Important information for all customers affected by the current bushfire emergency

Bendigo Bank has today extended its bushfire financial assistance package to all customers affected by the current bushfire emergency, which has seen homes lost and businesses impacted all across the country.

Since November 2019, Bendigo Bank has provided a bushfire assistance package to customers based in NSW and QLD in response to the devastating natural disasters which have affected both states. However, as conditions have continued to worsen across Australia, the Bank has now extended its bushfire assistance package to all affected customers in all states.

Alexandra Gartmann, Executive, Corporate Affairs said the extended package would help ease the burden, particularly on borrowers: “Our priority is to get people back into their own homes and their business’ doors open again. Responding to insurance claims is also a high priority and our home loan and business loan customers can seek relief for up to three months to assist with what could be a long recovery process.”

“People need a sense of security and we’re working hard to make sure all claims are managed as quickly as possible. There will be assessors on the ground helping customers through the process as soon as it is safe to do so.”

The package for Bendigo Bank customers also includes discounted interest rates, fee waivers, and other concessions.

Financial Difficulty Assistance
We understand the impact of the fires could affect you financially, that’s why we have a plan in place to help you out.

The key features of the Assistance Package for bushfire affected customers include:

• Home Loan and Business Loan customers can apply for relief on loans for up to three months
• Credit card customers can apply for an emergency credit card limit increase
• Discounted interest rates on new personal loans taken out by existing Bendigo Bank customers
• Waiver of interest rate reduction for early withdrawals on term deposits prior to maturity
• No ‘loan break’ costs for customers with a fixed rate who use an insurance payment to pay out their loan
• Existing customers with home and contents insured through CGU Insurance can apply for emergency funds and temporary accommodation costs

Affected Bendigo Bank customers are advised to speak with their local Branch Manager, Business Banking Manager or contact our Mortgage Help Centre on 1300 652 146 regarding financial hardship and applying for assistance.

Affected Adelaide Bank customers can contact our Mortgage Help Centre on 1300 650 259 regarding financial hardship and applying for assistance.

Insurance
If you are a Bendigo Bank Insurance customer with a damaged home, rental building, car or other property please get in touch with us. We can help you make a claim or offer advice. To make a claim on your Bendigo insurance policy, please call 13 24 80.

The Bank’s agribusiness specialist, Rural Bank also provides a range of disaster assistance measures and will be working with impacted farming customers to understand their individual circumstances and apply the most effective means of support as they take the first steps towards recovery. Customers are advised to speak with their Relationship Manager, contact our customer service team on 1300 660 115 or visit Rural Bank.

For affected Alliance Bank members a range of disaster assistance measures are available. Affected members are advised to speak to their local Alliance Bank Manager.