Lifeline on 13 11 14. It is normal to feel overwhelmed after a disaster. Help is ... local Disaster Recovery Centre is:
Getting help after a disaster
DISASTER RESPONSE SERVICE Advice • Information • Assistance
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. You can get counselling through your GP, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed after a disaster. Help is available.
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 Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) on 1800 367 287.
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:
My lawyer’s name:
My lawyer’s phone number:
My lawyer has agreed to:
My to do list:
Useful contacts Wellbeing Lifeline – 13 11 14
Finances Financial Rights Legal Centre – 1800 007 007 FOS – 1800 367 287 Centrelink – Contact your local Centrelink office Fair Work Ombudsman – 13 13 94
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 Financial Ombudsman’s Service 1300 367287 NSW Fair Trading Information Centre 133 220 (Monday to Friday 8:30–5:00) Tenants advocacy service www.tenants.org.au/contact-us
If you need help to talk to us in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450 (9am-5pm). If you find it hard to hear or speak, contact us through the National Relay Service on 133 677 or www.relayservice.gov.au or contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 889 529. This brochure only gives general information about the law. You should talk to a lawyer about your problem. The information in this brochure is correct when it is printed, but the information can change. If you need more help, contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529. Order brochures online at www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au (go to Order a publication) or email
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