Commonwealth financial assistance for flood victims in NSW

What NSW government assistance is available for people affected by the floods?

If your property has been damaged or destroyed by the floods, or you have been forced to evacuate from a flood zone, there are various ways you can obtain financial assistance via state and Commonwealth schemes, outlined below.

Disaster relief grant for individuals

Residents affected by recent severe weather and storms may be eligible for a disaster relief grant. For a list of local government areas where disaster declarations have been made, visit Natural disaster declarations.

Call 13 77 88 and ask about the disaster relief grant administered by Resilience NSW.

Australian Government payments

  • Disaster Recovery Payment – $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child if your home has been severely damaged or destroyed, or you've been seriously injured.
  • Disaster Recovery Allowance – short-term income assistance (up to 13 weeks) if you've lost income as a direct result of the floods.

Disaster Assistance Finder

Complete the online questionnaire to receive a personalised list of available programs and services.

What assistance are banks offering to people affected by the floods?

Australia’s big four banks are all offering assistance to people affected by the floods in Queensland and northern New South Wales, with some providing cash grants to affected customers and others offering short term payment relief.

National Australia Bank (NAB)

NAB is also offering $1,000 grants to customers in northern New South Wales who have been affected by the floods and need funds to cover immediate needs in the aftermath of the crisis.

Commonwealth Bank (CommBank)

CommBank is offering Emergency Assistance support to people affected by the floods. They say that this support can include loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.  Personal banking customers can call CommBank on 1800 314 695 or visit any branch and business banking customers can call on 1800 314 695 to discuss further.

ANZ Bank

ANZ Bank has announced a financial relief package for customers affected by flooding across south east Queensland and northern New South Wales. ANZ customers will have access to a variety of financial relief measures, including:

  • Short-term payment relief on home loans, credit cards, personal loans and some business loans (the bank says it may still charge interest during this period)
  • Waiving fees for restructuring business loans
  • Waiving fees for accessing term deposits early 

ANZ customers affected by flooding are encouraged to contact the bank’s dedicated financial hardship team on 1800 149 549 or visit their website for natural disaster support.

Westpac

Westpac is offering emergency financial assistance to customers in Queensland and northern New South Wales who have been affected by the floods. The bank says customers in these areas may be eligible for its disaster relief package, with home loan and credit card customers given the option to defer payments, amongst other measures. 

Customers can call 1800 067 497 to find out about the bank’s financial emergency financial assistance package. Customers can also apply online for financial hardship assistance. Westpac customers who are suffering hardship as a result of disasters are encouraged to contact Westpac Assist.

Member Resource

Natural Disasters - Know your Rights and Obligations