Not everyone, everything eligible for disaster relief money

The Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program will not help everyone affected by the May 28 flood recoup their losses.

Nor is it meant to cover entire losses or non-essential things, like big-screen TVs or hockey equipment.

Administered by the city, but under provincial regulations, the program was designed to help those affected by natural disaster, but is not an alternative or substitute for adequate private insurance.

Homeowners and tenants found that out quickly on Saturday, as the city began its application for assistance process.
Eligible claimants include anyone living within the boundaries of the disaster area who suffered losses directly related to the disaster.

Most importantly, those with insurance coverage are not eligible. Only losses covered under the program can be claimed.
For private property owners, those include:

1. The costs of restoration, repair or replacement to pre-disaster condition of a primary residence, including roof, chimney, floors, walls, wall coverings, plumbing, heating and electrical.

2. Costs for clean-up of property for safety reasons or to provide access (mould and debris removal).

3. Costs for restoration, repair or replacement of basic furniture or movables damaged as a result of the disaster (major appliances, essential clothing and furniture such as beds, tables and chairs, sitting room furniture, desks and dressers).

Tenants may claim the latter when applying for eligible funds.

In all cases, receipts or estimates for all claims must be provided, and photos of damaged goods being disposed of for health and safety reasons should be provided. If receipts aren’t available, proof of loss may be required by adjusters before money is paid out.

In addition to home entertainment and sporting goods, ineligible losses include recreational items, damages to private roads or bridges, erosion and landscaping, as well as personal injuries.

ODRAP officials say processing time for individual claims will depend on the number of claims being made and not until the fundraising efforts, in this case by the Thunder Bay Disaster Relief Committee, have been made.

Rejected claims may be appealed, but only if new information is made available.

Payments made will be up to, but not exceeding 90 per cent of adjusted claim amounts, with the final payout determined by the amount of money raised and matched two-for-one by the province of Ontario.

If not enough money is raised, payments may be reduced.

Extreme financial hardship assistance is available to low-income households, who annual income does not exceed $24,000, who have suffered extraordinary losses or costs not covered under ODRAP.

Residents are urged to verify first whether they are covered by insurance, while those on Ontario Disability Support Program or Ontario Works should seek assistance through those programs first.

Questions may be directed to the local ODRAP office at 475-1651.