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NSW Government
Rural Assistance Authority

Frequently asked questions

The below FAQs specifically relate to the Natural Disaster Relief Loan for small business operators.

What is the Natural Disaster Relief Loan?

The Natural Disaster Relief Loan is designed to support small businesses operators impacted by a natural disaster, by providing a concessional interest rate loan that can be used as essential working capital to continue business operations or to repair or replace damaged property. This type of loan is offered to primary producers, small business operators and non-profit organisations.

Who can apply for the Natural Disaster Relief Loan?

To be eligible, the small business operator must have been impacted by a declared natural disaster event and operate the business within a local government area that has been declared. Small businesses must also:

  • have fewer than 20 full-time (or equivalent) employees
  • be a registered business, partnership or sole trader enterprise
  • hold an active Australian Business Number (ABN) that was also current at the time of the event
  • earn the majority of income from the small business.

How do I apply for the loan?

Applications for the Natural Disaster Relief Loan must be submitted online via the RAA website.

How long do I have to apply?

Applications are open for six months from the date of the natural disaster declaration. Refer to the Declarations page of the RAA website for closure dates.

Can I send in an application whilst waiting on information from my bank?

Yes, although your loan will not be assessed until your application is complete.

How much can I apply for and how long do I have to repay the loan?

A loan of up to $130,000 is available. The maximum loan term is 12 years, which includes a two year interest and repayment free period and 10 years of principle and interest repayments.

What information do I need to provide with my application?

When you submit an application for a Natural Disaster Relief Loan, you will need to provide copies of the following documents:

  • Signed Mortgagees Consent Form from your existing mortgagee
  • Last three years’ balance sheets and financial statements of your business enterprise (these include profit and loss statements, trading account and depreciation schedules)
  • Last three years’ individual taxation returns and a current listing of all assets and liabilities held by each individual member of the partnership/family trust and individual directors or shareholders of all companies
  • Trust deed (if applicable)
  • Monthly cash flow budget for the next 12 months
  • Current LGA (council) rates and LLS rates notice(s) for property(s) where the work is to be completed.

You can download a Mortgagee Consent Form template and a Cash Flow Statement template on the program webpage, if required.

Does a mortgage get taken over my property?

Yes. Loans are secured by a registered mortgage over land and not necessarily a first mortgage. Your bank must sign and stamp the lender’s consent form to support your application (if applicable).

What can the loan be used for?

The Natural Disaster Relief Loan can be used for the following:

  • Essential working capital for up to 12 months from the date of the disaster, to continue business operations until normal income resumes or until the next major income is received.
  • Replacement and/or repair of property damaged as a result of a disaster and associated improvements not covered by insurance.

How do I access the funds once approved?

Once all legal requirements have been completed, the RAA will fully draw down the loan and deposit it directly to the nominated bank account.

What is the interest rate and can my interest rate change?

A concessional interest rate is applied to Natural Disaster Relief Loans. The rate applicable at the time of loan commencement is published on the RAA website. The interest rate applied to the loan is fixed for the term of the loan.

How does the RAA protect itself against fraud?

The RAA has a strong commitment to fraud prevention, detection, and response. Making a fraudulent application, including providing false or misleading information is a criminal offence which carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment, or a fine of $22,000, or both.

The RAA will also attempt to recover any assistance received as a result of fraud. More information can be found on our Fraud and Corruption page.

Who can help with my application?

If you have any questions about this program you can contact our team by calling 1800 678 593 or emailing rural.assist@raa.nsw.gov.au.

If you have difficulty understanding the guidelines or completing the application form you should seek the assistance of your rural/financial counsellor, business advisor, accountant or a trusted family member/friend. If you need assistance with interpreting or translating, please contact Multicultural NSW on 1300 651 500 or email languageservices@multicultural.nsw.gov.au.

If you are experiencing any issues completing the form, free confidential assistance is available from your local Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS). For more information, visit the RFCS website or call:

Northern region: 1800 344 090
Southern and Central region: 1800 319 458