Support after an emergency
Learn about services and supports that may be available after an emergency.
The community may receive support after an emergency. The support will differ depending on the nature of the emergency and the needs of the community. It will also change over time.
Read about the different hazards and threats at risk to the ACT, including the diverse considerations after each event.
Recovering from an emergency can be hard. This may be a starting point. If an emergency occurs, we will update the information with post-event supports.
Immediate relief
The ACT Government will provide immediate relief when emergencies happen. The goal is to meet urgent and essential needs. This support may be accessible up to three months afterwards. We will update the information here when an emergency occurs.
Recovery
The goal of recovery is to help the community regain function.
There are resources to help you with the insurance claims process.
After a disaster, insurance helps to cover losses and damages.
The Commonwealth Government may offer emergency financial aid. This is for people who would otherwise struggle to pay for losses and damages.
The Commonwealth Government also provides the service Moneysmart, a free financial planning tool.
Legal aid ACT may give you one-off legal advice. They might also help with ongoing legal problems after an emergency. Guidance resources are available on legally preparing for disasters, and your rights and obligations after a disaster.
Legal aid NSW have factsheets available on:
- where to start and what to expect after an emergency
- navigating the insurance process
- your post emergency workplace rights.
Losing key documents can be stressful. The following information might help you to replace these documents.
Birth, marriage, civil union and change of name or sex certificates
Access Canberra can assist if you have lost a birth, marriage or change of name or sex certificate.
Vehicle registration, licences, and number plates
Access Canberra can assist if you have lost your vehicle registration, licences, or number plates.
Income support
You can get a new income support card using your MyGov account. If you need to update your details, you can do this also.
Medicare card
You can get a digital Medicare card. Use your MyGov account.
Tax file number
Help is there if you have lost your tax file number or couldn’t submit a return.
Citizenship documents
If your passport and citizen documents get damaged, you can replace them. You may get a free replacement.
Election enrolment
If you have moved and would like to update your electoral roll details, you can do this online. If you plan to return home, there is no need to update your enrolment details.
Family law documents
You can replace your divorce and other family law documents online.
SafeWork ACT licences, permits and certificates
If you have lost a SafeWork licence, SafeWork ACT can assist.
Recovery is personal and takes time. Some help is time limited after a disaster. Other kinds of help are always there when you need them.
- ACT Health have several options to assist.
- Volunteering ACT provides information and guidance to help you find services and supports that suit you.