Financial relief for people affected by the catastrophic flooding in NSW has been confirmed by the Prime Minister and NSW Premier during a press conference on Friday.
Those who live in the Armidale, Muswellbrook, Walcha Kempsey, Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Port Stephens, Singleton and Upper Hunter local government areas are eligible for the Disaster Recovery Allowance.
This payment is available for workers who will lose income, such as those who are unable to go to work or whose employer has had to cease operating for up to 13 weeks.
The payment amount is usually assessed on a case-by-case basis, with the maximum not exceeding Jobseeker and Youth Allowance payments.
‘That provides for up to 13 weeks’ pay for people who are employees unable to work or people who are sole traders, self-employed, too,’ Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.
‘That will be made available from 2pm on this coming Monday as well.’
Services Australia will provide on-the-ground assistance as soon as possible to ensure payments can be made for those people who need it, and those impacted can also apply on the MyGov website.
Albanese said disaster recovery will commence as soon as possible.
A flooded truck is seen in a photo from the NSW SES as hundreds of rescues are performed
Services Australia will provide on-the-ground assistance as soon as possible to ensure payments can be made for those people who need it, and those impacted can also apply on the MyGov website
Jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments, personal hardship assistance grants will soon be available to support urgent needs such as food, clothing, and emergency accommodation.
The grants will be $180 for an individual or $900 for a family.
Applicants must demonstrate they have suffered hardship as result of the disaster, making them unable to meet immediate needs.
‘It’s not today but that funding is on the way for communities that are subject to an evacuation order,’ Minns said.
‘I want to make clear that I know, particularly for businesses and the local economy, that it will take more than these hardship grants to get these towns back on their feet.
‘But I wanted to get the ball rolling and the clear message from myself and the prime minister is these projects and grants were essential and needed to be announced as soon as possible.’
Further details will be announced on Saturday morning, including how people can access the grants.
Major banks have introduced emergency support for people affected by the floods, including options to increase overdraft limits and temporarily defer mortgage repayments.
Legal Aid NSW warned on Thursday it could be too late for people affected to update their insurance, but not to protect themselves by recording what is happening.
‘If it’s safe, take photos and videos of water entering your home or property, furniture, electronics, and other important contents, water levels inside and outside (and) use your phone’s timestamp,’ a statement on social media said.
It also advised people to record what was damaged, when flooding began and any emergency steps taken.
‘This evidence can support insurance claims, even if you’re not covered for flood, and help with disaster relief or legal support later,’ the organisation said.
