QLD Flood Disaster Relief
This article focuses on the assistance provided to QLD Residents as devastating floods make their way through parts of Queensland and Northern NSW.
For immediate assistance
For immediate assistance with flood and storm damage you should call the State Emergency Services (SES) on 132 500. For other emergencies and life-threatening situations please call 000.
The QLD and Federal governments are providing disaster relief payments to eligible people in affected Local Government Areas (LGAs). This disaster relief is for people and businesses impacted in LGAs that have been declared disasters. This list is being updated as necessary.
Several organisations are also helping their customers.
We’ve outlined the main assistance below and will update this list as it grows, and new forms of assistance as they become available.
Disaster Recovery Payments
A one-off payment of $1,000 per adult and $400 per child under 16 is available if you’ve been adversely affected (examples include seriously injured or your principal place of residence has been significantly damaged) by the flood and reside in one of the designated LGAs.
Claims can be made up to 1 September 2022.
This assistance is available from Services Australia. For further information, including the list of Local Government areas eligible for support, please visit Services Australia here: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/south-east-queensland-floods-february-2022-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment
QLD Government Emergency Hardship Assistance
These grants are a contribution to support those directly impacted by the floods who are unable to meet their essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation.
The Emergency Hardship Assistance grant is initially available to claim for 7 days following the activation of the grant in your area.
This grant is not income tested and can be accessed online, by phoning the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 or by visiting a Community Recover Hub.
Other Government Grants
The Australian and QLD governments are offering three other grants to those eligible. We suggest you check the eligibility for these grants as the grants are income tested, and only available when you are uninsured, or unable to claim insurance.
The Essential Household Contents Grant, The Structural Assistance Grant and The Essential Services Safety and Reconnection Grant can be applied for online or by ringing the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349.
Other Assistance that is available
Other assistance is available from many commercial businesses and charitable support organisations. This includes:
Salvation Army Financial and Emotional Assistance
More information is available here: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/disasters-and-emergencies/
Westpac Disaster Relief Package
Westpac customers can contact Westpac for assistance. The assistance available includes deferred home loan and credit card repayments, discounted personal loans, waived break fees on term deposits and waived fees for restructuring business loans for customers. Westpac insurance customers may also be able to access emergency funds and temporary accommodation. More information is available here: https://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/sustainability/initiatives-for-you/customers-disaster-relief/
Banks and Insurance Companies
Like Westpac many banks are offering their affected customers assistance. We suggest you check whether your bank and insurance provider have a website for their customers affected by emergencies and/or disaster.
