NSW Flood Relief Package – In response to the widespread flooding that has affected multiple regions across New South Wales in 2025, the government has officially launched a comprehensive Flood Relief Package to assist impacted households, individuals, and small businesses. This large-scale assistance plan is being coordinated between the New South Wales Government and the Australian Government and is aimed at providing timely financial support and resources to those directly impacted by the natural disaster. With rising water levels damaging properties, displacing families, and disrupting daily life, the state has activated a range of payments including the Disaster Recovery Payment (DRP), Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), essential service rebates, housing support grants, transport aid, and targeted business relief. Below, we provide a complete breakdown of what support is available, who qualifies, and how to make a successful claim.
Overview of the NSW Flood Relief Package
The 2025 flood relief initiative has been introduced to combat the devastating effects of the current floods which have damaged homes, interrupted work, and cut off access to essential services. The program is designed to deliver targeted assistance based on personal or financial impact.
Key goals of this relief program include:
- Providing immediate cash support to flood-affected individuals and families.
- Helping people who have lost their income due to business closures or infrastructure disruptions.
- Ensuring that displaced renters and homeowners have access to temporary housing or rental aid.
- Supporting small businesses and farms in recovering operations and replacing lost assets.
- Offering utility rebates and free public transport to reduce everyday expenses during recovery.
Relief funds are distributed in partnership with Services Australia, Centrelink, and Service NSW, with online and offline support channels open now.
Who Is Eligible for DRP and DRA Support
Disaster Recovery Payment (DRP)
The DRP is a one-time, non-taxable payment aimed at providing emergency relief to individuals or families whose lives have been severely affected by the floods. Eligibility includes:
- Adults who suffered significant property damage, injury, or displacement: $1,000 each.
- Children under 16 in the affected household: $400 each.
To qualify, you must reside in a flood-affected area that has been declared a disaster zone. Additional evidence such as photos of property damage or an evacuation notice may be required.
Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA)
The DRA provides short-term income support for individuals who can no longer work or have experienced a significant reduction in income because of the floods. The allowance:
- Is payable for up to 13 weeks.
- Matches the rate of JobSeeker Payment, based on age and family circumstances.
- Is available to Australian residents and certain visa holders in eligible areas.
This payment is particularly crucial for those who are self-employed, part-time workers, or involved in casual jobs in flood-hit regions.
Current Declared Disaster Zones Eligible for DRP/DRA
| Region | DRP Available | DRA Available | Additional Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkesbury-Nepean | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Northern Rivers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Central Coast | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Illawarra-Shoalhaven | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Hunter Valley | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| South Coast | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Western Sydney | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Southern Highlands | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Application Process for DRP & DRA
To apply for either DRP or DRA:
- Log in to your myGov account linked with Centrelink.
- Navigate to “Apply for Disaster Support”.
- Complete the online form with supporting documentation:
- Proof of identity
- Evidence of flood damage (photos, insurance claims)
- Employer confirmation of income loss (for DRA)
- Submit the form and await confirmation.
Processing takes between 2 to 14 days, depending on the type of claim.
Important Notes
- DRP and DRA can be claimed together if eligible.
- Payments are made directly into your bank account.
- Paper-based applications are available at Service NSW Centres for those without internet access.
Contact for Assistance with DRP/DRA
| Department | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Services Australia | 180 22 66 | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| Centrelink Disaster Team | 13 28 50 | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/drp |
Deadline to Apply
Applications must be submitted by 30 July 2025, unless otherwise extended.
Additional Flood Relief Options for Tenants, Homeowners, and Individuals
Rental Assistance Grant
This grant offers up to $5,000 to cover rental expenses for individuals or families whose homes were made uninhabitable due to flooding. Payment is made either to the tenant or directly to the landlord, depending on arrangement.
You must provide:
- A copy of your current lease agreement.
- Evidence of damage or evacuation.
- A completed Service NSW rental relief form.
Utility Bill Relief
To help ease cost-of-living pressures, affected households may receive energy rebates ranging from $250 to $500 depending on location and provider.
Participating energy providers include:
- AGL
- Origin Energy
- Energy Australia
- Red Energy
Apply online through your provider or through Service NSW.
Transport and Toll Support
- Flood-affected residents can apply for toll fee waivers for their regular routes.
- Free public transport is being provided in impacted zones for up to 30 days.
- Applications can be submitted online at Transport NSW or through the Opal card system.
Household Support Summary Table
| Relief Type | Amount/Benefit | Apply Through | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Assistance | Up to $5,000 | Service NSW Portal | 30 June 2025 |
| Energy Rebate | $250–$500 | Energy Provider or Service NSW | 30 July 2025 |
| Toll Fee Waiver | Full waiver | Linkt/Transport NSW | 15 July 2025 |
| Free Public Transport | 30 days free | Opal Website or Service Desk | 31 May 2025 |
Support for Small Businesses and Farmers
Small Business Flood Recovery Grant
Eligible small businesses can receive up to $75,000 for clean-up costs, damaged equipment replacement, and restarting operations. This is not a loan and does not need to be repaid.
Requirements:
- Business must operate in a disaster-declared region.
- Must demonstrate financial loss or damage due to floods.
Primary Producer Support Grant
Farming enterprises and growers impacted by floods may be entitled to up to $100,000 in assistance for:
- Crop losses
- Infrastructure damage
- Replacement of livestock feed
- Fencing and irrigation repair
Farmers must register with the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.
Business Support Summary Table
| Sector Type | Support Available | Max Funding | Where to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sole Traders | DRP + Business Grant | $11,000 | Services Australia |
| Small Businesses | Emergency Recovery | $75,000 | Service NSW Business Portal |
| Primary Producers | Farm Relief Support | $100,000 | NSW Rural Assistance Authority |
Rebate Access & Disaster Help Finder Tool
To make access easier, the NSW Government has launched an online tool that matches residents to the relief options they’re eligible for.
How it works:
- Go to www.service.nsw.gov.au
- Use the Disaster Assistance Finder
- Enter your location and type of damage
- Receive a list of eligible programs, rebates, and applications
If you need help navigating, call the Disaster Relief Hotline or visit your nearest Service NSW Centre.
The 2025 NSW Flood Relief Package is a crucial support system for anyone affected by recent natural disasters. Whether you need immediate financial help, housing support, business recovery, or rebates, there is assistance available. However, it’s important to act quickly as many programs have specific deadlines and limited funds.
Official Department Contacts
| Department | Phone Number | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Service NSW | 13 77 88 | www.service.nsw.gov.au |
| Services Australia (DRP/DRA) | 180 22 66 | www.servicesaustralia.gov.au |
| Rural Assistance Authority | 1800 678 593 | www.raa.nsw.gov.au |
| Housing and Rental Services | 1300 468 746 | www.facs.nsw.gov.au |
| Transport NSW (Toll Waivers) | 131 500 | www.transport.nsw.gov.au |
FAQs about NSW Flood Relief Package
Can I apply for DRP and DRA together?
Yes, you can receive both payments if you meet the eligibility for each.
Do I need to have insurance to get DRP or DRA?
No, you do not need to have flood insurance to access these government payments.
When will I receive my payment after applying?
DRP is generally paid within 2–5 business days. DRA can take up to 14 business days.
Can renters apply for the flood payments?
Yes, renters are eligible for both DRP and Rental Assistance Grants if their property was affected.
Are foreign residents eligible for assistance?
Visa holders such as subclass 444 and humanitarian visa holders may qualify for DRA. DRP is only for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
