Legal Aid NSW says lawyers from its disaster response service have seen more than 500 clients since May 19 in relation to floods in the Mid North Coast, Hunter and Greater Sydney areas.

The Disaster Response Legal Service hotline has recorded a 68% increase in calls since the start of the year, it adds.  

Its team, along with lawyers from community legal centres, have been attending recovery centres across NSW to help residents.  

“Many people have questions about what their insurance covers, and those that don’t have flood cover are asking about their options,” Legal Aid NSW disaster recovery and insurance senior solicitor Ma’ata Solofoni said.

“Our uninsured clients are checking their eligibility for government grants.”  

Ms Solofoni says the organisation’s help “often means insurance claims are resolved faster, people can access temporary accommodation, avoiding homelessness and financial hardship.  

“We can assist tenants to assert their rights – whether it’s compelling landlords to carry out urgent repairs or negotiating rent reductions and abatements.

“Our goal is to remove the legal barriers that can delay or deny vital support for recovery.”  

By June 2, the Insurance Council of Australia had recorded 8726 claims concerning the floods.  

Disaster Response Legal Service lawyers are available at recovery centres in Taree, Kempsey, Wauchope and Macksville, plus assistance points in Wingham and Manning Point.  

The helpline number is 1800 801 529.