Assistance for financial hardship

If you, a friend, co-worker or family member have been impacted by the bushfires or other natural disasters and are experiencing financial hardship, help may be available, even for those who aren’t insured.

Australia’s financial institutions have banded together and released emergency assistance packages for communities and existing customers experiencing financial difficulty. Lenders offering assistance include Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, NAB, ANZ, ING, Bendigo Bank, Adelaide Bank, Bank of Queensland, Suncorp and Macquarie. Assistance packages vary from lender to lender with some packages offering deferred loan repayments, fees and charges waved and existing loan/s restructuring. The big four banks have also pledged additional support to their customers including emergency accommodation, grants, interest free loans for those having to rebuild and assistance with repayments. It is advised that you get in touch with your lending institution to see what assistance is available.

For those who are both insured and uninsured, the Australian Red Cross is offering immediate financial assistance grants to those whose primary residence has been destroyed or rendered uninhabitable. There are three cash grants available:

1. Emergency grant for people who have lost their homes
2. Injury grant for people who were hospitalised due to the fires
3. Primary residence repair grant for home owners whose homes have been structurally damaged.

To apply, visit the Red Cross website to register your contact details.

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