Additional flood financial support from government agencies and financial service providers

Help from NSW government agencies

Vocational Education Hardship Fund and Apprentice and Trainee Support

Students, trainees and apprentices in flood-affected North Coast areas can apply for grants of $500 to $1000 under the Vocational Education Hardship Fund and Apprentice and Trainee Support.

The grants can help replace training materials and recovery from the floods and are available to learners working, living or studying who are:

• apprentices 
• trainees    
• school-based apprentices and trainees (SBATs)
• government-funded vocational education and training (VET) Smart and Skilled learners. 

Postal applications for the grant are open until 9 December 2022.

Fees and charge waivers

The NSW Government supports people affected by floods by: 

• rate relief for 2022/23 rates charges for flood-affected properties and business premises in the Northern Rivers

• helping with clean up and waste removal costs following natural disasters 

• increasing gas and electricity bills payments for those in financial hardship to $1600 a year. 

Revenue NSW

Revenue NSW offer a range of options based on your circumstances, including:

• extension of payment or lodgement timeframes
• lifting of licence or registration sanctions
• putting debts on short-term hold and help with hardship applications
• duty relief on a replacement vehicle, if your car was written off.

Visit Revenue NSW for more information, or call 1300 650 394.

Service NSW

You may be eligible for a refund on your vehicle registration or your licence fee. Visit Service NSW or call 13 88 77.

You can apply for free replacements of important documents damaged or lost in floods, including:

• ID
• licences
• certificates
• permits
• registrations.

Help from the Australian Government

Crisis payments for other extreme circumstances

There are additional crisis payments from the Australian Government for other extreme circumstances.

You may get crisis payment if you’ve had to change where you live due to flooding or another unforeseen event.

Check the list of highly impacted suburbs that are prioritised for emergency financial support.

Find more information on Crisis Payment to Other Extreme Circumstance.

Additional Child Care Subsidy Temporary Financial Hardship

If you’re experiencing temporary financial hardship, you may be eligible for extra help with the cost of childcare. This subsidy is added on top of the regular Child Care Subsidy.

Find more information about whether you’re eligible on Additional Child Care Subsidy Temporary Financial Hardship.

Australian Tax Office

The Australian Tax Office  can help you with your tax or super obligations. Taxpayers in flood-affected areas will be provided with any additional time they need to meet any upcoming business activity statement obligations.

Any GST refunds taxpayers are entitled to will also be fast-tracked to free up cash flow and help fund recovery.

Find out more on their website or call the emergency assistance line on 1800 806 218

Help from banks, financial service providers and telcos

Free financial counselling

The National Debt Hotline  offers free and confidential financial counselling and resources. Call 1800 007 007

Find more free financial counselling on moneysmart.gov.au

Banks and financial service providers  

Australia’s banks have announced options to defer loan repayments for up to 3 months for customers affected by floods in NSW.

Additionally, some banks are offering small business customers in NSW from flood-impacted postcodes grants of up to $3000 or grants of up to $10,000 to help with expenses and repairs.

Your bank may also be able to assist you in other ways, such as:

• restructuring loans
• waiving fees and charges
• expediting insurance claims.

Contact your bank about how they can assist you.

Support from your telco

Telephone and internet service providers are offering relief for customers affected by floods. You can apply by filling out a form with Telstra or Optus or contact your provider to find out more.

Early access to superannuation  

There are limited circumstances in which you may be able to access your superannuation early. Visit Early access on compassionate grounds to see if you’re eligible and to apply. It may be worth discussing this option with a financial counsellor.