A Resource List of emergency financial support, financial counselling assistance, and disaster relief packages available for individuals and families affected by the bushfires:
Department of Human Services
Support for people directly affected by bushfires in disaster declared areas
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/help-emergency/bushfires
Information on Disaster Recovery payments available for affected individuals and families in disaster in NSW
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/subjects/nsw-bushfires-september-2019
Information on Disaster Recovery payments available for affected individuals and families in Victoria
https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/subjects/victorian-bushfires-december-2019
New South Wales
NSW Office of Emergency Management
Government support: Disaster Assistance / Financial Support
Information on eligibility criteria for the NSW Disaster Relief Grants
NSW Disaster Recovery Facebook page
@NSWDisasterRecovery or https://www.facebook.com/NSWDisasterRecovery/
Financial Counsellors’ Association of NSW Inc (FCAN)
In-depth overview by FCAN of what support and assistance is available to individuals and families in NSW affected by bushfires, including financial support, emergency payments and financial counselling assistance.
http://www.fcan.com.au/nsw-natural-disaster-relief/
Victoria
Emergency Victoria | Financial Assistance
an overview of emergency payments and financial assistance available to individuals and families in the areas of East Gippsland and Towong
http://emergency.vic.gov.au/relief-and-recovery/924
Financial & Consumer Rights Council Inc
In-depth overview by the FCRC of what support and assistance is available to Victorians affected by bushfires, including financial support, emergency payments and financial counselling assistance.
https://fcrc.devapp.com.au/victorian-bushfire-assistance/
Australian Complaints Financial Authority (AFCA)
Helpful overview on making insurance claims, lodging matters with AFCA & AFCA’s role and dedicated support available for individual and small businesses and impacted by the ongoing 2019-20 Australian bushfires.
https://www.afca.org.au/news/significant-events/bushfire-disaster-support/
Australian Bankers’ Association
A list of phone numbers and websites for the financial hardship teams at each bank.
A downloadable list is also available here.
Also note: Big Four banks are providing emergency disaster relief packages to affected customers and businesses.
NAB Disaster Relief Fund (Contact NAB Assist) – 1300 683 106
CommBank’s Emergency Assistance Package – 1300 720 814
Westpac’s Disaster Relief Package – 1800 067 497
ANZ Bushfire Relief Package –1800 149 549 (financial hardship team)
NOTE: Please email through any useful contacts to aaron.davis@ican.org.au
