After a disaster causing widespread damage, the Disaster Financial Assistance program allows the GNWT to provide financial assistance to help individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and community governments with recovery costs.

Some applicants may need advance payments to help respond to urgent needs, and can get a one-time advance payment. This advance payment will be deducted from the final disaster assistance claim.

Applicants who have applied for Disaster Financial Assistance can apply for the following advance payments:

Residents

• Advance payment equal to 50 percent of the value of damages in a detailed damage assessment up to a maximum of $10,000
• Under extraordinary circumstances, determined on a case-by-case basis, the full maximum amount available for a claim can be provided ($240,000), unless otherwise approved.

Small businesses and non-profit organizations

• Advance payment equal to 50 percent of the value of damages in a detailed damage assessment, up to a maximum of $100,000.
• Under extraordinary circumstances, determined on a case-by-case basis, the full maximum amount available for a claim can be provided ($240,000), unless otherwise approved.

Local authorities

• Advance payment equal to 50 percent of the value of damage in a preliminary assessment, up to a maximum of 15 percent of the local authority’s revenue for the previous fiscal year.

Request Advance Payment

To request an advance payment, you must submit an Advance Payment Request form. There is a different form for each event.

1. The Advance Payment Request Form for the 2022 Hay River Flood is available here.
2. The Advance Payment Request Form for the 2023 Wildfires is not yet available. The form will be made available shortly.