After the flood financial supports on offer

There are funds available with more coming to assist individuals and families to get back on their feet and get businesses running again after the floods.

Centrelink and Service NSW staff are available at evacuation centres to assist with claims.

The Disaster Recovery Payment is $1000 per adult and $400 per child. For a family with two adults and two children, that’s $2800 available now. Claim the Disaster Recovery Payment here.

There is also the Disaster Recovery Allowance – an ongoing payment for a maximum of 13 weeks. This is up to $677 per fortnight, depending on your circumstances. Claim the Disaster Recovery Allowance here

With a similar name but a different purpose, Disaster Relief Grants are available through Resilience NSW. The grant can cover emergency food, clothing and accommodation, repair or replacement of essential furniture and personal effects and essential repairs to get housing to a habitable condition. To apply for this, phone 13 77 88  and ask for the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW.

If you need support to make your claim, call the Australian Government Emergency Information Line on 180 22 66.

Grants for businesses and other organisations

Up to $50,000 is available for a small business to cover costs including  repairing damaged fittings and equipment and replacing stock. Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or go here to register.

Community groups

Up to $50,000 is available for a non-profit organisation to cover costs including  repairing damaged fittings and equipment and replacing stock. Call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or go here to register.

Farmers

Up to $50,000 is available for primary producers to cover costs including repairing damaged fencing and equipment, replacing livestock, salvaging crops and restoring paddocks. This will be available through the Rural Assistance Authority, call 1800 678 593 to apply.

There are freight subsidies for primary producers – up to 50% of the cost of carting livestock and fodder – will be available through the Rural Assistance Authority, call 1800 678 593 to apply.

Tax

The Australian Taxation Office has announced support including extra time to pay tax or lodge tax returns, activity statements or other obligations. It is prioritising refunds owed to you.

Packages still to be organised or that have details not known at this stage

Local Government Recovery Grants – will be for immediate recovery activities, to address emerging needs and to help build community resilience. This is on top of funding to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets.

Flood Clean-up Package – the clean-up covers both insured and uninsured properties and assists with the clean-up and restoration of flood damaged assets. This will be organised through Resilience NSW, details to come.

And there are more funds coming

As well as being in a disaster of spectacular proportions, we are in an election runup and we know what that means.