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Recovering financially after a natural disaster can take time. Find out where to get support, make a financial recovery plan and manage your insurance claim.
Check what financial support is available
The federal government and state and territory governments work together to provide support when you’re affected by a natural disaster.
For federal assistance, visit Services Australia. And for business owners, visit the government’s Business website.
In addition, each state and territory has information and support services available. You can find links to the recovery information services on the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) website.
Recovery assistance can change depending on where you live and the disaster that has occurred. Use the links below to find support services, recovery information and financial assistance in your state or territory.
Australian Capital Territory
New South Wales
Northern Territory
Queensland
South Australia
Tasmania
Victoria
Western Australia
Get help to make a financial recovery plan
There are a lot of financial decisions to think about straight away, and over the months ahead.
Fortunately, there's support to help you make a recovery plan and navigate financial decisions to get your life back on track.
You could:
- identify your most urgent expenses, such as housing, food and essential bills
- keep records of disaster-related expenses and insurance claims
- contact lenders to discuss problems paying your mortgage and service providers to discuss problems
- paying bills
- check what government assistance and community support is available
- get free financial counselling if you need help making a plan.
Speak to a free financial counsellor
Financial counselling is free, independent and confidential. A financial counsellor can help you make a plan to manage your money and prioritise your bills and other payments.
A financial counsellor can also talk to creditors on your behalf and negotiate affordable payment plans. The earlier you get help, the more options you'll have.
If you're a small business owner whose business has been affected by a natural disaster, contact the Small Business Debt Helpline for specialist financial counselling.
If you're an eligible farmer, fisher, forester or related small business, the Rural Financial Counselling Service can help you plan for recovery, negotiate with creditors and access professional services.
Talk to your bank or lender early
As soon as possible, let your lender know you have been impacted by a natural disaster. Their financial hardship teams will have a range of ways they can help you.
Ask about:
- hardship assistance
- repayment pauses or reduced repayments
- payment arrangements
- support available while insurance claims are being processed.
Understand your insurance settlement options
Your insurer may offer to:
- manage the repair or rebuild of your home or business
- offer you a cash settlement
- use a combination of the two
Cash settlements mean you have to manage the repair or rebuild process yourself, and you might be left out of pocket. Take the time to consider the best option for you.
If your claim is because of a natural disaster, and was finalised within one month of the event, you have the right to ask for a review. You have 12 months from the date of finalisation of your claim to request this if you think the assessment of your loss was not complete or accurate.
You can do this even if you have agreed to the settlement, including if you have agreed to a full or partial cash settlement.
Learn more about making a home insurance claim.
You can complain to your insurer if you are not satisfied with how your claim is progressing. See how to complain for the steps you can take.
If you can't reach an agreement, contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on 1800 931 678. AFCA provides free and independent dispute resolution.
You can also apply to access free legal advice and support if you need it. Find links to legal help in each state and territory.
Look after your wellbeing
Recovering from a natural disaster takes an emotional as well as a financial toll. Support is available at any stage. You can speak to:
- your doctor – they can help connect you with appropriate support
- Lifeline Australia – phone 13 11 14 for a free 24-hour crisis support service. Or try their crisis support chat service
- Beyond Blue – phone 1300 22 46 36 to speak to a mental health professional 24 hours a day. Or contact via web chat
- 13YARN – phone 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Recovering from a natural disaster can be a slow process. Don’t hesitate to make use of all the services you need
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