Getting help after a disaster
Your wellbeing
Counselling
Being in a disaster is traumatic. It's important to ask yourself and your family how you are all feeling. And it's ok to ask for help and support.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed after a disaster.
Help is available.
You can get counselling through your GP, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Your finances
Loans and credit cards
Your bank or credit provider must consider what's happened to you. You can speak to their hardship department, or you can talk to a financial counsellor
on 1800 007 007.
If the bank won't help, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) on 1800 931 678.
Work
If you are a permanent employee you can take personal or carer's leave to look after yourself or your family. If you run out of this leave you get an extra two days unpaid leave. Casual workers also get two days unpaid leave. For more information call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94.
Centrelink
You may be able to get the Disaster Recovery Payment (DRP) or an emergency payment. Call or visit your local Centrelink branch to find out.
Your home
Insurance
Making a claim on your insurance policy can be a daunting process. However, you can get free legal help every step of the way. You can call LawAccess on 1300 888 529, the Insurance Law Service on 1300 663 464 or get free legal advice at your local Legal Aid office or Recovery Centre (call LawAccess to find Legal Aid offices).
Renting
If you can't live in your property because of the disaster, then you don't have to pay rent. If your property has been seriously damaged then your landlord should reduce your rent and arrange for urgent repairs. Call your local tenants union or fairtrading for more information.
My checklist
My local Disaster Recovery Centre is:
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My lawyer's name:
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My lawyer's phone number:
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My lawyer has agreed to:
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My to do list:
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Useful contacts
Wellbeing
Lifeline -13 11 14
Finances
Financial Rights Legal Centre - 1800 844 949
AFCA - 1800 931 678
Centrelink - Contact your local Centrelink office
Fair Work Ombudsman - 13 13 94
National Debt Helpline - 1800 007 007
Home
LawAccess NSW – Free information and referrals.
1300 888 529 or www.lawaccess.nsw.gov.au
Legal Aid NSW – Free legal advice at your local Legal Aid office or Recovery Centre (call Law Access 1300 888 529 to find Legal Aid offices).
www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au
Insurance Law Service
1300 663 464 or www.insurancelaw.org.au
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
1800 931 678
NSW Fair Trading Information Centre
133 220 (Monday to Friday 8:30–5:00)
Tenants advocacy service
www.tenants.org.au/contact-us
May 2019