If you're affected by the floods this is where to get help

Mar 7

Mar 7 If you're affected by the floods this is where to get help

As Brisbane continues to recover from the devastating severe weather events and flooding last week, its estimated that the damage bill is well over a billion dollars for Queensland. Lives lost, thousands have been displaced, businesses destroyed, not to mention the physical and mental toll on everyone impacted.

[Cover Image by @aniquesanders]

So where can you seek help or how do you help those who have been affected? Discover Brisbane has rounded up some information to (hopefully) make it a little easier for those affected but please note, while some grants are available now, there could also be some changes.

How to receive Financial Assistance (for individuals)

The Federal Government has made several types of payment available through Services Australia (180 22 66) including one-off lump – sum payments to adults and children of $1000, and $400 respectively.

Couples can individually claim $1000, and there's also a 13 week separate payment, (The Disaster Recovery Allowance), if you've lost your income due to the floods. If you need help, call Services Australia 180 22 66, between Monday to Friday from 8am to 7pm and on weekends between 10am and 4pm.

If you have children, you may also be eligible for extra assistance for the cost of approved childcare through the Additional Child Care Subsidy.

Banks are also supporting customers affected by the floods, so it's best to check out the emergency assistance hotlines on the Australian Banking Association website.

The National Debt helpline on 1800 007 007 is also available for confidential counselling and additional resources.

If you are experiencing having difficulty with your bank or insurer, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority can help with disputes.

Queensland's government has several additional grants for people experiencing hardship, ranging from immediate financial assistance, including those who didn't have insurance, through to assistance for people needing essential services to be re-connected.

Please note that some of these grants are subject to an income test, meaning that you qualify depending on your before-tax weekly income.

Shot of people holding umbrellas looking out towards a flooded street intersection in Brisbane — Image by @bennirama

How to receive Financial Assistance (for businesses)

If you're a small business owner, or run a Non-Profit, or a Primary producer, you may be able to access grants ranging from $50,000 to $75,000, through the Queensland Government's Extraordinary Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant

Shot of people's muddy legs as they sweep up the dirty flooded streets of Brisbane — Image by @loveyouqueensland

How to receive Housing and Accommodation assistance

For emergency and temporary housing, you can find help through the Queensland Government's Housing Service Centre where you'll also find information on Mortgage Relief Loans and Rental Grants.

Micah Projects assisting with temporary accommodation and cooked meals.

How to receive Mental Health support

Often overlooked at times, mental health support and our wellbeing is extremely important long after the waters have receded, and the clean up has finished. The Queensland Government has some useful resources on where to find community support, how to manage stress, as well as mental health services available.

Additionally, you can contact

Lifeline has a team of professional counsellors who can talk to you about your mental health concerns, or those you have for a loved one. You can call the 24/7 crisis support helpline on 13 11 14 or text or message them online here.
Beyond Blue also provides a 24/7 counselling service over the phone. You can reach them at 1300 22 4636, or visit them online to direct message or email a counsellor.
Headspace also helps young Australians experiencing mental health concerns – call them on 1800 650 890 or contact them online here.
Lifeline also has a Lifeline Community Recovery team who visit communities to provide counselling and psychological first aid in the weeks and months after major weather events. More information is available here.

Shot of people knee deep in flood water carrying a bed off the ground — Image by @loveyouqueensland

Where to donate to help flood victims

There are several ways to show your support during times like this but choosing where to send your money isn't always easy, because of the risk of scams which often spike following a natural disaster.

The most reliable way is to think about donating to a registered charity by checking the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) website or check the information available on the Queensland Government Website where you will also find information on Volunteering.

So here we are in 2022 pulling together as a community, and there's no doubt in our minds that Brisbane will recover from this, bigger and stronger. Stay safe, and look out for your friends and family!