FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPENING TOMORROW FOR NSW RESIDENTS HIT BY SEVERE WEATHER

From tomorrow, residents affected by the Mid North Coast floods can claim financial assistance for essential costs related to the natural disaster. 

Eligible individuals will receive a one-off payment of $180 or up to $900 per household to help cover costs such as food, clothing, medicines and emergency accommodation. 

The package is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with applications available online from 9am tomorrow, Friday 30 May. 

To be eligible for the Personal Hardship Assistance payments, you must live in one of the severely impacted suburbs within a Natural Disaster Declared Local Government Area. 

The quickest way for eligible customers to apply for the payment is via the Service NSW website or the Service NSW app. 

People can also access in-person help with applying for NSW Government support at Reconstruction Authority NSW Recovery Centres in impacted regions. 

Where possible, customers are encouraged to have the following information and documentation ready when applying for the ‘East Coast Severe Weather Personal Hardship Assistance’ payment: 

• MyServiceNSW Account with up-to-date details
• Proof of identity, including:
  • a document showing your full name and date of birth, and
  • details from two identity documents (like an Australian driver licence, Medicare card or passport)
• Bank account details to receive the payment.
• Recent documentation showing your name and impacted address (like a utility bill, council rates notice, letter from a government agency or a copy of your residential tenancy agreement).  

Applicants applying on behalf of dependents must provide the names and Medicare details of all dependents included in the application. 

For more information on impacted suburbs and to prepare to apply, visit: www.service.nsw.gov.au/east-coast-personal-hardship 

Additional supports have been activated by the Albanese Government including the Disaster Recovery Allowance and the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment which available via Services Australia. 

The Commonwealth Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA) supports workers and sole traders in 19 local government areas who’ve lost income with up to 13 weeks of income support, depending on their personal circumstances. 

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) is a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child for those in who have suffered the most serious impacts. 

Premier Chris Minns said: 

“With the Commonwealth, we are focused on ensuring that assistance flows to these communities. 

“We know it's going to take more than hardship grants for these towns to get back on their feet, but we are getting the ball rolling with essential support. 

“I want to thank everyone for their resilience during a very difficult period. These natural disasters are terrible, but they do bring out the best in the Australian character.” 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said: 

“Communities across the Mid North Coast, Central Coast and Hunter have been hit hard, we are working hand in hand with the NSW Government to roll out support. 

“As the immediate response turns to recovery, the Albanese Government will continue to work with communities. 

“Recovery will take time, but we are here for the long haul.” 

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said: 

“This flooding has been devastating for communities in the Mid North Coast and Hunter and the NSW Government is working to help people get back on their feet. 

“While the road to recovery will take time, this financial relief will assist with some of the initial costs of replacing prescriptions and restocking the pantry. 

"Applying online or through the Service NSW app or website is the fastest and easiest way to access the payment. Our team at Service NSW also stands ready to help people apply for grants and other disaster support from the NSW Government.” 

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin: 

“This is about making sure that the people who need a helping hand the most can get that help as quickly as possible. Service NSW will also be on the ground in our Recovery Assistance Points this week.”