations, and approvals in place for rebuilds or repairs. Repairs and rebuilds must meet current codes and regulations to be eligible for program assistance.
    • Wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE) when cleaning your property
  • record all of the time you spend cleaning up and making repairs. Read Cleaning your home after a flood for more information
  • keep copies of all receipts for clean-up, repairs, and replacement of damaged property (repairs are not required to be completed before submitting your application)
  • contact your local government and ask about the potential for a Disaster Recovery Program in your area
  • ask for a letter from your insurance company indicating your insurance coverage and any exclusions – if a Disaster Recovery Program is approved in your community, this will be required as part of your application
  • protect yourself financially by reviewing the following fact sheets:

Disaster Assistance Guidelines 2020

Resources

Contact

Connect with the Alberta Emergency Management Agency:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 1-888-671-1111
Email: drp.info@gov.ab.ca

Address:
Alberta Emergency Management Agency
5th Floor, Terrace Building
9515 107 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T5K 2C1

Related

Disaster assistance and recovery support

Emergency preparedness

Hazard preparedness

Emergency alerts and advisories