Ken Burgin

Financial Assistance for people affected by the Bushfires in Australia

Know someone who’s lost their home, their job or their business because of the fires? There is a range of financial assistance services available, including…

Financial Aid: check for Australian Government Financial Assistance. Disaster Recovery Payments for people affected by bushfires in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia

Red Cross and Saint Vincent de Paul Society plus other local charities

Disaster recovery grants of up to $15,000 now available to small businesses, farmers and not-for-profits in NSW. Queensland Govt has very low interest loans available of up to $250,000 for businesses affected by a disaster.

Check the Australian Govt Disaster Assist page for other states. You will need your financial records for the application process.

Insurance Claims: check the range of business risks that you could be covered for – business owners usually take out insurance through a broker, and they should be your first contact to assist with claims. The Insurance Council has a national hotline to help 1800 734 621, even if you can’t remember who your policy is with.

This ABC article explains what you need to know about household fire insurance cover, and the Financial Rights Law Centre has a good guide on how to make a claim.

Loan Repayments. If you’ve lost your income or business, there is a wide range of free financial counselling services available – they can be very helpful as an advocate for you with financial institutions and banks.

Australian Govt Directory of Financial Counselling Services – find a service in your area. The Australian Tax Office has deferred payments available if you’re in an affected area.

Salvation Army Financial Support – Australia wide

SilverChef support for customers affected by bushfires – call us on 1800 337 153

Talk to your bank: CommBankWestpacANZNAB

Staff Pay & Employment – if you have to close your business because of a natural disaster, here’s what Fair Work says about your responsibilities and a very thorough outline of Employer and Employee Rights and Obligations.

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