As communities across New South Wales are challenged by bushfires, severe weather, flooding and other natural disasters, it’s important to know where to get disaster assistance. Government, community and financial institution support programs are available to help individuals, families and small businesses get back on their feet.
Recovering from a disaster can be overwhelming. Particularly when financial stress, lost income, damaged homes or properties or disrupted businesses are involved. Knowing what support is available and where to turn for help can make a real difference.
What Assistance Is Available?
1. Government Emergency Financial Support
The NSW and Australian Governments provide assistance under the joint Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) following disaster declarations. Depending on the event and your circumstances, support may include:
- Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) – A one-off lump sum payment for eligible individuals and families directly impacted by a declared disaster.
- Disaster Recovery Allowance – Short-term income support for people who lose income as a direct result of a disaster.
- Personal Hardship Assistance Grants – Emergency payments to help cover essentials such as food, clothing, medication or temporary accommodation.
- Concessional Loans – depending on the area needs and the disaster, concessional loans can be available to Primary Producers and Small Businesses.
Eligibility and payment amounts vary depending on the disaster event and individual circumstances.
2. NSW Disaster Relief Grants Program
The NSW Disaster Relief Grants Program supports low-income households and people without adequate insurance to restore a safe and habitable home after a declared natural disaster. Grants may help replace essential household items or meet urgent recovery costs.
Applications are generally managed through Service NSW, and supporting evidence such as proof of damage may be required.
Learn more about the NSW Disaster Relief Grants Program here.
3. Support for Small Businesses and Not-for-Profits
Small businesses and community organisations affected by disasters may be eligible for recovery grants to assist with clean-up, repairs, replacing equipment and reopening. Depending on the disaster, concessional loans and other recovery measures may also be available.
4. Assistance for Primary Producers
Primary producers and farmers may be able to access disaster relief grants, concessional loans and transport subsidies through the NSW Rural Assistance Authority to support recovery activities such as debris removal, infrastructure repairs and restocking.
5. Support from Financial Institutions
Some banks also offer disaster relief measures to customers in affected areas. For example, National Australia Bank (NAB). NAB provides natural disaster relief support for eligible customers, which includes:
- Temporary deferrals on home loan, personal loan, credit cards or business loan repayments
- Fee waivers or refunds on certain accounts
- Support to help customers manage short-term cash flow challenges
- Guidance on next steps during recovery
Customers affected by a disaster are encouraged to contact their bank directly to discuss what support may be available to them based on their circumstances.
6. Insurance Guidance and Claims Support
For insurance advice and guidance you can contact your insurance provider or contact the Insurance Council of Australia. They provide practical information on what to do during and after a disaster.
You can also reach out to the Disaster Response Legal Service or utilise the Financial Rights Legal Centre Insurance Law Fact Sheets.
How to Check What You’re Eligible For
- Confirm whether your area has been formally declared a disaster zone, as this often determines eligibility for government assistance.
- Keep photos, receipts and insurance correspondence to support applications.
- Contact Service NSW, Services Australia, your financial institution or your insurance company to understand what support applies to your situation.
- Apply early, as some payments and grants are time-limited.
Be Scam Aware
After catastrophic events such as cyclones, floods, bushfires and other natural disasters, it’s important to be wary of scams when you’re arranging repairs or building work.
Unfortunately, sometimes fraudsters posing as builders and tradespeople take the opportunity to prey on people when they are vulnerable and in need of immediate assistance. Being aware of potential scammers is the first step to avoiding being taken advantage of. Service NSW provides useful information on how to spot scams when you need to get work done to your property after being affected by a scam.
Free Financial Counselling Support Is Available
Disasters often create or worsen financial hardship — including difficulty paying bills, rent or mortgages, managing insurance issues, or coping with reduced income.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to manage the financial impact of a disaster, free, confidential and independent financial counsellors are available to help.
You can book an appointment to speak with a financial counsellor by calling the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
Financial counsellors can:
- Help you understand your options and entitlements
- Assist with budgeting and managing bills and debts
- Support you to negotiate with creditors, utilities, banks and insurers
- Help you plan next steps during disaster recovery
Disaster recovery can be complex and emotionally challenging; but support is available. Whether you need help accessing government assistance, bank relief measures, or managing financial stress, you don’t have to navigate it alone. For free, confidential financial counselling support, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.
