Disaster declarations are made by the NSW Government in relation to Local Government Areas (LGA) that have been impacted by a disaster. If there is a disaster declaration in your area, affected communities and individuals can access a range of special assistance.
To see the list of natural disaster declarations visit NSW Government | Natural disaster declarations.
To find out what disaster grants are available visit Service NSW | Financial support after a natural disaster.
You can also use the Service NSW disaster assistance finder.
The Disaster Response Legal Service can help if you need advice about your eligibility, appeals or accessing disaster grants.
Services Australia – Centrelink
If you are not currently receiving money from Centrelink you may still be eligible for a Disaster Recovery Allowance or the Disaster Recovery Payment.
If you are already receiving Centrelink benefits you may be eligible for the Crisis Payment and Disaster Recovery Payment. You can also apply for suspension of your ‘mutual obligations’ and Centrelink debt repayments.
Apply as soon as you can as there are time limits for making claims.
If you do not agree with a decision to refuse a payment you can apply for a review. You can ask for a review over the phone, in person at a Centrelink office or online by completing the Explanation or formal review of a decision form (SS351).
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Where can I get more help?
You can contact:
- your local Centrelink office via the Services Australia 'find us' page
- Disaster Welfare Assistance Line via phone on 1800 018 444
- Welfare Rights Centre via phone on (02) 9211 5300 or 1800 226 028 (toll-free)
- Disaster Response Legal Service NSW via phone on 1800 801 529