Four of Australia’s largest banks have set up emergency assistance programs for New South Wales residents, businesses and others who were affected by flooding.

Recent reports claim that the federal government and 16 state governments declared a natural disaster in 16 states by 22 March 2021.

Here are the support programmes available at all four banks:

NAB’s package of disaster assistance

NAB encourages clients who are available to talk to their bank representatives to discuss a broad range of financial topics, including:

  • Personal loans and credit card relief
  • The early withdrawal of term deposits is exempt from any application fees or charges
  • The application fee for restructuring business facilities is exempted
  • Leasing and principal deferral
  • Access to confidential, professional, complimentary counselling

We are there for customers, employees and the community at NAB during and after natural disasters. Tony Story, NAB’s regional retail executive in NSW and ACT said that anyone needing assistance or advice should contact him.

NAB Contact NAB Assist is available at 1800 701 599 (Mon-Fri 8:30 p.m., and 9am-1pm Saturdays AEST/AEDT), or visit www.nab.com.au/disaster.

ANZ’s financial assistance package

ANZ will provide financial support to affected customers. This includes:

  • You can suspend credit card, home and business loan payments for up to 3 month (we may still charge interest).     
  • Customers in financial crisis may be eligible for temporary interest rates cuts
  • Waiving fees for restructuring business loans
  • Waiver fees are not applicable to early access to term deposits

“Hundreds of people are homeless due to the floods. The survivors will be responsible for picking up the pieces. As people manage the recovery process, we hope the relief measures we’ve announced today will assist in what is a very difficult time,” said Michael Wake, general manager for NSW at ANZ.

Contact ANZ Customers can contact ANZ’s dedicated financial hardship team on 1800 149 549 or at anz.com.au/support/natural-disaster-support/

CBA Emergency Assistance

CBA has made special arrangements to help flood victims. There are many options:

  • For personal loans, credit cards, and home loans, you can get customized payment plans.
  • Waiving fees and charges
  • Temporary overdrafts or additional loans. An increase in emergency credit limit is possible.
  • Waiving fees and notice periods are not required to get early access to Term Deposits.
  • There may be other options available for you to receive individual support.
  • Customers of CommInsure may be eligible for emergency accommodation if the home is damaged.
  • Customers looking for assistance with contents or home insurance may also make claims to CommInsure.

How do I contact CBA?Call 1800 314 695 for assistance or visit a branch. Further information about our Emergency Assistance is available online at  www.commbank.com.au/emergencyassistance

Westpac’s Emergency Assistance Package

Westpac has designed an emergency assistance package that includes the following options.

  • Customers who have a home loan can apply for deferred payments for up to three months.
  • Deferred repayments can be requested by credit card holders for up to 90 days.
  • Customers who want to replace items can apply for personal loans with a lower interest rate. There is no setup fee.
  • Customers who want to withdraw term deposits might be eligible to receive a waiver from interest rate adjustments

No cost loan restructuring is available to business customers.

“We have activated our emergency assistance package to provide customers access to urgent financial support, including a range of measures like home loan deferrals and emergency credit card relief,” said Chris de Bruin, chief executive for consumer and business banking at Westpac.

He said, “Our customer service teams are available for customers who need this support.” We have hired additional claim consultants and local builders to help our customers with their insurance.