Government assistance after a disaster (NSW)

What is this resource?

This resource is designed to support community workers and volunteers connect people in disaster affected communities with legal help. It will help you understand what options your client has to access compensation or assistance after a disaster. We refer to community members you’re helping as your ‘client’ throughout this resource.

This resource provides:

• links to legal information resources that you can provide to your client
• information on how to make a referral for legal help

Crisis and Emergency Assistance

The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments occasionally provide one-off financial assistance to people impacted by disasters. Your client might be able to apply for an immediate income support payment even if they are not already receiving a Centrelink benefit. The type of payment or assistance that they may be able to receive will depend on their circumstances.

The New South Wales government provides information on the relevant schemes run by the Federal and State Governments for people in NSW. You can visit their website for more information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/financial-support/people

Refer your client for free legal help

LawAccess NSW

LawAccess is a free government service that provides legal information and referrals, including to Legal Aid NSW, for people with a legal problem in NSW. See their website for more information on how they can help: https://www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/.

Welfare Rights Centre

Welfare Rights Centre is a community legal centre that helps people who have a problem with Centrelink. They specialise in social security law and family assistance law, including the intersection of child support and social security payments.

Visit their website for more information: https://welfarerightscentre.org.au/contact-us/ .

Justice Connect

Justice Connect can provide free legal advice and ongoing representation in certain matters to eligible individuals, small business owners and primary producers affected by disasters like floods, bushfires, cyclones, and other extreme weather events. We may be able to match your client with free legal assistance to help with disputes or to assist them better understand their legal rights and obligations.

Refer someone to Justice Connect: https://justiceconnect.org.au/refer/.