Thursday, 24 March 2022
Applications are now open for Flood Recovery Rental Support payments of up to $18,000 to help flood-affected residents in highly-impacted areas with the costs of short-term rental accommodation.
Acting Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the one-off lump payments were part of the NSW Government's $285 million Temporary Housing Support package.
"This is an incredibly distressing time for many people, and we are committed to ensuring flood victims have access to safe, secure and affordable short-term rental arrangements while their homes are rebuilt," Mr Toole said.
"Up to 16 weeks' rental support will be made available, with the payment dependent on the number of people in the household including children. This will help ease some of the burden as they transition from emergency or short-term accommodation.
"Only one family member or housemate needs to submit an application on behalf of the household, with payments ranging from $6000 to $18,000 depending on the number of residents in the home."
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said support can be accessed via Service NSW.
"I have seen first-hand the devastation these storms and floods have wrought on communities across our State, with more than 4,000 homes assessed as uninhabitable," Mr Dominello said.
"Customers can apply on the Service NSW website or via the app, with support also available on 13 77 88."
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said more than 9,526 people had already registered interest in receiving Rental Support payments.
"Providing rental relief is a critical step in moving people from emergency to short-term rental arrangements, so that individuals and families across flood-affected communities have certainty about where they will be staying in the weeks and months ahead," Ms Cooke said.
"I urge everyone in our flood-affected communities to visit a nearby Recovery Centre to access all of the support, services and advice you need."
The Flood Recovery Rental Support Payment is only available to individuals and families who live in or own a property that is considered uninhabitable due to being directly impacted by the flood in the high impacted suburbs.
