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If a disaster is happening right now, find out what to do what to do during and after an emergency.

Support if you have lost income

If you’ve lost income because of a natural disaster, you might be eligible for the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA).

The DRA is a short-term income support payment. You can get it for a maximum of 13 weeks.

Support to help your business recover

Your state or territory government may offer financial support to help your business recover after a disaster.

The support available depends on the disaster, but might include:

  • low-interest loans or interest rate subsidies
  • recovery grants to help with the cost of cleaning up, repairs and other activities
  • freight subsidies to help primary producers transport livestock, fodder, water, equipment or machinery
  • emergency fodder for livestock
  • advisory services to help you find support and plan your business recovery.

Find support in your area

Check your business address

Make sure your business’s physical address on the Australian Business Register (ABR) is correct.

Government agencies use this address to check if you are eligible for financial assistance, grants and other support during and after an emergency.

Your main business address can’t be a post office box or the address of your tax or BAS agent.

Find out how to update your ABN details

Recovery grants for Indigenous corporations

If your Indigenous corporation’s property has been impacted by a disaster, you might be eligible for a Disaster Recovery Quick Response Grant of up to $20,000.

You can use the funds to:

  • clean up your property
  • make your property safe
  • buy equipment to help with recovery.

Help with support applications, insurance and debt

The Small Business Debt Help Line can help you find and apply for grants, loans and bill relief after a disaster.

They can also help you understand your insurance policy and deal with your insurance company.

If you don’t think your business will recover financially, their trained financial counsellors can discuss options with you.

Hardship assistance from your bank

If you’ve been affected by a natural disaster, your bank may be able to help reduce the financial impact.

For example, they might be able to:

  • defer your loan repayments
  • restructure your loan
  • waive fees
  • provide extra finance to help you recover.

Contact your bank’s hardship team to see what options are available.

Help with government fees and taxes

A disaster might prevent you from paying money you owe to government agencies. If that happens, you may be able to defer your payments, work out a payment plan or get a refund for late fees.

Find out about natural disaster support from these agencies:

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