Recovery support from government agencies and service providers
Information on financial assistance, free advice and support from government agencies and service providers.
Waste fees and power bills
The NSW Government supports people affected by floods by:
- helping with clean up and waste removal costs following natural disasters
- providing gas and electricity bills support payments for those in financial hardship, up to $1600 a year.
Delaying energy bill payments
Some energy providers may extend payment periods if you've been affected by natural disasters.
Talk with your provider as soon as possible if you will have trouble paying your bill.
You may also be eligible for an energy rebate. Visit Energy NSW to find out more.
Revenue NSW
Revenue NSW offers a range of options based on your circumstances, including:
- extension of payment or lodgement timeframes
- lifting of licence or registration sanctions
- putting debts on short-term hold and help with hardship applications
- stamp duty relief on a replacement vehicle if your car was written off.
Visit Revenue NSW or call 1300 650 394 for more information.
Service NSW
You may be eligible for a refund on your vehicle registration and/or your licence fee.
You can also apply for free replacements of important documents damaged or lost in floods, including:
- identification
- licences
- certificates
- permits
- registrations.
Call or visit a Service NSW centre to speak to someone about what support is available to you. Find your local service centre or call 13 88 77
Business support
Get free, independent advice tailored to your business through:
Or call Service NSW on 13 88 77
Replacement of water used for firefighting
Assistance is available to rural residents if:
- firefighting agencies used water from a residential property that was intended for human consumption or
- fire retardant chemicals entered the water supply or are at risk of doing so.
Call Service NSW on 13 88 77
Navigating financial recovery
Recovering from a natural disaster will take time. There are often lots of financial decisions to make immediately afterwards and in the months that follow.
The Moneysmart website provides information on how to make a recovery plan and navigate your options.
Crisis payments for extreme circumstances
The Australian Government provides additional crisis payments for extreme circumstances.
You may get a crisis payment if you are forced to change where you live due to an emergency.
Find more information on Crisis Payment for Other Extreme Circumstances.
Extra help for cost of childcare
You may be eligible for extra help with the cost of childcare if you’re in a flood-affected area. This subsidy is added on top of the regular Child Care Subsidy.
Find more information about whether you’re eligible on the Services Australia website.
Australian Tax Office
The Australian Tax Office can help you with your tax or super obligations. If you were affected by floods, you may take additional time to meet upcoming business activity statement obligations.
Any GST refunds will also be fast-tracked to free up your business cash flow and help fund recovery.
Find out more on the Australian Tax Office website or call the emergency assistance line on 1800 806 218
Free financial counselling
The National Debt Hotline offers free and confidential financial counselling and resources. Call 1800 007 007
Mob Strong Debt Helpline provides advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Call 1800 808 488
Find more free financial counselling on moneysmart.gov.au
Help from banks and other financial service providers
Most banks and creditors can help customers who are experiencing financial hardship. Contact your provider to discuss what options are available, such as deferring payments or altering the terms of your loan.
Some institutions offer grants to help with expenses and repairs. Speak with your financial service providers to see if you qualify.
They may also help you in other ways, such as:
- changing home loan repayments
- restructuring loans
- waiving fees and charges
- expediting insurance claims.
Contact your financial institution to see how they can assist you.
If you have more than one unsecured loan, like a personal loan and credit card debt, you may be able to consolidate them into a single loan.
Find out more about debt consolidation and refinancing on Moneysmart.
Support from your telco
Telephone and internet service providers are offering relief for customers affected by floods. Use these links to apply with Telstra or Optus or contact your provider to find out more.
Early access to superannuation
In limited circumstances you may be able to access your superannuation early. Visit Early access on compassionate grounds to see if you’re eligible. It may be worth discussing this option with a financial counsellor.
Mail redirection with Australia Post
If you are affected by a natural disaster, you may be eligible for up to 12 months of free mail redirection.
Visit Free 12-month mail redirection for special circumstances to find out more.