Your flood recovery guide by JWT Publishing

Your flood recovery guide

March 2022

At IOOF we believe in helping Australians in times of need. Experiencing a major flood event can be stressful and it is important that you look after your mental health. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support. This guide is designed to assist you with recovery from this major flood event. It outlines financial assistance available through the Federal, NSW and QLD Governments. We look at the eligibility criteria, how to claim and most importantly the time in which you must lodge your claim. This guide also provides guidance on support available for your mental health, insurance, starting the clean-up process, assistance with housing and other information to assist you with your flood recovery. Information is current as at 8 March 2022. Stay alert for any updates or new assistance measures that may become available.

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Contents Protect your mental health

Are you covered by insurance?

Action to support your claim prior to cleaning up

Is the money I receive from my insurance company taxable? 5 Social Security assessment of insurance proceeds

You may be eligible for Financial Support Federal Government Assistance

5 5

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

Disaster Recovery Allowance

Disaster relief payments for New Zealand citizens living in Australia

Other Federal Government Assistance

Recovering from a flood event Housing and emergency accommodation

11 12

Non-government organisations

New South Wales (NSW) residents

Queensland (Qld) residents

Websites that can assist you with your flood recovery

Recovery Connect (applicable to NSW and Qld residents)

NSW residents

Qld residents

Small Businesses

Assistance offered by utility companies, private health insurers and life insurance providers 13 Assistance offered by Banks

Crisis Payment

Advance Payments for income support recipients

Good Shepherd No Interest Loans 13

Additional Child Care Subsidy

Services Australia Payment and Service Finder

Accessing lump sums from investments and/or super

Additional assistance offered to New South Wales (NSW) residents

Disaster Relief Grant (NSW)

Storm and flood disaster recovery small business grant NSW (February and March 2022)

Special Disaster Grants – NSW Severe Weather & Flooding February 2022 onwards (for primary producers)

Disaster relief loans (NSW)

Additional assistance offered to Queensland (Qld) residents

Emergency Hardship Assistance (Qld)

Essential Services Hardship Assistance grant (Qld)

Essential Household Contents grant (Qld)

Structural Assistance grant (Qld)

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection grant (Qld)

Transport and motoring assistance (Qld)

11 3

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

IOOF – providing support for those affected by the floods At IOOF we are committed to doing whatever we can to support our people, clients and communities impacted by the floods. The IOOF Foundation Disaster Recovery Appeal has been set up to support programs to help emergency services, communities and wildlife affected by the floods and other natural disasters. Insignia Financial together with the IOOF Foundation have committed to contributing $100,000 to the IOOF Foundation Disaster Recovery Appeal. We also provide support for staff that are emergency volunteers and community volunteers. IOOF has a long-standing history of supporting the community from our origins as a friendly society caring for people in need. If you are a client of IOOF and wish to contact us, phone our ClientFirst Team on 1800 913 118 or email clientfirst@ioof.com.au.

Protect your mental health

Are you covered by insurance?

If you have experienced a major flooding event it is important that you protect your mental health. Resources available include:

You should check with your insurer to determine if you are covered by flood damage and if covered, lodge a claim as soon as possible and seek guidance on the claims process.

Organisation

Support

Contact

Centrelink

Short-term counselling and referrals to support services

www. servicesaustralia. gov.au/phoneus?context=26266

Beyond Blue

Phone, email, online chat and online forums

www.beyondblue. org.au/

Phone, text online, chat online

www.lifeline.org.au/

MensLine Australia

Phone, online counselling

mensline.org.au/

NSW Mental Health

Phone support for NSW residents

www.health.nsw.gov. au/mentalhealth/ pages/default.aspx

Lifeline

Phone 1300 22 4636 Phone 13 11 14

Phone 1300 78 99 78

Phone 1800 011 511 QLD Mental Health and Wellbeing

Phone support for QLD residents

www.qld.gov.au/ health/mental-health Phone 1300 64 22 55

NSW Mental Health also provide fact sheets outlining mental health services specific to the flood affected areas of Northern NSW and Mid-North Coast: www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/ support-contact-list.aspx

According to a 5 March 2022 media release from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) (insurancecouncil.com.au/resource/ east-coast-flood-event-insurance-update-5-march/) a standard insurance definition of flood was introduced in June 2012 that applies to home and contents, small business and domestic strata-title policies. The standard definition is: The covering of normally dry land by water that has escaped or been released from the normal confines of: Any lake, or any river, creek or other natural watercourse, whether or not altered or modified, or any reservoir, canal or dam. The ICA states that flood cover is a standard policy inclusion except where it is expressly stated cover for flood is excluded (eg where an insurer clearly states it does not cover flood, or when an option is provided to ‘opt out’ of flood cover).

Action to support your claim prior to cleaning up The ICA advises:

• prior to cleaning up, take pictures or videos of damage to the property and possessions as evidence of your claim

• keep samples of materials and fabrics that have been damaged

• make a list of each item damaged and include a detailed description, such as brand, model, and serial number if possible

• speak to your insurer before you attempt or authorise any building work, including emergency repairs, and ask for the insurer’s permission in writing. Unauthorised work may not be covered by your policy

• do not throw away goods that could be salvaged or repaired.

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Is the money I receive from my insurance company taxable? Generally, insurance payouts relating the family home and personal assets (including cars) are not taxable. However, tax may apply in certain circumstances. The following table provides guidance on whether insurance proceeds are taxable:

You may be eligible for Financial Support

Insurance payout

Is it taxable?

Federal Government Assistance

Family home – exclusive main residence

Family home – used to produce income (eg you ran a home business or rented out a room)

May result in an assessable capital gain*

If you live or work in an eligible local government area affected by flooding you may be entitled to a Disaster Recovery Payment and/or Disaster Recovery Allowance.

Personal asset (damaged or destroyed household items, furniture, electrical goods, boats and private cars)

Generally no.

Trading stock

Yes

Business premises

May have an assessable capital gain*

Depreciating assets

May have an amount included in assessable income

Work cars

May have an amount included in assessable income

Low-value pool items

If the insurance payout is not invested but is spent for another purpose, it may be immediately assessable under the income and assets test.

May have an assessable capital gain if it is a personal asset that cost you more than $10,000 or a collectable that cost more than $500.

May reduce your closing pool balance

If you are a running a small business, talk to your financial adviser or accountant about eligibility for the small business capital gains tax (CGT) concessions.

For additional information, refer to the ATO website www.ato. gov.au/General/Support-in-difficult-times/Natural-disastersupport/Recovery-following-natural-disasters/Insurancepayouts-after-a-disaster/

Social Security assessment of insurance proceeds Insurance payouts for damage to buildings, plant or personal effects is not treated as income for Social Security purposes. Generally, money held in financial investments (eg bank accounts, term deposits) are deemed under the income test for income support payments. Deemed means that it is assumed to earn a certain return regardless of the actual return. These insurance payouts are exempt from deeming for 12 months. The period may be extended if you can show an intent to spend the insurance proceeds within the first 12 months but you are unable to do so due to reasons beyond your control.

You have 6 months to make a claim through MyGov or by calling the Services Australia emergency information line on 180 22 66.

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment Claims for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment relating to the February 2022 floods in NSW and South East Queensland must be made by 3 September 2022. If you’re in a Local Government Area (LGA) that has been declared for a natural disaster event you may be entitled to the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP). This is a single lump sum payment of $1,000 per qualified adult and $400 per child for whom the qualified adult is the principal carer. You may choose to receive the payment in instalments. On 9 March 2022, the Federal Government announced the intention to provide Richmond Valley, Lismore and Clarence Valley LGAs with an additional two payments of the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment. For individuals who have already received a payment, this will automatically be paid from 15 and 22 March. Eligibility may be extended to additional LGAs.

Do I qualify? For a list of LGAs in NSW that qualify for the AGDRP relating to the February 2022 floods, refer to: www.servicesaustralia. gov.au/nsw-floods-february-2022-australian-governmentdisaster-recovery-payment

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

The list of LGAs may be subject to change. As at 8 March 2022, the list included:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Armidale Ballina Bayside Bega Valley Bellingen Blacktown Blue Mountains Byron Camden Campbelltown Canterbury Bankstown Central Coast Clarence Valley Coffs Harbour Eurobodalla Fairfield Georges River Glen Innes Severn Hawkesbury Hornsby Inner West Kempsey

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Kuring-Gai Kyogle

• An Australian resident or eligible visa holder • 16 years or older, or receiving a Social Security Payment • Seriously affected by the storms and floods (eg you were

Lismore

seriously injured, your immediate family member died or is missing or the flood caused major damage to your home).

Liverpool Mid North Coast Nambucca

Damage to your home (your principal place of residence) includes:

Newcastle

it’s been destroyed or must be demolished

Northern Beaches Parramatta Penrith Port Macquarie/Hastings Richmond Valley Ryde Shellharbour Shoalhaven Sutherland Tenterfield The Hills Tweed Wingecarribee Wollondilly Wollongong

• • • • • •

it’s been declared structurally unsound this disaster has caused major damage to the interior this disaster has exposed the interior to the elements sewage has gotten inside your home this disaster has significantly damaged a major asset or assets (with a combined market value of at least $20,000) you own at your property. This can include buildings, vehicles, caravans, water tanks or large scale machinery.

This payment is not asset or income tested. You may also be eligible for Disaster Recover Assistance.

How do I make a claim? Evidence of damage If your claim is due to property or major assets damage, you must first assess the damage. You may need to provide evidence such as photos to support your claim.

Kiama

For a list of LGAs in South East Queensland that qualify for the AGDRP relating to the February 2022 floods, refer to: www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/south-east-queenslandfloods-february-2022-australian-government-disasterrecovery-payment The list of LGAs may be subject to change. As at 8 March 2022, the list included:

• • • • • • • • • • •

To be eligible, you must be:

Brisbane Bundaberg Cherbourg Fraser Coast Gladstone Gold Coast Goondiwindi Gympie Ipswich Lockyer Valley Logan

• • • • • • • • • • •

Claims for the AGDRP relating to the February 2022 floods in NSW and South East Queensland must be made by 3 September 2022. You make a claim through MyGov or by calling the Services Australia emergency information line on 180 22 66. If you are a member of a couple and both of you are eligible, you can both receive the payment but you must make separate claims.

Moreton Bay

If making a claim through MyGov, follow these steps:

Noosa

1 Sign in to myGov and select Centrelink in your linked services. You will need to link Centrelink to your myGov account if you haven’t previously.

North Burnett Redland Scenic Rim Somerset South Burnett Southern Downs Sunshine Coast Toowoomba Western Downs

2 Select Make a claim or view claim status. 3 Select Make a claim. 4 Scroll to Help in an emergency and select Get started. 5 Select Apply for Disaster Recovery Payment. 6 Select Begin. 7 Answer the eligibility and claim questions. 8 Submit your claim.

To determine whether any new major event have been declared a natural disaster event refer to www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/active-natural-disasterevents?context=60042 or contact Services Australia.

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

What if I already receive a pension or benefit? If you are currently receiving a pension or benefit and meet the criteria for AGDRP you can receive AGDRP in addition to you regular payment, without your eligibility for your regular payment being affected.

Is this payment taxable? Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment is not taxable.

Additional information For additional information on: NSW Floods, February 2022 – Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment refer to www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/ nsw-floods-february-2022-australian-government-disasterrecovery-payment South East Queensland Floods, February 2022 – Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment refer to www. servicesaustralia.gov.au/south-east-queensland-floodsfebruary-2022-australian-government-disaster-recoverypayment

Disaster Recovery Allowance Claims for the Disaster Recovery Allowance relating to the February 2022 floods in NSW and South East Queensland must be made by 3 September 2022. If you work or live in an LGA that has been declared for a disaster and have lost income as a result of the floods you may be entitled to a Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA). Payable for a maximum of 13 weeks from the date you started losing income as a direct result of the floods. If eligible, you will receive the maximum equivalent rate of JobSeeker Payment (ranges between $573.30 and $862.10 per fortnight) or Youth Allowance (ranges between $313.80 to $862.10 per fortnight) depending on your circumstances.

Do I qualify? Residents of the same NSW and South East Queensland LGAs that qualify for the AGDRP relating to the February 2022 floods (refer above) may qualify for the Disaster Recovery Allowance relating to the same flood event. To be eligible, you must:

• Be an Australian resident or eligible visa holder • Be 16 years or older, if you are between 16 and 21 you must

• During your claim period, not receive Age Pension, Austudy, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, Youth Allowance, Parental Leave Pay, Dad and Partner Pay, ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Farm Household Allowance, DVA Age or Service Pension, DVA Income Support Supplement or DVA Veteran Payment.

How do I make a claim? Claims for the Disaster Recovery Allowance relating to the February 2022 floods in NSW and South East Queensland must be made by 3 September 2022. You make a claim through MyGov or by calling the Services Australia emergency information line on 180 22 66. If you are a member of a couple and both of you are eligible, you must each make a separate claim. If making a claim through MyGov, follow these steps: 1 Sign in to myGov and select Centrelink in your linked services. You will need to link Centrelink to your myGov account if you haven’t previously. 2 Select Make a claim or view claim status. 3 Select Make a claim. 4 Scroll to Help in an emergency and select Get started. 5 Select Apply for Disaster Recovery Allowance. 6 Select Begin. 7 Answer the eligibility and claim questions. 8 Submit your claim.

Is the payment taxable? As the Disaster Recovery Assistance is designed to replace lost income, the payment itself is taxable. You can request tax to be withheld from your payments. If you don’t, you may have a tax shortfall resulting in tax payable once you submit your tax return. You may be eligible for the Beneficiary Tax Offset to reduce tax payable.

Disaster relief payments for New Zealand citizens living in Australia New Zealand citizens that don’t qualify for an Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment or Disaster Recovery Allowance may qualify for a New Zealand Disaster Recovery Payment or New Zealand Disaster Recovery Allowance payable through Services Australia.

be considered independent

• Work or live in an affected LGA • Lost income as a direct result of the storms and floods • Earn less than $1,737.10 per week (the average weekly income) after the income loss; and

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Other Federal Government Assistance Crisis Payment In most cases you need to contact Services Australia within 7 days of the extreme circumstance occurring, then submit a claim within 14 days. If you leave your home due to severe property damage from a flood you may be eligible for a Crisis Payment. The Crisis Payment is equal to a week’s pay at the maximum basic rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance (which excludes other allowances and supplements).

Do I qualify? If you leave your home due to severe property damage from a flood, you may be eligible for a Crisis Payment if:

• You are not eligible for one of the above disaster relief payments or any other disaster relief payment or allowance from your local state or territory governments, or the Commonwealth

• You are in severe financial hardship • It is unreasonable for you to return to your home in the near future

• You intend to establish or have established a new home; and

• You get or are eligible for ABSTUDY Living Allowance, Age Pension, Austudy, Carer Payment, Disability Support Pension, JobSeeker Payment, Parenting Payment, Special Benefit, Youth Allowance, Farm Household Allowance, DVA Age or Service Pension, DVA Income Support Supplement or DVA Veteran Payment. You are considered to be in severe financial hardship if your liquid assets (eg cash you have on hand, money you have in the bank, shares, bonds) are less than:

• If you’re single, 2 weeks of the maximum rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance

• If you’re partnered, less than 4 weeks of the maximum rate of your income support payment or ABSTUDY Living Allowance.

4 Select Apply for Crisis Payment for Other Extreme Circumstances 5 Answer all the questions 6 Submit your claim.

Advance Payments for income support recipients If you are receiving an income support payment or Family Tax Benefits you may be eligible for an advance lump sum payment. This does have to be paid back from your future income support or Family Tax Benefit payments. The eligibility criteria and lump sum payment amount depends on your type of payment. Refer to Services Australia for additional information www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/advance-payment

Additional Child Care Subsidy You must be assessed as experiencing temporary financial hardship, for circumstances that occurred no more than 6 calendar months before the application is made. If you are eligible for Child Care Subsidy, have experienced temporary financial hardship due to the floods and have a substantially reduced ability to pay child care fees you may be eligible for the Additional Child Care Subsidy. If eligible, you can access 100 hours of subsidised care each fortnight for your child for a maximum of 13 weeks. You will receive the lower of:

• 100% of the fee charged where it’s equal to or below the hourly rate cap, or

• up to 120% of the hourly rate cap, where the fee charged is above the hourly rate cap. Refer to Services Australia for additional information www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/temporary-financialhardship-additional-child-care-subsidy?context=41866

Additional assistance offered to New South Wales (NSW) residents Disaster Relief Grant (NSW)

How do I make a claim? In most cases you need to contact Services Australia within 7 days of the extreme circumstance occurring, then submit a claim within 14 days. You make a claim through MyGov or by calling the Services Australia. If making a claim through MyGov, follow these steps:

Claim within 4 months of the flood You may be eligible for a Disaster Relief Grant if your home and/or essential household contents were damaged or destroyed by the floods.

1 Sign in to myGov and select Centrelink in your linked services.

Do I qualify?

2 Select Payments and Claims from the menu, then Claims, then Make a claim

• your principal place of residence was damaged by flood • you do not have insurance for the damage • you are a low income earner with limited financial resources

3 Select Crisis Payments

You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

You may not be eligible if:

• lack of maintenance has caused or impacted the damage; or

• the damage is cosmetic and not essential to living in a safe and habitable home.

How do I apply? You must apply within 4 months of the flood event. Phone 13 77 88 and ask about the Disaster Relief Grant administered by Resilience NSW. You will be sent an application form and fact sheet. For additional information refer to www.nsw.gov.au/ resilience-nsw/disaster-relief-grant-for-individuals#toceligibility

Storm and flood disaster recovery small business grant NSW (February and March 2022) Small businesses and not-for-profit organisations may be eligible for the February and March 2022 Storm and flood disaster recovery small business grant (February and March 2022). The grant of up to $50,000 is to help pay for the costs of clean-up and reinstatement of the small business or not-forprofit organisation’s operations. If you operate multiple small businesses, you may apply for grant funding for each eligible separate business up to the maximum amount available.

Special Disaster Grants – NSW Severe Weather & Flooding February 2022 onwards (for primary producers) Depending on your Local Government Area (LGA) applications close on either the 4th or 6th of September 2022. If you are a primary producer you may be eligible for a grant up to $75,000 to assist you to get back to operating as soon as possible. For additional information including a list of qualifying LGAs and a link to apply online, refer to www.raa. nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/storm-and-flood-programs/ sdg-february-2022 you can also contact the Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.

Disaster relief loans (NSW) If you are one of the following entities, may be eligible for a Disaster Relief Loan: Entity

Relief

Primary producer

Concessional loan up to $130,000 and transport subsidies up to $15,000

Small business

Concessional loan up to $130,000

Not-for-profit organisation

Concessional loan up to $25,000

Sporting club

Concessional loan up to $10,000

Do I qualify? You may be eligible if all of the following apply:

• You have suffered a direct and material impact of flooding on business assets or equipment

• You are primarily responsible for meeting the costs • You intend to re-establish your small business or not-forprofit organisation in the same area

• If you are a small business, you have an ABN and engaged in carrying on a small business at the time of the floods

• if you are a not-for-profit organisation, be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) or an equivalent state regulatory body. You cannot claim for expenses that are already covered by another government source, program or donation or you are entitled to make a claim (or received a claim) under an insurance policy.

How do I apply? You can apply online (using the link below). If you are not able to apply online, phone 13 77 88. For additional information and how to apply, refer to www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/ storm-and-flood-assistance-businesses/storm-and-flooddisaster-recovery-small-business

For additional information refer to NSW Rural Assistance Authority www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance or phone 1800 678 593.

Additional assistance offered to Queensland (Qld) residents Emergency Hardship Assistance (Qld) Claim for 7 days following the activation of the grant in your area A payment of $180 per person, up to $900 for a family of 5 or more for those unable to meet their immediate essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation.

Do I qualify? Emergency Hardship Assistance is not income or asset tested. You are eligible if you meet all of the following:

• live or are stranded in the targeted activation zone • have suffered hardship as a result of the event • are unable to meet your immediate essential needs for food, clothing, medical supplies or temporary accommodation.

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

You are not eligible if you are claiming one of the following:

How do I apply?

• business loss or damage including compensation for

The grant is initially available to claim for 7 days following the activation of the grant in your area. You can apply online via the Community Recovery Portal, by phoning the Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 (they will help you complete an online application) or by visiting a Community Recovery Hub.

loss of income

• farm or property damage (excluding principal place of residence)

• loss of tools of trade • loss of power/ essential services to your home (you may be eligible for an Essential Services Hardship Assistance grant if the loss is for greater than 5 days)

• isolation within property. How do I apply? The grant is initially available to claim for 7 days following the activation of the grant in your area. You can apply online via the Community Recovery Portal, by phoning the Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 or by visiting a Community Recovery Hub.

Essential Services Hardship Assistance grant (Qld)

Essential Household Contents grant (Qld) If you are uninsured or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a grant up to $1,765 for single adults and up to $5,300 for couples and families to assist with replacing or repairing essential household contents, such as beds, linen and whitegoods that have been lost or damaged due to flooding.

Do I qualify? To be eligible you must meet all of the following:

• be living (a tenant or owner-occupier) in a disaster affected area where this grant is activated

• be uninsured or unable to claim insurance to replace or repair your household contents

• satisfy an income test:

Claim for 7 days following the activation of the grant in your area A payment of $150 per person, up to $750 for a family of 5 or more to support people with their immediate needs where they have lost essential services for more than 5 days.

Do I qualify? Essential Services Hardship Assistance is not income or asset tested. You are eligible if you meet all of the following:

• your principal place of residence must be in the activated financial assistance disaster area and loss of power is confirmed by the energy provider

• be directly impacted by the loss of one or more essential services for more than 5 days

• be suffering hardship • experienced loss of: – electricity (or other alternate power supply), where this is the only source of power to your property

– gas, including bottled gas, if the principal place of residence is gas only (if electricity is connected, then gas alone does not qualify for assistance)

– water, including water tanks where your principal place of residence is reliant on tank water, but only where an alternate source of water is not supplied

– sewerage including septic tanks only when residents are unable to stay in their principal place of residence due to health and safety issues.

Status

Have gross (before tax) weekly income of less than:

Individual

$988* (annual equivalent of $51,398)

Couple

$1,367* (annual equivalent of $71,061)

Sole parent, one child

$1,368* (annual equivalent of $71,110)

Couple, one child

$1,694* (annual equivalent of $88,111)

For each additional child add a further $327 per week, for each dependent adult add $378 per week).

How do I apply? You can apply online via the Community Recovery Portal, by phoning the Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 (they will help you complete an online application).

Structural Assistance grant (Qld) You are not eligible for a Structural Assistance grant for flood damage to an investment property (including a holiday house) or for pre-existing damage. If you are uninsured or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a grant up to $10,995 for single adults and up to $14,685 for couples and families to assist with repairs to your home to make it secure and safe.

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Do I qualify? To be eligible you must meet all of the following:

• live in a disaster affected area where this grant is activated • own or be the mortgagee of the home, caravan or boat, where the home, caravan or boat was your primary place of residence at the time of the flood

• be uninsured or unable to claim insurance for the structural repairs

Recovering from a flood event Before you start your clean up, you should determine if you are covered by insurance. If covered, you need to be aware of what evidence will be required to support your insurance claim, refer to ‘Are you covered by insurance?’. In NSW, the NSW SES issues an ‘All Clear’ and in QLD, your local council will determine when it is safe to return to a flood affected area, previously subject to an Evacuation Order.

• satisfy the same income test for the Essential Household Contents grant (refer above).

Tip

• Before paying for services, be aware of available

How do I apply?

clean-up programs through your local council or state government.

• You can apply online via the Community Recovery Portal, by phoning the Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 (they will help you complete an online application).

Essential Services Safety and Reconnection grant (Qld) If you are uninsured or unable to claim insurance, you may be eligible for a grant up $200 towards a safety inspection for each essential service requiring reconnection and up to $4,200 towards repair work to enable reconnection.

Do I qualify? To be eligible you must meet all of the following:

• live in a disaster affected area where this grant is activated • be the owner or mortgagee of the home • be uninsured or unable to claim insurance to replace or repair your essential service/s

• satisfy the same income test for the Essential Household Contents grant (refer above).

How do I apply? You can apply online via the Community Recovery Portal, by phoning the Community Recovery Line on 1800 173 349 (they will help you complete an online application).

Transport and motoring assistance (Qld) You may be eligible for a range of assistance including free replacement of lost or damaged number plates and shorter registration terms without paying a surcharge. For a full range of Transport and motoring assistance refer to: www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/ disasters/money-finance/types-grants/transport-andmotoring-assistance

• Watch out for fake tradespeople or repairers. Don’t be rushed into making a decision or paying cash up front. The NSW SES provides the following guidance:

• Ensure the structural stability of your property before entering. Check for damage to windows, walls and the roof and be especially cautious of potential contaminants including asbestos

• Make sure the electricity and gas is turned off before going inside. Use a torch to carry out inspections inside buildings

• If power points, electrical equipment, appliances or electrical hot water systems have been exposed to floodwater or are water damaged in any way, they must be inspected by a qualified electrician before use

• Gas appliances and gas bottles that have been exposed to floodwater should be inspected for safety before use

• Wear suitable protective clothing, including boots and gloves, when cleaning up

• • • •

Be aware of any slip, trip or fall hazards Never eat food which has been in contact with floodwater Only use clean utensils and personal items Have a supply of fresh drinking water

Source: www.ses.nsw.gov.au/floodsafe/prepare-your-home/ after-flooding/ Similar direction is provided by the Queensland Government www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/ disasters/rebuilding-cleaning/returning-home/return-tobuildings

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Housing and emergency accommodation Non-government organisations The following non-government organisations may assist you to find housing and emergency accommodation: Organisation Assistance AskIzzy

Mission Australia

The Red Cross

The Salvation Army

UnitingCare QLD

Website to search for housing, food, health care and legal help in your area Manages community housing and can help look for a home

Contact details askizzy.org.au/

Phone 1800 269 672 Email housingenquiries@ missionaustralia.com.au www.missionaustralia. com.au/housing Phone 1800 733 276

May assist with finding suitable www.redcross.org.au/ shelter and meals services/homelessnessservices/ Help find housing Phone 13 72 58 and support www.salvationarmy. services org.au/need-help/

Help find accommodation

• A Rental Grant – 2 weeks rent and is paid directly to the landlord or agent if you need to move into private rental accommodation. For additional information on Bond Loans and Rental Grants refer to www.qld.gov.au/housing/renting/rent-assistance The Homeless Hotline is a phone information and referral service. Phone 1800 47 47 53 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) www.qld.gov.au/housing/emergency-temporaryaccommodation/homeless-persons-information-qld

Websites that can assist you with your flood recovery Recovery Connect (applicable to NSW and Qld residents) recovery.serviceconnect.gov.au/ Find a range of services and support for those impacted by a flood event (see following screenshot).

homelessness-supportservices/ www.unitingcareqld. com.au/services-andsupport/homelessness

New South Wales (NSW) residents If a Disaster Recover Centre is established, they may assist with organising temporary accommodation. You can also contact Disaster Welfare Services on 1800 018 444. Link2home is the homelessness information and referral telephone service. Phone 1800 152 152 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ways/are-youhomeless You may be eligible to apply for Housing Assistance. You can apply online at www.facs.nsw.gov.au/housing/help/ applying-assistance/assistance or phone the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322.

Queensland (Qld) residents To get assistance organising temporary accommodation call 13 74 68 or visit your nearest Housing Service Centre. To find your nearest Housing Services Centre www.qld.gov.au/ housing/public-community-housing/housing-service-centre

NSW residents www.nsw.gov.au/floods Contains information regarding:

• Face to face support through flood recovery centres • Clean up assistance (includes advice for returning home) Qld residents

You may be eligible for:

www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/ disasters/rebuilding-cleaning

• A Mortgage Relief Loan – an interest-free loans of up to

Contains information regarding:

$20,000 to help you meet your home loan repayments. For additional information on mortgage relief loans refer to www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/ financial-help-concessions/mortgage-relief-loan

• Reconnecting electricity and water • Returning home after a storm, flood, cyclone or bushfire • Replacing lost or destroyed documents

• A Bond Loan – an interest free loan up to 4 weeks’ rent to assist you paying the rental bond if you need to move into private rental accommodation.

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) provide:

• a fact sheet on recovering after a natural disaster www. qbcc.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/Recovering_After_a_ Natural_Disaster_-_FAQs.pdf

• a North QLD Flood Register where you can search for licensed contractors available to help with repairs, making your home secure, safe and habitable my.qbcc.qld.gov. au/s/assistance-search If you are over 60 years of age or have a disability, you may be eligible for subsidised critical home maintenance through Home Assist Secure. For additional information refer to www. qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/maintenancemodifications/maintenance-assistance/home-assist-secure

Small Businesses CPA Australia provide a Disaster Recovery Toolkit www. cpaaustralia.com.au/tools-and-resources/disaster-recovery/ what-to-do-immediately-after-a-disaster business.gov.au provides information about Managing an Emergency business.gov.au/risk-management/emergencymanagement

Assistance offered by utility companies, private health insurers and life insurance providers Utility companies may offer assistance through longer invoice periods (may be automatically applied), extended terms, payment plans and credits against your next bill. Several health insurers have announced flood relief assistance for their members. Examples of relief include having premium fees waived for three months, prioritisation of claim payments and waivers of limits and benefit replacement periods. Some life insurance providers are offering flood relief assistance (eg premium waivers) on life, total and permanent disability, trauma and income replacement insurance where the policy holder has been impacted by the floods. Contact your utilities, health insurance and life insurance provider to determine if you are eligible for any flood relief assistance.

Assistance offered by Banks You should contact your bank to determine whether you are eligible for any relief measures. The Australian Banking Association states, that depending on your circumstances, assistance may include:

• A deferral of scheduled loan repayments, on home, personal and some business loans for up to 3 months

• Waiving of fees and charges, including for early access to term deposits

• Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable

• Restructuring existing loans free of the usual establishment fees

• Offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages

• Deferring upcoming credit card payments • Emergency credit limit increases Source: www.ausbanking.org.au/banks-offer-flood-victimsa-financial-lifeline/

Good Shepherd No Interest Loans You may be eligible for a No Interest Loans (NILs) through Good Shepherd if you:

• have a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card; or • are single and earn less than $45,000 a year after tax; or • are a member of a couple (or have dependants) and earn less than $60,000 a year after tax; and

• can show that you have the capacity to repay the loan. Good Shepherd will provide loans for the purchase of essential goods and services, including education essentials (eg laptops), household items (eg fridges and washing machines), household furniture and repairs. For additional information refer to goodshep.org.au/services/nils/

Services Australia Payment and Service Finder You can use this tool to assist you with finding what Centrelink payments (eg pensions, allowances, Family Tax Benefits, Child care fee assistance) you may qualify for and available services (eg housing and mental health). You can access the Services Australia Payment and Service Finder at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/payment-and-servicefinder?context=52755

IOOF | Your flood recovery guide

Accessing lump sums from investments and/or super Depending on your circumstances, withdrawing money from your investments and/or super could impact your entitlement to other benefits If you withdraw from your investments and/or super there could be tax implications. Withdrawing money from super is only allowed in limited circumstances (if you have unrestricted non-preserved benefits or have satisfied a condition of release). For additional information on accessing your super benefits (conditions of release) refer to the ATO website www. ato.gov.au/super/apra-regulated-funds/paying-benefits/ releasing-benefits/conditions-of-release/

• For additional information on taxation of super lump sums refer to the ATO website www.ato.gov.au/individuals/ super/in-detail/withdrawing-and-using-your-super/ withdrawing-your-super-and-paying-tax/?page=4

• You should speak to your financial adviser or super fund (where appropriate) before taking benefits from your investments and/or super.

Disclaimer:

Information in this document is of a general nature only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should seek personal financial, tax, legal and such other advice as necessary or appropriate before relying on the information in this document or making any financial investment, insurance or other decision. If this document is provided to you in conjunction with a Statement of Advice (‘SOA’), any personal financial advice relevant to the financial planning concept/strategy referred to in this document will be contained in that SOA. Information in this document reflects our understanding of relevant regulatory requirements and laws etc as at the date of issue, which may be subject to change. While care has been taken in preparing this document, no liability is accepted by Actuate or any member of the IOOF Group, nor their agents or employees for any loss arising from any reliance on this document. If any financial product is referred to in this document, you should consider the relevant PDS or other disclosure material before making an investment decision in relation to that financial product.

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This document has been prepared by Actuate Alliance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 40 083 233 925, AFSL 240959) (‘Actuate’), a member of the IOOF group of companies (‘IOOF Group’), for use and distribution by representatives and authorised representatives of Actuate, Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd, Bridges Financial Services Pty Limited, Lonsdale Financial Group Ltd, Millennium3 Financial Services Pty Ltd, RI Advice Group Pty Ltd, Shadforth Financial Group Ltd and Australian Financial Services Licensees with whom any IOOF Group member has a commercial services agreement.