Dear Editor,
I have been made aware of some misleading information circulating in Maple Creek related to payment of claims under the Provincial Disaster Assistance Program (PDAP). I would like to take this opportunity to correct this information and to assure Maple Creek residents that this government is committed to take action to reduce the financial hardship they are experiencing from recent flooding.
PDAP provides financial assistance to communities, businesses, non-profit organizations, individuals and others who incur substantial loss or damage to essential, uninsurable property caused by specific natural disasters. These disasters are floods, tornadoes, plough winds or severe storms. Assistance is provided for clean-up and tangible losses only, helping claimants restore eligible property to pre-disaster conditions.
It is not correct that PDAP will pay out $3,000 on the eligible portion of their claim, and then require claimants to wait for the work to be completed before they receive the rest of their claim payment. After the adjuster’s report has been received and reviewed, PDAP will advance 40 per cent of the claimant’s total eligible estimated costs based on the adjuster’s report.
Claimants then have two options for payout of the remainder of the claim. If they agree with the adjuster’s estimate, they will be paid the balance of the estimate, less their 20 per cent deductible and the advance payments and the claim will be closed. However, if they believe their costs will be higher, they can complete their repairs and submit the actual receipts. Receipts will be reviewed based on eligibility from the adjuster report, but payment will be based on actual eligible costs less the 20 per cent deductible and the 40 per cent installment. Whichever option is chosen, the $3,000 special early payment given to Maple Creek residents will be subtracted from the final claims payment.
So in fact, it is possible for many claimants to receive their entire eligible claim amount soon after they file their claim. Specifically, with respect to communities, progress payments are available to them as they complete their repairs and replacements.
Residents should also be made aware that PDAP officials have secured additional adjusters to complete damage estimates, as well as hiring additional staff to review and process the claims, with the intent of speeding the process for claims payments.
This government recognizes the financial and emotional difficulties caused to residents of the Maple Creek community and other areas of the province as a result of recent out-of-the ordinary weather events. We are committed to ensuring that our citizens receive the support they need to resume their lives as soon as they can safely do so.
I trust this letter will serve to dispel the incorrect information about PDAP.
Yours truly,
Hon. D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert
Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing