Resource ● Last updated 31 October 2023 ● 5 min read
I’m experiencing financial hardship after a disaster, what are my options? (NSW)
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What is this resource?
This resource is designed to support people in New South Wales who have been impacted by a disaster find legal information online and connect with appropriate services. It will help you identify if you are dealing with a financial legal problem and understand how to make an application for legal help.
It provides:
- links to legal information resources
- information on how to make an application for legal help
Financial hardship and disasters
People affected by natural disasters can experience both short term and long-term financial difficulties, ranging from lost credit cards and problems accessing cash through to being unable to make loan repayments.
Your bank or credit provider must consider what’s happened to you if they you experienced a disaster. You can speak to their hardship department, or you can talk to a financial counsellor through the National Debt Helpline, on 1800 007 007.
If the lender won’t help, you can speak to a free service that can help with their legal options.
What is financial hardship?
Financial hardship is when a person is having trouble repaying a loan or debt.
You may be having trouble:
- making mortgage repayments
- making personal loan payments
- paying rent
- making credit card payments
- meeting business obligations
- making business loan repayments
- paying utility bills
- paying for temporary accommodation
Financial hardship after a disaster may be caused by:
- loss of job or reduced shifts
- being unable to physically access money
- injury or illness
- facing unexpected expenses
How can a financial counsellor help?
Financial counsellors are skilled professionals. They will listen to your problems and help with things like:
- bills or fines you are struggling to pay
- being harassed by debt collectors
- gas, electricity or phone disconnection
- being evicted from your home
- navigating insurance claims
- tax debts
Financial counselling is a free and confidential service.
To find a financial counsellor near you visit Financial counselling – Moneysmart.gov.au or call the National Debt Helpline, on 1800 007 007.
How can a legal service help?
Many financial issues have legal solutions.
Some of the ways legal services can help include by:
- Giving you legal advice about their options
- Negotiating with your bank or creditor on your behalf
- Helping you appeal an unsuccessful complaint to a financial body, such as the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA).
Tips and General Information
If someone you are facing financial hardship after a disaster, your first step should be to contact your financial services provider and explain what is happening.
Most financial service providers have dedicated financial hardship teams. When you call their service provider, you should ask to speak with this team.
If your financial service provider will not help , you can speak to a financial counsellor and lawyer.
Financial support is available for people who have been directly affected by natural disasters in declared disaster areas.
For more information, see Financial support after a natural disaster | Service NSW
If you are in crisis and is struggling to pay for essentials, there are services to help with food, bills and housing.
For more information see Urgent help with money – Moneysmart.gov.au.
More online resources
Financial Rights Legal Centre – Self-Help Centre
This website is designed to help people in New South Wales understand their financial rights and take steps to sort out debt or disputes about credit, banking and insurance.
It includes fact-sheets, sample letters, multilingual resources and more.
Moneysmart
This website contains practical advice on how to manage debt and financial hardship.
NSW Legal Assistance Forum
This website compiles plain language law resources for people impacted by disaster. It includes:
- insurance and employment
- financial assistance
- renting and tenancy
- personal documents
- and more
Plain language law resources for victims of natural disasters (nlaf.org.au)
Justice Connect
Justice Connect has created plain language resources for people in New South Wales who are struggling to pay their mortgage or who have received a bankruptcy notice. See:
Where to get help
Financial Rights Legal Centre
Financial Rights Legal Centre is a specialist legal centre which provides advice for anyone in financial distress.
Disaster Response Legal Service NSW
If you have been affected by a bushfire, storm or flood, the Disaster Response Legal Service can help with everyday legal problems including insurance claims and disputes, financial hardship, tenancy and Centrelink. Call them on 1900 908 529 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday or visit their ‘How We Can Help’ page for more information.
Justice Connect
Justice Connect assists eligible individuals, small businesses, community organisations and farms and other primary producers who have been impacted by natural disasters.
You can apply online for free legal help: Apply for help – Justice Connect. This is the quickest and most efficient way to check if you’re eligible and start the process of being matched with a lawyer. Once we receive your application, a member of our team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps.
This resource was last updated on 31 October 2023. This is legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for advice specific to your situation. Please view our disclaimer for more information.
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disaster self-help resources
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