Assistance for Bushfire Affected Communities, Businesses and Individuals

Please note that while we update our lists of available grants reguarly, this is not a comprensive list and closing dates and details should be varified using the links provided as they are subject to change by the providers without notice.

Disaster Recovery Payment

Closes: 5 July 2020
Value: $800 per child and $1000 per adult
Run By: Australian Government Department of Human Services
Further Informtion: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/nsw-bushfires-september-2019-australian-government-disaster-recovery-payment

Residents in the Local Government Areas of Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Tenterfield and Walcha that have been affected by the September 2019 to January 2020 bushfires may be eligible.

From Monday the 20th of January, applicants will be enitled to $800 per child (up from $400). Previous applicants who have already received the lower payment will automatically receive the additional funds.

To get the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment you must:

• be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa
• be 16 years or older at the time of the fire or getting a social security payment
• have not already received an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment for the bushfires in August, September, October, November, December 2019 and January 2020 in NSW.

You also need to have been adversely affected by the fire. For example:

• you have been seriously injured
• you're the immediate family member of an Australian citizen or resident who died
• your principal place of residence has been destroyed or must be demolished
• the interior of your principal place of residence has sustained major damage
• damage from the fire has exposed the interior of your principal place of residence to the elements
• your principal place of residence has been declared structurally unsound
• the interior of your residence has been affected by sewerage contamination
• you're the principal carer of a dependent child who has experienced any of the above.

Special Disaster Grant - Bushfires

Closes: 31st of July 2020 for affected Northern Inland LGAs
Value: $75,000
Run By: NSW Government Rural Assistance Authority
Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires

The Special Disaster Grant - Bushfire is available to eligible primary producers, following the declaration of a Natural Disaster by the NSW Government, and following the approval of the Australian Government. This assistance measure is only provided in event of Natural Disasters that have severely affected communities, regions or sectors.

In the Northern Inland, businesses in the Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Inverell, Tenterfield and Walcha LGA's affected by the bushfires may be eligible.

Grants are provided to help pay for the costs of clean up, reinstatement activities and emergencymeasures associated with the immediate recovery of primary production enterprises. Eligible claims may cover:

• Hiring, leasing or purchase of equipment and/or materials to undertake clean-up
• Additional labour costs (above and beyond normal wage expenditure, i.e. day-to-day staffing)
• Disposing of damaged goods and injured or dead livestock, including associated costs
• Repairing a building or repairing or replacing fittings in a building, if the repair or replacement is essential for resuming operation of the primary production enterprise. (Funding is not available for repairs to a building that is used as a dwelling, unless it is used for carrying on the primary production enterprise, for example staff accommodation)
• Repairing or replacing fencing and horticultural netting (not covered by other assistance)
• Reconditioning/repairing essential plant and equipment, including repairing damage to, or replacing, water tanks, de-silting dams, water reticulation systems, forestry equipment,aquaculture and fishing equipment,
• Salvaging (but not replacing) crops, grain, feed, fertiliser and timber
• Health assessment, treatment and maintenance for livestock, poultry and aquaculture species,
• Purchase of fodder, grain, and feeds for livestock and poultry and supplementary pollen or pollen substitute,  and/or stock agistment costs, and associated transport costs (not covered by otherassistance),
• Purchase or hire/lease costs for equipment essential to the immediate resumption of the business (e.g. energy equipment such as generators and solar panels for non-residentialpurposes),
• Replacement of essential water used for firefighting purposes,
• Water cartage
• Payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections

Small Business Bushfire Recovery Grants

Closes: Unspecified
Value: Up to $50,000
Run By: Australian Government's Bushfire Recovery Agency
Further Information: https://www.business.gov.au/news/bushfire-support and https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/register-small-business-bushfire-recovery-grant

• payment for tradespeople to conduct safety inspections 
• equipment and materials required for cleaning up
• the removal and disposal of damaged goods and materials 
• repairing premises and internal fittings
• hiring equipment and/or replacing stock needed to resume operations.

• expenses that are covered under the small business or non-profit organisation's insurance policy
• loss of income as a result of the bushfires.

Disaster Recovery Allowance

Closes: 1st of July 2020
Value: Equivalent of Newstart or Youth Allowance
Run By: The Australian Government Department of Human Services
Further Details: https://www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/nsw-bushfires-september-2019-disaster-recovery-allowance#a3

Provides support for people who can show they lost income as a direct result of the bushfires in New South Wales in August 2019 through to January 2020. Disaster Recovery Allowance is a short term payment to help you if a declared disaster directly affects your income.

You can get it for a maximum of 13 weeks. It’s payable from the date you lose income as a direct result of the NSW Bushfires in August, September, October, November, December 2019 and January 2020.

Individuals in the Local Governemnt Areas of Armidale, Glen Innes Severn, Gwydir, Inverell, Narrabri, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Uralla and Walcha may be eligible for this payment.

To get Disaster Recovery Allowance you must:

• be 16 years or older at the time of the fire and not a dependent child
• be an Australian resident or hold an eligible visa
• get an income by working in an affected Local Government Area or live in an affected Local Government Area
• lose income as a direct result of the NSW Bushfires in August, September, October, November, December 2019 and January 2020.
• show you will earn less than the relevant income threshold amount in the fortnight following the loss of income.

ATO Support for Bushfire Affected Businesses and Individuals

Closes: Varies - Not all need to be applied for
Value: Support
Run By: Australian Taxation Office
Further Information: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Dealing-with-disasters/In-detail/Specific-disasters/Bushfires-2019-20/

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced tax assistance for taxpayers in identified bushfire impacted postcodes. Tax assistance available includes:

• The automatic deferral of income tax, activity statement, self-managed superannuation fund and fringe benefits tax lodgements, and their associated payments, until 28 May 2020.
• Allowing businesses that pay their Pay As You Go (PAYG) Instalments quarterly to vary their instalments to nil for the December 2019 quarter without penalty, and also claim a credit for the instalment amount paid for the September 2019 quarter.
• Allowing businesses to opt in to monthly GST reporting from the start of a quarter (such as 1 April 2020), in order to get quicker access to GST refunds.

Taxpayers impacted by the bushfires can also contact the ATO’s Emergency Support Infoline on 1800 806 218 for help. This phone line is available for everyone, including those who are outside the identified impacted areas. The ATO can:

• give taxpayers extra time to pay their debt or lodge tax forms;
• help taxpayers find their lost tax file number;
• re-issue income tax returns, activity statements and notices of assessment;
• help taxpayers reconstruct tax records that are lost or damaged;
• prioritise any refunds owed;
• set up a payment plan tailored to individual circumstances including an interest‑free period; and
• remit penalties or interest charged during the time the taxpayer has been affected.

Red Cross Emergency Grants

Closes: 30th of April 2020
Value: $10,000
Run By: Australian Red Cross
Further Information: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/emergencies/recovering-from-emergencies/direct-assistance-contact

If your home has been destroyed in a bushfire since July 2019, you can apply for an emergency grant.

Emergency grants are open across Australia to people whose primary place of residence has been destroyed or rendered permanently uninhabitable as the result of bushfires from 1 July 2019.

Your primary place of residence is the place you reside in on a permanent basis, whether as an owner-occupier or a tenant. ‘Destroyed or rendered permanently uninhabitable’ means the place has been or must be demolished.  

A grant of $10,000 is available per household.

Disaster Relief Loans - Small business

Closes: 12 months after the declared disaster
Value: Up to $130,000
Run By: NSW Government's Rural Assistance Authority

Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-loans/small-business

Small businesses who have been directly affected by a declared natural disaster including floods, fires or storm damage, may be eligible for low interest loans of up to $130,000.

This low interest rate loan can help a small business:

• return to its normal level of trading or until the next major income is received within 12 months from the date of disaster
• replace and repair damage caused to your small business and associated improvements not covered by insurance.

A repayment term of up to ten years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the applicant’s ability to repay.

The repayment term is preceded by a two-year interest and repayment free period.

Disaster Relief Loans - Primary producers

Closes: 12 months after the declared disaster
Value: Up to $130,000
Run By: NSW Rural Assistance Authority
Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-loans/primary-producers

Primary producers directly affected by a declared natural disaster who are in urgent and genuine need of assistance, may be eligible for low interest loans of up to $130,000.

This low interest rate loan can help a farm business to:

• continue to operate your farm businesses for the next twelve months or until the next income is received
• replace and repair damage caused to the property and associated improvements not covered by insurance.

A repayment term of up to ten years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the applicant’s ability to repay. The repayment term is preceded by a two-year interest and repayment free period.

Disaster Relief Loans - Sporting and Recreation Clubs

Closes: Unspecified
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: NSW Government's Rural Assistance Authority
Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-loans/sporting-and-recreation-clubs

Natural disaster financial assistance is available to help sporting and recreation clubs directly affected by a declared natural disaster including flood, fire or storm damage.

This low interest rate loan can help meet the costs of restoring essential club facilities, equipment or other assets that have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster.

A repayment term of up to five years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the club’s ability to repay.

Disaster Relief Loans - Not for Profit Organisations

Closes: Unspecified
Value: Up to $25,000
Run By: NSW Government's Rural Assistance Authority
Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/disaster-recovery-loans/non-profit-organisations

Natural disaster relief loans assist voluntary non-profit organisations directly affected by a declared natural disaster including flood, fire or storm damage.

Low interest rate loans are available:

• for the restoration of essential facilities that have been damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster
• and may also be directed towards temporary storage or leasing of alternate premises

A repayment term of up to five years is available dependent upon the amount borrowed and the applicant’s ability to repay.

Natural Disaster Transport Subsidy

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Up to $15,000
Run By: NSW Government's Rural Assistance Authority
Further Information: https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/499441/Transport-Subsidy-Natural-Disaster-Guidelines.pdf

A natural disaster assistance transport subsidy is available to eligible farmers who are affected by a declared natural disaster event. This subsidy pays for the cost of transporting:

• fodder and/or water to an affected property
• stock to sale or slaughter
• stock to/from agistment.

Emergency Relief and Financial Counselling

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Unspecified
Run By: Salvation Army, St Vincent De Paul and National Debt Helpline
Further Information: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/disasters-and-emergencies/ and https://www.vinnies.org.au/page/Find_Help/NSW/Disaster_Recovery/ and http://www.ndh.org.au/
The Prime Minister and Minister for Families and Social Services recently announced more emergency relief funding to support those affected by the bushfires.

The new funding package includes:

• $40 million being provided directly to the St Vincent de Paul Society and The Salvation Army to deliver emergency relief, such as food vouchers, petrol vouchers, clothing, and cash payments when necessary.
• $10 million being provided for financial counselling to increase the amount of face-to-face financial counselling services delivered in bushfire affected areas and increase investment in the National Debt Helpline.

Salvation Army Disasters Assistance team: 1300 662 217

St Vincent de Paul bushfire assistance: 13 18 12

The National Debt Helpline, which is often the first point of contact for people experiencing financial difficulties, can be accessed on 1800 007 007 or by visiting the National Debt Helpline website.

Westpac Disaster Relief Package

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Varies
Run By: Westpac
Further Information: https://www.westpac.com.au/about-westpac/sustainability/initiatives-for-you/customers-disaster-relief/

Westpac has announced that its Disaster Relief Package is available for customers who are suffering hardship as a result of the recent disasters. Westpac's Disaster Relief Packages aim to offer immediate practical help to assist customers to manage the impact of natural disasters on their finances.

Grants of up to $2000 can be accessed to help cover temporary accommodation, food and clothing.

Depending on the nature of disasters, our Disaster Relief Packages generally offer the following:
Home loan and insurance customers

• Affected customers with Westpac home loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
• Affected Westpac customers with Home and Contents insurance may be eligible to receive assistance including emergency funds and temporary accommodation. Contact us to find out if you are eligible or to make a claim.

Business customers

• Affected businesses with existing loans can request loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank establishment fees.
• Affected business customers with merchant facilities are eligible to receive assistance including monthly terminal access fee waivers for up to three months. Contact us to find out if you are eligible on 1800 029 749.

Credit cards, term deposits and personal loans

• Affected credit card customers may apply to defer repayments to their card for up to 90 days.
• Customers wishing to purchase replacement goods may apply for a personal loan at a discounted interest rate with no establishment fee.
• Westpac will waive interest rate adjustments for affected customers wishing to withdraw term deposits.
• Customers experiencing severe hardship may also be offered a halt on all interest accrual on unsecured credit products for a period of up to three months.

Extending the Disaster Relief Package to support volunteer firefighters
The Disaster Relief Package has been extended to support volunteer firefighters active in fighting the current bushfires across NSW, Victoria & South Australia and offers financial assistance to affected customers including:

• Home loan repayment deferral for up to 3 months
• Interest waivers, fee cancellations and term extensions

NAB Disaster Relief Fund

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Varies
Run By: NAB
Further Information: https://www.nab.com.au/about-us/social-impact/customers/natural-disaster-and-crisis-support

Additional support now available for NAB business and agribusiness customers directly impacted by bushfires includes:

• $2,000 grants to help restart or reopen and cover the cost of damaged property, equipment, fencing – and for loss of stock or livestock. NAB business and agribusiness customer wishing to access the grants should call NAB’s dedicated team on 1300 023 429 (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri; 9am-1pm, Saturday – AEST/AEDT)
• Up to a three-year deferral of interest and repayments for existing NAB loans where individual circumstances warrant
• A commitment not to foreclose upon, or force the sale of existing loans for up to three years
• $1 billion in concessional loans to customers seeking support to restructure existing facilities to assist in repairs, restocking and re-opening for business
• Support and counselling by making NAB’s Employee Assistance Program available to customers.

Commonwealth Bank Emergency Assistance Package

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Varies
Run By: Commonwealth Bank
Further Information: https://www.commbank.com.au/support/emergency-assistance-package.html

CommBank's Emergency Assistance Package is for customers and businesses affected by bushfires, floods and storms. We've also extended our Emergency Assistance Package to all volunteer firefighters. The package includes loan restructuring and waiving of selected fees and charges.

The package includes:

• Emergency accommodation assistance for CommInsure customers whose homes have been damaged by bushfire, flood or storms
• Expediting claims to CommInsure for customers seeking help through their home, contents and car insurance
• Customised assistance for Commonwealth Bank home loan, credit card and personal loan customers who may experience difficulties because of the bushfire, flood or storms
• Considering requests for additional loans including emergency credit limit increases (subject to credit approval).
• Loan restructuring for business customers with existing loans
• Waiving fees for temporary and damaged merchant EFTPOS terminals, as well as merchant fees on EFTPOS terminals and e-Commerce facilities until trading recommences
• Waiving prepayment charges for the month following the event, for affected customers wishing to access term deposits and Commonwealth Investment Bonds ahead of the maturity date
• Waiving other selected fees and charges

ANZ Bushfire Relief Package

Closes: Ongoing
Value: Varies
Run By: ANZ
Further Information: https://media.anz.com/posts/2019/12/anz-provides-bushfire-relief-package-for-all-of-australia

ANZ's assistance includes:

• The ability to suspend repayments on loans, including credit cards, for up to three months (which may include interest capitalisation)
• Temporary interest rate relief on lending for customers experiencing extreme financial distress in areas impacted by the fires
• Waiving of fees associated with restructuring business loans considered necessary due to bushfire impacts
• Access to term deposits early without incurring any fees
• Assistance for affected customers with ANZ Home and Contents insurance as they may be eligible for measures such as emergency funds and temporary accommodation

Optus Green Shoots Grants

Closes: 31st of March 2020
Value: Tablet and $100 monthly account credit
Run By: Optus
Further Information: https://www.optus.com.au/about/media-centre/bushfire-support

Optus are supporting the regrowth of areas affected by the bushfires with our telecommunications grants for small businesses.

2,000 grants will be available through the program and will include:

• A complimentary tablet
• $100 per month recurring credit for 24 months on an Optus Small Business account
• Support from their dedicated tech support team