What government assistance is available after a disaster? (NSW)
Last Updated 14 March 2024
Last Updated 14 March 2024
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 legal problem related to government assistance after a disaster and understand how to make an application for legal help.
It provides:
If you are struggling with financial hardship after a disaster, you can read our resource “I’m experiencing financial hardship after a disaster, what are my options?” for more information.
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments occasionally provide one-off financial assistance to people impacted by disasters. You might be able to apply for an immediate income support payment even if you are not already receiving a Centrelink benefit. The type of payment or assistance that you 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 New South Wales. You can visit their website for more information: https://www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/floods/recover/financial-support/people
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 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 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 14 March 2024. This is legal information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should always contact a lawyer for advice specific to your situation. You can read our disclaimer in full here: Disclaimer and copyright for our Disaster Legal Support Resource Hub – Justice Connect.